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December 2, 2021
www.letsplayfootballmn.com
Let’s Play Football
A Showcase of How Football Creates Lasting Relationships by MIKE SONNTAG
Co-Publisher, Let’s Play Football
My youngest son recently finished his football playing career following the pandemic interruption of his junior year in college. When he made the emotional decision to hang it up, he proclaimed had he not played football he would never have met the guys that will be his life-long friends. If you asked anyone who has played the sport of football what the most important aspect of the game they took with them after their career was over, you can bet many would echo his sentiment. We have hit that stage in the season when many high school and college players have put the pads on and wore their school’s colors for the last time. Last week we wrapped up the Minnesota high school football season crowning seven new state championship teams. Players on those teams ended on the highest note possible, but there were undoubtedly bittersweet tears shed in victory for those whose playing days are over. For the eighty-eight outgoing high school seniors, the Minnesota Vikings are giving them one more chance to
wear their pads and put their talents on display during the Minnesota Football Showcase on December 5th at US Bank Stadium. Though it is likely many nominated to play in this game will play at the next level in college, the opportunity these young men receive during the week leading to the game will underscore how quickly lasting relationships are built from playing this great game. Most of these guys competing may have known of each other via social media or watching highlights on Prep Sports Extra, now will play their final high school football game together or against each other. The teams are split into North and South rosters and will have a handful of practices at best prior to the game. In that short time previous foes will become quick friends by bonding during team meals and other scheduled activities. One common tradition from past “All-Star” games is the exchanging of helmet decals. When it is time to get to work lineman have to gel with a new face on their left and their right, the quarterbacks will have to quickly adjust to throwing to different receivers, defensive players have to learn a
quick scheme, and the list goes on and on. Keep in mind most football teams from the youth to the pros get two to three weeks to practice, run plays, watch film before they take to battle on the gridiron. Like all competitors these guys will quickly want to win the game to gain bragging rights for the South team over the North team or vice versa. Pregame introductions will take place, the flag will be raised for the national anthem, and the game will kick off at noon. Living up to the event’s name talent will be showcased all over the same field the Minnesota Vikings compete in front of 66,000 fans on Sundays. There will be great plays made on both sides of the ball, replays will be shown on the huge video board, a winning team will emerge, and just like that the experience of playing in the Minnesota Football Showcase will be over. All the things previously mentioned is nothing new to the reader or lover of football. What will make this a special experience for these young men is how when the game is over they will stay on the field or in the locker room as long as they are al-
Managing Editor Bryan Zollman
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Let’s Play Football
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lowed to. They will shake hands and hug each other, share phone numbers, create group texts and follow each other on social media. A week earlier they competed against each other or knew nothing about the other. Some of them may go on to play together in college and further their friendships, and those who don’t will find a way to stay in touch. Having the honor to have played in this game 30 years ago I know they will be successful in life and keep tabs on each other. I know Todd played QB in the NFL, Trent is a successful dentist, Mike painted the interior of my house, Ken is partner of a law firm, Matt is an anesthesiologist, Eric owns a roofing company, and Tony is a Division One head coach. I could easily continue on with another seven to eight names but hopefully you see where I am going with this, and it is all from one week of playing football together. This is a great way for these eighty-eight young men to cap off their high school football careers, and I believe they will always proudly say they playing in the Minnesota Football Showcase 2021 created memories and relationships that they will never forget.
The opinions expressed in LPF are not necessarily those of the publishers or PioneerMedia9192, but are those of the individual columnists themselves. No articles or features or photos may be reproduced without the permission of the publishers of Let’s Play Football. Copyright 2019 PioneerMedia9192 All rights reserved LPF is online at www.letsplayfootballmn.com Follow us on Twitter @LetsPlayFB_MN and Facebook
