Shameless Hometown Plug

I'm going to deviate from my usual posts to plug a kid (20 years younger than me qualifies as a kid) from my town who is living his dream in the NFL. Hank Baskett has made a huge splash at the Philadelphia Eagles preseason camp in Lehigh, PA.

Hank is truly as good of a person as he is an athlete. He was projected as a third round draft pick in the NFL draft but slipped past all of the teams undrafted. Minnesota signed him and then traded him three weeks later to the Eagles. He is making the most of his opportunity by making play after play in camp.

Hank didn't wallow in self-pity when he went undrafted, he went to work. He is now seeing the fruit of his efforts. I applaud him and even though I'm a Dallas Cowboys fan, I'm cheering for him to make it in the NFL. I've always believed that hard work makes achieving your dreams possible. Philly is a tough town on its athletes. I think that Hank is tough-minded enough to handle the pressure and come out on top. I'm hoping that he does.

It's Time

It’s started. You can hear the shouts of men and whistles being blown at your local practice fields. The smell of freshly cut grass watered by the sweat of young men joining together in the pursuit of one goal, a championship, pounds the senses.

Football season has begun. Voluntary workouts are giving way and soon the annual rite of two-a-day practices will once again usher in a new season of hope. Nothing is as difficult and as rewarding as joining together with other like-minded people to achieve a common goal. The sweat equity and hard work of the coming weeks will pay off in November, December, and January.

Of course, many have been working for this fall season since the last season ended. Usually, it ends in disappointment. Only one team wins the championship. But after the tears of broken hearts have dried, reflection casts a warm glow on the spirit of teamwork. The common effort of giving your all every week, regardless of the outcome results in a sense of pride and accomplishment.

No individual sport can give that same feeling. A team must rely on each other to succeed. The team may have one or two superstars but they will fail if all members of the team do not equally contribute every ounce of their energy, skill, and devotion to the cause.

Yes, football season is here. Hallelujah!

I'm Back

I just spent a hot but wonderful week relaxing and watching my son in a football camp in Dallas, Texas. It was hot and humid but what a thrill to see some great talent willing to do whatever it takes to improve themselves. I believe that team sports prepare a person for life better than anything and I was very impressed with the young men at the camp. If they are a picture of the future of America, the future is in good hands.

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there.

Out.