I posted this at The Gratitude Circle at the start of the 2010 football season.  It really explains why I love football and what it means to me.  As it’s the off season (and I won’t mention the potential lock out for the 2011 season) I thought I would have this be my first football post…certainly more to come as we get closer to next season.

I dedicate this re-posting to my dad and what he’s taught me about the game.  I cherish every single moment my dad and I share.  Football has always been and always will be our special bond.

I dedicate this to my Grandmother, who we lost a few years ago, who was a spit fire with red hair – known for shaking her cow bell in the end zone of Ansonia High football games for too many years to count.  Finally, to all of my cousins who played and I watched through the years.  It all plays a part in my love for the game.  I’m grateful for you all.

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Hello, my name is Deanna and I AM a Football addict!

Yes, if you know me, you know I LOVE the game of Football. I appreciate every game. Sure, I am a HUGE Patriots fan and yeah there are some teams that I’m not too fond of (I’ll leave those out here), but when September starts everyone knows not to call on Sundays and Monday nights during football season. I take it very seriously – with intensity actually.

I come from a family rich in football history…fans and players alike. Ever since I was a kid, I just had a passion for the game.

I’m not someone who really likes to watch games with other people. I don’t like chatter and talking – I like to focus and enjoy the games. Most times you won’t see me at any big Superbowl parties or things of that sort. I want to appreciate and focus on the game.

My daughter gets a kick out of it….she’s seen me on my knees praying in front of the TV and she’s seen me sitting on the floor, hugging my dad’s leg at the end of Superbowl 2007 when I was praying for Tom Brady to pull out another miracle.

It’s a game that brings me to tears, literally. Call me crazy, I get emotional. When we are fortunate enough to be at the stadium (Gillette Stadium) to see a game – I am unbelievably moved to tears by the awe and magnitude of it all.

I’ve always wondered why I feel this way. It’s a sport, right? Well a good friend of mine recently shared with me a new video from Kenney Chesney, called The Boys of Fall. I have to tell you – this completely sums up how I feel about the game of Football. Because, guess what??? It’s not just about the game. Take a listen…

To me, Football is symbolic – it’s about courage, strength, determination, commitment, family, friendships, passion, and leadership.

It’s said that if you can “learn to dream you can accomplish anything” – how incredibly profound and symbolic of what we all want to do in life.

“Anybody can be a leader – the test is when you battle through the tough times – when you aren’t perfect….where then do you stand?” – Given our current world climate, isn’t this prophetic? How do you battle through the tough times of life? What do you take away from adversity? Where do you stand?

This is your life…make it happen.

I stand tall, I stand proud – proud of who I am, proud of who I have become, proud of what I do…I love my life and all those in it…and oh yeah – I’m ready for some football!

Remember, live life like you mean it!