Fraser
Creative
Writing
Jacob
Darrah
August
26, 2015
My First Football Jersey
It was my first year playing
football, and I wasn’t sure if I even wanted to play. My dad and I decided to
give it a try, because he was crazy about football and he knew I was athletic because
I played basketball and was the tallest and best on my team, not to brag. Football
was a totally different sport though, and it was way more physical. I think I was
okay with that though, because I’d get called for almost 10 fouls every
basketball game I played. I still wasn’t sure what to expect from this intense
sport.
The first practice was in a few
days, so my dad and I went to get my pads and jersey. After we got the jersey
we went to this place that was notorious for shirt design and we got my last
name put on it. I was so excited to see my name on the back of that jersey, I felt
like the coolest dude ever. I looked just like the guys on TV with their names
on the back of their jerseys. That’s when I started falling in love with this
sport and the jersey.
The first practice came and I was
ready to go. I just needed to figure out how to get this little jersey over
some really big pads. So when we got to the practice I just had my dad slide it
over them. It was kind of like getting a ham through a tube sock. It was tight
but we managed to get it done. Now I was ready for the practice, and I was looking
stylish. The practice went well and I learned I was naturally good at hitting people.
The next week we had a game and I was
so ready to go show off my skills and have my family watch me do what I was
meant to do. So game day came and I had never woke up in such a good mood. I was
so excited to wear my jersey to school and let everyone know who I was and what
I did. When we showed up at the school I jumped out of the car and flew inside.
I walked in feeling like the coolest guy there, I the big man on campus. I thought
I saw all the girls looking at me and checking me out, they probably didn’t but
that’s okay, because I didn’t care at the time. I was a big bad football
player. The whole day I had everyone asking me if I was ready for the game and
I’d say “heck yeah!” That was one of my best days of school. The game went good
and we won! I was so happy to play good and have my family there to see me and
watch me be successful.
That jersey is way more than just a
jersey, it’s a reminder of how much I’ve been through and where I started. It’s
a symbol of me and my father bonding and how we spent time together when he was
alive. How he was always there to watch me every day and every practice. It’s a
symbol of how hard I’ve worked to get here at the high school level, how I’m
starting at the high school level. It’s also a symbol of hope because of how
far I’ve come and how many spots I have played and working to be my best at
those spots. That jersey is my life in one object.
I loved the ham through a tube sock metaphor!
ReplyDeleteHi, Jacob. I really enjoyed reading your story. I personally don't know much about football, but I do have lots of friends in it. From what they say, football can definitely be physical. I am glad you found something you love that will give you hope. We as humans base our whole entire life on hope. Without hope in something, we are not living. I Think it is cool how you still have your first jersey. I wish I had kept my first soccer jersey. Another thing I like is your simile, "It was kind of like getting a ham through a tube sock". It makes the story a little less serious and more enjoyable to read! Keep it up, Jacob!
ReplyDeleteHi, Jacob. I really enjoyed reading your story. I personally don't know much about football, but I do have lots of friends in it. From what they say, football can definitely be physical. I am glad you found something you love that will give you hope. We as humans base our whole entire life on hope. Without hope in something, we are not living. I Think it is cool how you still have your first jersey. I wish I had kept my first soccer jersey. Another thing I like is your simile, "It was kind of like getting a ham through a tube sock". It makes the story a little less serious and more enjoyable to read! Keep it up, Jacob!
ReplyDeleteHey Jacob,
ReplyDeleteGreat story its something I can relate to as well. I still have all my hockey jerseys even though I haven't played in like 4 years, but its nice to have them around. I thought the ham through a tube sock metaphor it was a real hoot. Good Luck this season.
Dan
Hi, Jacob,
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your story! You have a really powerful voice in the story; it was full of humor and the confidence of your first football game. I especially love the imagery you used, such as, "I just needed to figure out how to get this little jersey over some really big pads." Your conclusion was a reminder of the underlying seriousness of the piece, and it almost had me in tears. It is beautifully written in an open and emotional way, and I look forward to reading more! Great job, Jacob!
Meghan
I like all the meaning you attach to the jersey at the end of this piece, how it is a symbol not only for the way football was a bond between you and your dad but also as a reminder of his belief in you, his belief that you could be and do anything. I'm sure you think of him and how it all began when you're out there under those Friday Night Lights each week.
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Jacob,
ReplyDeleteI loved the simple yet deep meaning to this story, and how you told the whole story like you were living it. You were excited and emotional and it made the story more enjoyable.
Have a lovely night,
Zachary