April 28, 2024

Momma’s Weekend Out!

This past weekend, I was glued to the TV for information about such things as The Breakfast Club, the Trash Can, toothpaste flavored ice cream, the nimble bully and 270,000 fans. The NFL draft was three days of non-stop man drama. Football fans got their fix as they watched an intertwined way the pro and college programs work together. I watched as much as I could, but I didn’t watch it all. However, I know a lot of people who did.

It seemed that the networks played down the outrageous this year, except for Kirk Herbstreet’s pocket hankies. The whole production was old school and in-style. Detroit is obviously one of the hottest towns in the league, and the fans lived up to their reputation. Roger Goddell, as he should, came off as the star of the show.

I learned that players who didn’t have “police trouble” were at the top of every team’s list. Nick Saban has been inside almost every high school gymnasium in America, and Mel Kiper, Jr. should probably be in the NFL Hall of Fame. I finally understood, a little bit anyway, why players transfer so often nowadays. Most of the reasons were because of personal issues. That was refreshing to me. And as I knew would happen, the emotional stories about players, families, coaches and friends flowed easily and often. Tales of tremendous integrity and work ethic were plentiful.

However, there were stars of a different kind that seemed to surface. After I learned that JJ McCarthy had the best 3rd down QB statistics in the draft, I noticed it. When it was stressed that players have to prove they can play when they aren’t 100%, it came up again. Following a comment that relentless effort is one of the biggest attributes that scouts seek, the common denominator led me to a double take.

After almost every pick, it was Mama who got the first big hug and twist. It seemed that she was the real star. Then, the tears started to flow. It made me think of how many times I’ve said it through the years. Most good football players are good mama’s boys.

Hey, I’m sure not saying it in jest. I just know it’s true. Football is a nasty, physical, emotional game. Ups and downs are the norm, and the work it takes to get in position to be drafted has got to be incredible. There are many tough days. Support is critical. Dad and Grandma and Grandpa and siblings and friends were all there, too.

It was a great example for all of us to remember, because it’s the truth. Success still starts with character, and the family unit is still the number one place where character is developed.

– Gerald Brence