Football is everywhere you look. You can turn on your television any weekend in the Fall and find a game on. You can be driving down the street and see young children in the schoolyard and at home tossing a football around. The kids these days als o have to have those college and professional team jackets and caps to wear to school showing off their favorite team.
Many Americans idolize the athletes who pass, catch, and run with this pigskin. They associate themselves with these gifted performers and often imitate their actions. There are many people have been inside in their bedrooms or outside on the lawn and have re-enacted a pass or catch made in a big game. These athletes are look up to and held in high regards. More so than any teacher, doctor, or even the President. And just think they are not inventing a cure for disease or solving world peace. T hey are just playing with a funny looking ball.
Football is all over the media. The radio, newspaper and television our all part of this phenomena of football. Their influence has escalated the widespread coverage of the game. Now everyone wants to know all the behind scene gossip of their favo rite team. Some want to know personal things about their favorite star, more than his accomplishments during the game. Many Americans turn to the sports section of the newspaper first to find out the latest news without worrying about what’s going on el sewhere.
The media is not the only ones who have blown up this game to high proportions. Big companies have backed the organizations who play the game. Shoe, cola, and car companies are just a few who have made contributions to the game. But it’s all about money! This is another way a football has contributed to modern America. It’s hard to imagine all the Coke, beer and chips sold in an entire season. Americans spend millions on items such as game tickets, food, gas, sport apparel, and souvenirs. They are willing to sacrifice more important things in order to go the game.
When some people see a football, images of a game played by huge jocks with low IQs. But this is often untrue. Many of countries finest have played the game of football. Besides these dumb jocks bring together people and promote school spirit and enthusiasm. Football also gives many American’s today a chance to continue their education through scholarships.
Football is a big social activity. Many people get together and play what many call sand-lot football. What means no more than than playing the game in your backyard. this is good exercise and fun. Many do this to relive their glory days in high school or to pretend that they are that superstar they watch on television. Many families get together and watch big games like the Superbowl. This enables families who normally don’t see each other often to get together. You can always start a convers ation about football. For example the recent Superbowl between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburg Steelers has been a hot topic of conversation. One might not even know the slightest thing about football, yet they know who was playing and were able to make small talk about the game. Women who do not enjoy football find themselves caught up in all the hoopla of the Superbowl and are often glued to the TV set. Millions watched and rooted for their team to win. There are family members out there in our society who don’t have much in common with each other. But football is way they can communicate about something they both might enjoy.
How does playing with leather ball bring so much excitement to so many people? It is a very physical game. Many men with their macho attitude can relate to this game. They see a lot of fun in a bunch of guys running around and trying to knock the he ad off the one with the ball. But its more than that--its the competition. Americans love competing with others. Were always competing whether it is in the classroom, work force, or playing a game. Football promotes hard work and a need to work well w ith others in order to succeed. This is also a good lesson for success off the field. A football is viewed differently by everyone. Its meaning is held close by fans, and to others it is still a just a ball used to play a game. But no one can deny the impact it has had on our modern American society.