On Wednesday AL.com published an opinion piece written by former Auburn football head coach Gene Chizik. Chizik answers the age-old question, why do we love college football?
Gene Chizik is no stranger when it comes to offering words of wisdom, or “words of Chizdom” as he calls it on Twitter. The wise SEC Network analyst recently wrote about the many reasons people love college football. He didn’t write this as a means to lobby for college football to be played this fall, but instead to remind us all of why football is played in the first place.
If you haven’t been in much contact with God lately…I encourage you reach out in prayer starting today….
God is easier to talk to than most people….#WordsofChizdom#SundayMorning
— Gene Chizik (@CoachGeneChizik) July 19, 2020
Chizik lists these four main reasons as catalysts: Generational Impact, Love of the Game, The Great Escape, and The Cinderella Story.
Generational Impact
It’s been nearly 2,300 years since the rise and fall of gladiator sports took place in ancient Rome, but some semblance of the hardcore combat still remains in modern day football. It’s draining physically, mentally, and emotionally. Chizik says that football, “pushes them to and through limits they never knew existed. It teaches young men that when they want to quit, quitting is NOT an option.” Breaking through those limits is what Chizik says makes these men, “better fathers, husbands and leaders in their own homes.”
Love of the Game
A really poignant quote by Chizik that I want to point out here is this,
“Players live for the 12 days a year they have, to display the talents they’ve worked on for the other 353 days. Most players work 10 to 12 years for a chance to live their dream of playing college football, with the hope of playing beyond that.”
These players don’t just love the game, they live for it. They build a career off of winning, and to win they must go above and beyond in preparation for the game. Success depends largely on the chemistry they have with their teammates. How strong of a family your team is determines your lot.
The Great Escape
Welcome Home, Auburn Family!
It's GAMEDAY, presented by @ChickfilA! #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/U89kQ8v5TR
— Auburn Tigers (@AuburnTigers) September 29, 2018
Another home run quote by Chiz here,
“Football provides memories for fans that are hard to get elsewhere. I call it “The Great Escape”. It gives people an opportunity for one weekend, to escape bad jobs, bad finances, bad family situations, bad health issues and the list could go on and on.”
How relatable is this? I can think of numerous occasions where a trip to Auburn for a football weekend helped remedy something I was struggling with. Reuniting with friends, catching nostalgic buzzes, making new memories, and cheering on your favorite team is sometimes just what the doctor ordered.
The Cinderella Story
Aren’t we all searching for hope in these current times? Football is an amazing source, Chizik cites the triumphant story of Joe Burrow. Burrow, underdog turned Heisman Trophy winner, gives hope to people of all ages. Those are the stories college football breathes life into. I know I cried nearly every time, but I miss Tom Rinaldi’s touching segments on ESPN’s College Gameday. I look forward to hearing more triumphant underdog stories hopefully very soon.
This is a refreshing read in a time where the future of sports is uncertain. You can find the full article here.