There’s something about football boys. 

Maybe it’s the sunrise practices when the heat is too strong mid-afternoon. Or maybe it’s the late nights lying in their beds, studying game film long after practice has ended and once their homework is done. Maybe it’s the way they look under the Friday night lights, with pads over their broad shoulders and light reflecting off their glossy helmets. 

Maybe it’s intangible, something that can only be felt deep in the heart as you watch them run through the paper banner, past the cheerleaders and fans, and onto the field. Yeah, it’s true, there’s something about football boys. 

Boys who willingly put themselves through brutal practices—coming home with bruises, icing their injuries, and then getting up the next day to do it all over again. 

Boys who analyze complex blocking schemes and break down plays not just at the beginning of the season, but every single week as they face a new opponent and a new game plan. 

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Boys who get tackled, shoved, and stepped on—again and again—who have the grit and determination to get back up—again and again. 

Boys who protect their quarterback at all costs, who block for teammates as they catch the pass and score the touchdown—they know the roaring crowd wasn’t looking at them, yet they did the unseen work that made the play possible. 

Boys who bump chests and crash helmets in excitement after a big play. Boys who reach out a hand to an opponent, helping them to their feet just moments after making the hit that knocked them to the ground. 

Boys who walk the halls with a sense of pride not because of their individual accomplishments but because they’re a part of a team that is so much bigger than themselves—not just a team, a family.

There’s something else about these football boys . . . one day, they will become men. 

Men who work hard, day after day, with long hours and demanding bosses, customers, or patients. Men who fall asleep exhausted and worn, yet get up the next day and do it all again. 

Men who become husbands and fathers, no longer analyzing game film, but instead contemplating what’s best for their families. Men who make decisions based on careful thought and prayer, striving to be all their wives and children need. 

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Men who life tries to knock down, who face hardship and struggles. Men who know adversity well and who have the grit and determination to keep going when life gets hard.

Men who protect the ones they love at all costs, who know the meaning of sacrifice. Men who take out the trash and change the diapers because they know even the glory-less work is important. 

Men with generous and kind hearts who notice others, a little down on their luck, and reach out to help and support without judgment. 

Men who walk the halls of their homes and places of work with pride, not because of their individual accomplishments, but the pride of working and living for something more, for something bigger. Men who value faith, family, and friendship most and understand where their true worth comes from. 

Yes, there’s truly something special about football boys . . . and the men they become.