When my son first picked up a football he found in our yard, I thought, Oh, how cute! A little backyard hobby. Little did I know this ball would consume our lives, invade my weekends, and turn me into the mom screaming, “THAT’S MY BABY!” on the sidelines.
Football became his passion faster than I could Google “How dangerous is youth football?” I didn’t really need to Google it because I was already well aware of it. I did in fact enjoy watching football my entire life. I was at every high school home game rain or shine and NFL Sunday, Monday and Thursday was on in my house every season. For me, it was less love at first sight and more like a long, slow walk toward acceptance—with a lot of nervous pacing along the way.
Learning to Let Go (And Freak Out in Private)
Letting my son play football was a challenge. I mean, who signs up their baby for a game where people literally run into each other on purpose? I guess me since I literally had to eat my words. Not sure why but someone asked me years ago if I would let my son play football. I said “I would not introduce him to the sport but I would allow him to play if he found it on his own.” You know the saying “God got jokes.” Well I guess it is true because that lost football made its way into our yard. My son’s excitement and love for the sport was contagious. He was determined, and I realized I couldn’t let my fears keep him from doing something he loved.
Still, every game brought a mix of emotions. Pride? Yes. Terror? Absolutely. That first big tackle he took, I swear my soul left my body for a second. But when he popped back up, and got back into the play, I knew I’d have to get used to this.
The Flag Football Years: Where It All Began
His journey started with flag football, and wow, did we see his natural talent shine. He played three seasons, and it was like watching magic unfold. He had this uncanny ability to read the field, anticipate plays, and snag interceptions like a seasoned pro. By his final season, he was racking up pick-6s like they were part of the game plan.
Then he hit me with the big announcement: “Mom, I’m ready for tackle.” I wasn’t sure if I was ready for tackle, but this wasn’t about me. It was about him chasing something he loved.
Tackle Football: New Challenges, New Strengths
Tackle football came with its own set of challenges. He was just 8 years old, playing on a 10U team, and the age gap was tough. While other kids had size and experience on their side, my son had heart—and a lot of it.
Watching him hold his own against kids two years older made me burst with pride, but it was also hard seeing him sit on the sidelines. He wasn’t getting much playing time with his first team, but he never let it break his spirit. He showed up to every practice, worked harder than anyone, and kept a smile on his face. That resilience was incredible to witness as a mom.
Should I jump on my soap box right now? Yes! I understand earning playing time and all that jazz but these kids are to young to understand. They literally just want to play. I feel it is the coaches responsibility to find ways to allow every kid to play. I coached my twins soccer team once. I had never played soccer but I noticed my 2 star soccer players were naturals. My other kids just wanted to have fun. I made sure to rotate each kid and always kept one star player on the field. I know these were 4 year old’s and I know football is competitive, but I speak for all parents who can relate. Football is expensive and no one pays all this money to see their kid sit on the sideline for an hour and a half. Coaches please figure out how to rotate every kid thank you.
Finding a Team and a Mentor
After several games we decided it was time to make a change, and oh my how everything changed. We found an 8U team that was needing more players. It felt like home the very first practice. I even loved the “smoking” coach gave the kids after practice. “Smoke” a military term in which you suddenly find yourself doing physical training exercises at any given time for someone messing up during training. A smoke usually entailed push-ups, jumping jacks, sprints whatever the Cadre decided was adequate punishment, I mean discipline. However this “smoke”, i.e. conditioning, consisted of the kids running sprints up and down a hill. My son didn’t know the rules and even messed up. Did coach show him mercy? Nope. They all had to work as a team, he learned that day. AZ titans gave him the chance to shine, playing both sides of the ball as a defensive back and wide receiver. But the real game-changer wasn’t just playing time—it was finding mentors who believed in him.
As a Black mom raising a Black son, it’s always been important to me that he has role models who look like him. This team gave him just that. His coach, a Black man who led with passion and heart, became more than just a coach—he became a mentor.
Having someone who not only taught him the game but also showed him how to lead, how to carry himself, and how to support his teammates made all the difference. My son looks up to his coach, and it shows in the way he approaches the game and life.
It’s one thing to love the sport, but it’s another to see someone who looks like you leading with confidence and kindness. It planted a seed in him, and I see it grow every time he helps a teammate or offers a kind word to his sisters.
Building Bonds On and Off the Field
Football wasn’t just about winning games—it was about building relationships. His team became his brothers, and their bond went beyond the field. They play Fortnite together, laugh over silly inside jokes, and lift each other up when things get tough.
Watching him connect with these boys has been one of the greatest joys of this journey. It’s not just about the touchdowns or the interceptions; it’s about learning how to trust, how to communicate, and how to work together toward a common goal.
The State Championship: A Moment to Remember
This season ended in the best way possible—with a state championship. Watching him and his team fight for every yard, every play, and finally hold that trophy was unforgettable.
When the final whistle blew, he ran off the field, arms open, shouting, “We did it!” And there I was, the mom who once worried about letting him play tackle football, jumping for joy.
Lessons from the Sidelines
- Fitting In Takes Time: It wasn’t easy for him to find his place on the team, but his persistence paid off.
- Representation Matters: Seeing Black men in leadership roles gave him a vision of what’s possible.
- Mentors Make a Difference: His coach didn’t just teach him football; he taught him about life, responsibility, and teamwork.
- Family Comes First: Whether it’s cheering for his teammates or giving his sisters hugs after a game, he’s learned the value of support.
- Start Small, Dream Big: Flag football gave him the foundation he needed to grow, and his journey proves that every great athlete starts somewhere.
- Patience Pays Off: Those seasons of limited playing time taught him perseverance and the value of hard work.
- Find Your Tribe: Whether it’s his teammates on the field or online in Fortnite, having a supportive group makes all the difference.
- Let Them Lead: As much as I wanted to protect him, letting him take the reins and decide he was ready for tackle was the best thing I could’ve done.
To My MVP
To my wide receiver, my defensive star, my pick-6 king—thank you for showing me what passion, resilience, and teamwork look like. You’ve made me the proudest mom in the world, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes you next.
To all the sports moms out there: How do you handle the ups and downs of being on the sidelines? What’s been your proudest moment as a sports parent? Share your stories below—let’s celebrate these amazing kids together!
