It’s October and football season.
There is a cold snap in the morning air as I brush through the newly formed cobwebs on the trees near my driveway making my way to an Eagles game.
As I hit the obligatory traffic near Lincoln Financial Field, I open my window and hear the sizzle of bratwurst and cheesesteaks on the grill and spy several adult beverages in hand that help wash them down.
Music wafts through the air, and those tunes battle other songs that are also in their vicinity.
Dads are playing catch with their sons and daughters, while cornhole pods are lofted in the air searching for the magic circle.
There is pure joy at these events for the most part, although I am told the scene can get pretty ugly after the games, especially to those visitors from the opposing city wearing their colors.
Having played collegiately and professionally, the game has taught me many great lessons.
As you know, we sprinkle words of wisdom through our publication, and these are themed according to the subject matter in the magazine. And our fall issue always centers on football.
Here are a few gems from the coaches I was lucky enough to play for.
Richard Williamson (Head Coach, Memphis State Tigers)
“Play hard, but don’t do it for me. Play hard for the people that traveled hundreds of miles to come see you play today. Play hard for your Mommas and Daddies that sacrificed to get you here. Play hard for your scholarship that is giving you a free education. Play hard for your own reasons, but play hard!”
Dick Vermeil (Head Coach, Philadelphia Eagles)
“Don’t kill time, work it to death.”
“Players with talent can win you games, but talented players with character can win you championships.”
Jim Mora (Head Coach, Philadelphia Stars)
“Every day you either get better or worse, you don’t stay the same. If you do nothing that day you will get worse. So take the opportunity to improve each and every day.”
These lessons are not only good for football, but are good life lessons as well.
So, get better daily, use your motivations, and play the game hard. When the clock hits zero, you can look back and be proud of your accomplishments.
