Graciousness on the Gridiron

Football is a treasured pastime in American culture. It doesn't matter if it's a Saturday morning pickup game in the neighborhood, or a Sunday afternoon NFL game on the big screen. The rough, hard hitting, yet strategic game has long fulfilled our need to watch or be a part of physical competition. What gets lost on spectators of this violent game is the true sportsmanship and brotherhood shared by those who wear the pads. This short story will pull at your heartstrings and allow you a glimpse into the world of young men who still understand the honor in humility. With the playoffs winding down, two schools were about to battle it out on the gridiron. The College Football Division III National Championship game was awaiting the winner, but something more personal had to be dealt with first. The fun and excitement of game day was clashing with the reality and heartbreak of life. While one team had to overcome the loss of one of their own, the other squad was determined to pay tribute to a fallen football brother. What was witnessed by those in attendance put the game these kids love to play and human tragedy into perspective. Winning was the goal for both teams, but paying respect and showing compassion would find themselves the priority on this day.