And sometimes as you go along in life, you make mistakes. I like to think of the Defense as a tangible metaphor for wrestling with one’s demons. It’s a game where we start at one place and then it’s point A to point B. I’d rather embrace the miracle.īecause I also see football as allegory. I am vaguely aware that there are strategies and routes, X’s and O’s, if you will. Now I will concede there is likely more to the game plan than meets my eye. And after they score, the players gather around and look at each other as if to say, “Hey, we did this. I suddenly have faith in humanity and the triumph of the human spirit. That’s why the referees all lift their hands to the heavens! And it fills me with such a sense of wonder and marvel, as if anything is possible. And considering what we just witnessed, it's like a miracle! It’s a religious experience. But then every so often from the chaos will emerge…a touchdown. It’s as if someone yelled “Fire!” and they all just started running around looking for the exit. Large men in pads running hither, dither and yon bobbing and weaving helter skelter, no rhyme or reason. And then, amidst the stillness, the quarterback shouts, “5, 6, 7, 8!” (or words to that effect). So here's the plan…let’s just see what happens!”Īnd from there it’s a study of order and chaos. I imagine they get in that huddle and say to each other: “Ok, fellas, we need to get the ball into the end zone. I believe they, too, are aware of the ultimate goal but as far as I am able to decipher, the game plan seems to be simply walk onto the field, get in formation and hope for the best.
And from what I observe, I’m not sure the players know either. But how one achieves that objective, I am not entirely certain. Now I understand the general objective: get the ball into the end zone (giggle). Which gives it a sense of mystery, a mystique. What exactly am I looking at? What is taking place here? I honestly don’t know. And when I watch football, I have no idea what’s happening. Because what is religion if not faith - faith in the unknown, faith in that which we cannot fully understand. There was a time I considered perhaps football was my religion. Sports in general, and football in particular, serves as a religion for many. That and the phrase, “splitting the uprights.” But I digress. I’m always impressed when the commentator can say “tight end” without giggling. (Although give me a minute.) And no, I’m not going to make a joke about tight ends - give me a little more credit.
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