Between the White Lines

Earlier this week I had the chance to observe Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp.  For those of you who are not from Western PA or are not otherwise part of the Steelers Nation, let me tell yinz, that the Steelers give folks around here a reason to live during football season.  The saying that Steelers fans “bleed black and gold” is close to the truth. 

I’ll admit that I am not a die-hard football fan (it’s a horror, I know).  However, watching practice from the field changed my perspective about a few things.  

Observation #1.  Strength.  These guys are big.  I mean, really big.  Minus the pads and the helmets and the TV magic, words like superhuman and fierce still apply.

Observation #2.  Discipline and Perseverance.  Practice was carefully timed, with drill after drill after drill, in 95 degree heat.  I was heat-exhausted just watching! 

Observation #3.  Team Spirit.  There was something special going on between those white lines. 

Observation#4.  The Fans.  Support for the players was amazing.  Even with a not-so-great season last year and benched for bad behavior Ben on the field, the fans were still out there, cheering on the team.  The Black and Gold were not on that field playing for a win.  They were not in the playoffs.  This was not the Superbowl.  Let me sound it out for you – they were only prack–tiss–ing.  Yet still, there were the fans – lots and lots of fans.  So many fans that 12,500 of them showed up at the team’s first scrimmage at a local high school field the previous Friday.

I’ve played a number of different sports over the years.  (Not football.  No, not even flag football – have you seen those people-crushing photos above?!?!).  Regardless, not a single sport has kept my interest long enough that I can claim to be a competitive player.  I’m athletic, but not an athlete.  Still, when I try something new, I always do better if I have some support in my corner. 

Everyone needs fans and cheerleaders, not only in sports, but in life.  If you know someone who needs a little Rah Rah Sis Boom Bah this weekend, get on out there and give it to them!  If you need some yourself, it’s okay to ask for support, and it’s also okay be your own cheerleader…and your own biggest fan. 

Are you a good cheerleader?  Have you ever seen someone accomplish something amazing?

Have a great weekend!  I’ll be back with you on Monday.