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Somewhere on a makeshift field an 8-year old is running with the ball.
His helmet wobbles on his head and he looks back at a would-be tackler.
On the sideline his parents scream in joy with dad recording every step.
He races to the end zone where his first touchdown becomes an instant classic.
In a small town in Texas, a 13-year old gunslinger rifles passes left and right.
Observers believe he is the next big deal.
His wrists snap passes to teammates at a simple weekday practice.
Who knows, he may be the next Patrick Mahomes.
In a small town in Georgia, there's an oversized lineman.
He finishes a large breakfast prepared by his mom.
Together they hope and pray that football is a path.
A path to a better life and a chance to live out a dream.
Every end of summer, we all have something in common.
We all have hope and believe our team is going to do something special.
We jump on the ride of emotion and anticipate the outcomes of the battles ahead.
Because the start of a football season is like a bonus Christmas that lasts four months.
Friday nights are a religion as we stand and root for the boys who represent us.
They wear a uniform that stands for the history of a small town or a large community.
We ask them to beat our rivals so we can enjoy the right to brag.
And when they do, we all feel just a little better for the week ahead.
We gather on Saturdays and tailgate with friends that are new and old.
We sing fight songs and roar when our team storms from the tunnel.
Third and short is a test of our strength and will.
On this holy day we see past legends and new ones emerge because that's what Saturdays are about.
We have routines that often start with a Sunday morning of prayer.
But later we may put on a jersey of a favorite from the past or present.
They are gladiators that play in modern coliseums.
It's the sport that defines us in so many ways.
Football brings us together and yet at times tears us apart.
It's violent and cruel and wears a man down.
And yet it can be beautiful and defines the example of teamwork.
It ask a man to rely on another and another to reach a common goal.
In a time where we find ourselves divided like never before.
A game between two sides presents a different kind of battle.
We sit and stand and cheer for our team to bring joy even for just a few hours.
Football to some is a religion with a different kind of power above.
We have things like the Swamp, Happy Valley and a Bounce House.
Cathedrals that ooze with history from the past and present.
Those structures sit quiet for all but a few days a year.
Yet, they bring us memories that will last a lifetime.
So go forward and enjoy the new season.
Prepare for dramatic wins and heartbreaking losses.
Few will be perfect and only one can be crowned champion.
But don't forget it's just a game and love it for that.
From that 8-year old running down the sideline to next QB star in the making
To the fan putting on that lucky shirt to honor a ritual,
Football brings us a little closer and that's a good thing.
Now more than ever, we need to agree on something.
Football is many things to all of us.
Football is a passion.
Football is hero world.
Football is...I'll let you finish it from here...