As the summer days wane and the evenings grow cooler, my 11-year-old son, Max, has been feeling increasingly down. On the final day of day camp, he stepped off the bus with a heavy heart, fully aware that the start of school was just around the corner. Like many kids, he eagerly awaits summer—a time of freedom, endless play, and the absence of homework. The thought of waiting over 250 days until summer arrives again was simply too much for him.
Just when I was beginning to worry about his mood, the unmistakable music of football season filled the air, and his face lit up. He tells me that the opening notes of the theme song send shivers down his spine. For many, the arrival of fall can be encapsulated in a simple phrase: “Are you ready for some football?” Sure, the season brings homework and tests, but it also brings tackles and touchdowns. Summer gear gets stashed away, and jerseys come out to play. The much-anticipated Madden NFL 16 is now available at GameStop and various other retailers. The allure of five days of school is easily outweighed by the joy of Sundays filled with games, along with Monday and Thursday night match-ups and college games on Saturdays.
Growing up, my father was a die-hard football enthusiast. Each week, he would place bets on games with his buddy, Tom. He would scour the sports section of the newspaper, analyzing the matchups and point spreads. Sundays were spent glued to the TV, shouting and cheering alongside my two brothers. If the games didn’t go their way, the mood in the house would take a nosedive. I never understood the obsession—it felt like a waste of time and, frankly, a bit violent.
When I married, my husband, Jake, enjoyed football, but not with the fervor my dad had. Sundays were not off-limits for other family activities unless there was a significant game on. This pattern continued after our daughters were born, but things shifted when our son, Max, came along. In those early years, we divided responsibilities on weekends. While Jake tackled the sports obligations for our girls on Saturdays, he would stay home with the baby on Sundays. I often found him on the couch “watching” Max with a remote in one hand and a baby monitor in the other. As Max grew from a baby into a toddler, he joined his dad on the couch, mostly to enjoy snacks without Mom’s supervision.
At age 7, Max transitioned from cartoons to ESPN as his morning ritual. Much like my dad, he began to obsess over stats and scores, but with the advantage of technology, sports became a 24/7 affair for him. He convinced Jake to subscribe to NFL RedZone, allowing him to catch every game simultaneously. That same year, 2009, he developed a passion for the Jets—one of the few years they made it to the playoffs. Our friend and lifelong Jets fan, Dave, cautioned Max that this was not the “real” Jets, and being a fan would lead to disappointment. He was right; there have been plenty of tearful Sundays and tough bus rides on Monday mornings surrounded by Giants fans. However, at 11, Max discovered the joys of fantasy football to soften the blow—which is why he now manages three teams.
Through all the sports TV exposure, I’ve learned a surprising amount about football. Recently, I spoke with my dad, who remarked on my newfound enthusiasm for sports, given my previous indifference. I explained that while I’m not particularly fond of sports, I am a fan of my son. If checking scores helps me connect with him (and figure out which jerseys he’d like to wear to school), I’m all in.
Watching ESPN with Max has also provided us with opportunities to discuss crucial life lessons. Professional sports are rife with stories of resilience and determination. Nothing exemplifies the idea of never giving up better than the Patriots winning the Super Bowl in the closing seconds of the game. Conversely, the world of football has its share of controversies—issues I wish my son didn’t have to encounter so soon. However, my husband and I have used these moments to foster conversations about sportsmanship, cheating, and drug use. I truly value how discussing football connects me to Max, especially as he nears his teenage years.
So, am I ready for some football? Absolutely! I’ve got the chips, salsa, and a box of tissues at the ready. If you’re curious to dive deeper into related topics, check out this insightful blog post on intracervicalinsemination.org. And if you’re considering boosting your chances with at-home insemination kits, Make a Mom is a reputable online retailer worth a visit. Additionally, for more information on the success rates of IUI, WebMD provides excellent resources.
In summary, as we gear up for another season of football, I find myself embracing the sport and the valuable moments it brings to my family.
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