FOOTBALL and My Beloved Grandfather.

I know lots of people that are obsessed with football and I know lots of people that think it's a ridiculous sport that people take too seriously. Both valid feelings. I am on the side of minor obsession. I grew up in a "football family." Literally, football was almost a way of life for us. Growing up, every weekend, I was at some one's football game. Whether it was at my own high school, watching my brothers, watching my cousins, or going to a professional game. My weekends were all about that pigskin! 

Our whole family's love of football came from the patriarch of our family, my dear grandfather- Wayne Sevier. This post is somewhat a tribute to him and the amazing man he was and the game he loved ever so deeply.

My grandpa was our family hero! Especially to all of his grandchildren. We thought he was just the greatest. He was also an NFL special teams coach. He coached numerous teams, but was most successful with the Washington Redskins--winning two SuperBowls, going to three with Joe Gibbs. My family still roots for the Redskins (it's been pretty painful for years now). 

I feel like an old man with the way I look at football. I have a deep appreciation for the game and am not really into all the 'hot-dogging' and dancing after good plays. Something my grandpa taught me was to do your job, be the best at it, and stay humble. I've learned to really admire a humble person who is the absolute best at something. Pretty much the opposite of SeaHawk's Richard Sherman's post game interview (although I get his adrenaline was pumping). 

My Grandpa was one of those men that walks into a room and everyone notices. He had the brightest smile and was so encouraging to everyone he talked to. He truly, had a heart of gold. He had a knack for bringing out the best in people. Bringing out that fire and passion...and competitiveness. Oh boy, was he competitive. That's trickled down the family line, for sure. Family Madden games have gotten pretty feisty. I've learned to tone down the competitiveness a bit, but still find myself saying "Beat ya!" to my fiance, probably a little too much and I don't think a little trash talk here and there ever hurt anyone ;). 

My Grandpa died of a heart-attack at one of my cousin's football games. Now that I'm older, I am very grateful that he died watching one of us playing the sport he loved in the city he loved with family near. He was only 58 years old and it shook our entire family. Though, it was one of the saddest times in my life thus far, when I think about that week he passed, I actually have really fond memories. My family--parents, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents--were inseparable for a few solid weeks and we had many laughs telling stories of our wonderful Grandpa. We also watched Tommy Boy, which I highly recommend if you need a laugh in a depressing time. 

My Grandpa's funeral was just how it should have been. Hundreds of people came and instead of mourning his death, we celebrated his life. I was so touched and fascinated by person after person coming up to the podium and telling hilarious stories about pranks my Grandpa had pulled, encouraging words he spoke to people at just the right time they needed to hear them, and left over desires to compete against him one more time for one more chance to try to beat him. My Grandpa loved to win and he was good at it! 

The reception after the funeral was at Qualcomm stadium (the Chargers stadium in San Diego). It was pretty much an over-sized tailgate party. So, so perfect. Me and a few of my cousins had to go to the bathroom--the only place to go was the bathroom inside the stadium. So a few guards on duty let us in. We were the only ones in the entire stadium. We could not resist...down to the field we went! 

The rest of my family caught on and more of my cousins and brothers flowed into the stadium. I remember standing in the middle of the field, looking up at the whole stadium, completely empty and just smiling. I felt my Grandpa there with us. We all started running end-zone to end-zone. One of my uncles starting yelling, "They could go all the way!" It was so surreal. Running back and forth on the field my Grandpa had coached on. I could almost hear my Grandpa cracking up with his infectious laugh. Definitely a moment, I will never forget and will always appreciate fondly. 

My Grandpa has planted the seed in my soul to strive for greatness and for the love of a little game called football. I still see football as more than a game. Especially now, I feel like it's some sort of portal to hang with my Grandpa on the couch and enjoy a good game and Mountain Dew! My Grandpa used it as a metaphor for life. The team has to work together, give everything they have out on the field, not only for themselves, but for their team. You have to work at your game and practice. You have to encourage the people around you and always, always do the best you can.

 All of these are true in life; work hard--whether you're sweeping a floor or making multi-million dollar deals, do the best you can at it! Encourage the fellow human beings around you; it inspires them and actually does good for you as well. Don't half-ass in the game of football and mostly, don't half-ass in life. Give it all you've got! So, with all of that said, I'll be rooting on the Broncos this coming Sunday, drinking some Dew, eating some cheeseball (great family recipe) and remembering my awesome Grandpa and the game he loved. Happy SuperBowl, friends! 

Two Superbowl Rings :)