Football? Jimbo?
Those who hang with me in the real world know that I never watch a football game unless I am, in a sense, part of a captive audience, such as on Sundays at the Post when the Jets or Giants (or some other pro football teams) are on the television. I don’t mind it, and, in fact, I can sometimes even get somewhat caught up in the game. I guess the bottom line is that, given the choice, I would rather occupy my time doing things other than watching football games.
Except for yesterday.
Yesterday, I found myself glued to the television in the House by the Parkway to watch the annual Army-Navy game. I’m not sure why this year was different from past years, when the game would come and go without my having paid any attention to it. Perhaps it was the result of having recently attended a wedding at West Point and having had the chance to chat with some of its recent graduates who are presently serving in the Army, which reminded me of the service that every one of those players on the field yesterday will perform following their graduation.
Of course, I was rooting for Army, but, as has been the case in the past several years, it was to be the Navy’s day. I know that it was a heartbreaker for the guys on the Army team and for the Corps of Cadets, but for me it was an affirmation of the quality of the men and women who will lead our armed forces. There were no fights on the field, no one got in a referee’s face, and after the game, each team stood on the field respectfully while the other team, along with the student body and alumni sang their respective alma maters.
Later in the day, TJ and her husband came over for a visit and a dinner out. After the dinner, we returned to the House by the Parkway watched – yes – another football game on television. This one was Rutgers vs. West Virginia. Given that each of us are graduates of the University on the Banks of the Raritan, we were pulling for Rutgers, but, as you probably know, Rutgers lost in the third overtime. I was a tough one to lose, given that Ol’ Rutgers has never been anything resembling a football powerhouse.
I’ll probably wind up watching the Giants later today at the Post. Maybe there is something to this football thing.
Guess you’re having fun watching the Jets today :-/
Comment by Harvey — December 3, 2006 @ 3:34 pm
As you well know, I live for playoff season in I-AA.
Of course it’s now known as “Division I, Football Championship Subdivision.”
Good times, good times.
Comment by Craig — December 3, 2006 @ 4:52 pm
The Rutgers game was truly an education for me in the (very different) rules of college football overtime. Weird. Unfortunately, I fell asleep before it was completely over.
Comment by Shamrock — December 3, 2006 @ 5:23 pm
Football, it’s a very good thing. 🙂 One of my favorite as a matter of fact.
Oh and tell TJ I send my love! I really miss her!!!!
Comment by Tammi — December 3, 2006 @ 7:26 pm
Oh, Jim… this is how it starts. An innocent football game here and there, then a college hoops game when there’s no one home, the all of a sudden, you’ve gone off the deep end and you discover that you’re a Nascar fan! Oh, the humanity..!
Actually, I enjoy all three as well as college football and pro hoops. I was never good at sports so I guess I enjoy the thrill of watching those who are, same as I enjoy listening to great music, as I’m a mediocre musician, at best.
Now, watching golf is quite another thing… any sport where you have to listen to commentators that whisper can’t be good for you…
Comment by gregor — December 3, 2006 @ 8:38 pm
I think college football is so much better than professional football.
Comment by Michele — December 4, 2006 @ 8:35 am
Well, at least Army put up a good game this year. Last year they were smashed. I’m hoping that next year will see them winning again. *grin*
I saw the Rutgers – West Virginia game – it was a good one too. I didn’t have a fav in that race, I was kinda hoping Rutgers would pull it off.
I’m not sure I like the overtime rules for college football. I’d prefer the NFL method of sudden death overtime.
Comment by Teresa — December 4, 2006 @ 2:20 pm
Army Navy is the last of good pure football. I’ve posted on it over and over, over the years. Nobody is jockeying to get into the Pros. Nobody has been ‘paid’ one way or another. In the end, they are brothers just playing a game because the REAL stuff happens when they graduate. It’s a game to them… real life is what is important and they are grounded in that.
Army Navy 1961, my Dad asked my Mom to marry him. I don’t remember who won the game from the story, but I know my Dad and Mom’s engagement is now a big part of the game for me. It was his senior year at Annapolis. they’ve been married for 44 years now. Ask my Dad how long they’ve been married and he’ll take one year off my age. 😉
Comment by Bou — December 4, 2006 @ 4:25 pm
Bou said it way better than I did.
Comment by Jim — December 4, 2006 @ 10:34 pm