These past few weeks, I've been intently watching American football. Because the professional basketball season (NBA) doesn't start until late October, I only have football to fulfill my daily dosage of sports. I've always enjoyed watching football and studying the game. Overall, I'm a football aficionado.
The motion of an exquisite spiraling ball coming out of the quarterback's hands is why I love football. Throwing a regulation size football regularly is already hard, but giving the ball a spiraling motion is nearly impossible for my small hands. At home, I pretend to be Tom Brady with an imaginary football; in front of the TV, I fake the hand off to my invisible running back and scamper deep into the pocket. As Tom Brady throws the football to one of his receivers, I also throw my "football" to one of my "receivers". My dad usually yells at me to stop blocking the screen, but I ignore him because I just threw an amazing spiral football for a 50 yard touchdown. Before I go into my deep slumber at night, I have a tendency to picture myself as a pro-football quarterback. What if I was the quarterback of the Green Bay Packers? I get so stirred up sometimes that I rise up from my reclined position on the bed and start running around throwing footballs.
In reality, no matter how persistent I was, I would never be the quarterback on any talented team. Recently, I've realized that I have many passions in life that don't pertain to academics. The harsh truth that I'll never chase those passions makes me miserable. My uncle's career decision is a prime example of sacrificing a dream. A successful military worker today, my uncle initially wanted to pursue a career in basketball. However, because of his short stature and unstable financial situation, he persuaded himself to find a more stable source of income, which turned out to be an intelligent decision in the end. I love all aspects of football, and being a professional quarterback would be amazing. However, my strengths aren't suited for football and sports in general. Simply put, I'm better at other things.
Looking at my uncle's story and my own, I've come to understand a grim principle in today's world. Because of economic status and different talents, people are forced to give up on their true passions. At the end of the road taken, some find themselves doing things that they are good at rather than the things they truly love to do.
I relate to this post a lot. I have had many dreams that will never come into fruition. For example, my dreams of pro soccer will mostly likely not come true (most kids my age are in youth academies for professional clubs). I mean, who knows? Maybe these dreams will come true.
ReplyDeleteMatthew, this post is really depressing—too brutal of a reality check for us to be having. Nonetheless, it's one we need to have. Like you and David and most other people, I'll never be able to pursue some of my passions because I lack in their key components (height, brains, thousands of dollars to drop on coaches, etc.). That said, just because I can't necessarily be the best, doesn't mean I don't try. It's great that you continue to "pretend" to be Brady (though if you really want to have fun try Trubisky) but remember there's nothing wrong with being a fan nor even going out and throwing the pigskin for yourself. What would pro-anything be without its supporters? Another game. What would you be without the game? A well-rounded person with numerous other interests and talents. Don’t beat yourself up about not being the best, that you still go out and try shows strength enough in your character.
ReplyDeleteI love this post because same. I literally spend every Sunday putting off homework by throwing my ball 2 feet in the air, catching it, then doing spin moves around chairs. I dive onto my couch which I pretend is the end zone. I spike the ball and start my touchdown dance, and pretend I'm in front of a roaring stadium. Actually, it's just my mom telling me to be careful. Go Panthers!
ReplyDeleteP.S. if you like football you should try fantasy. It's super fun.
Matthew, I really like this post. Although you may never be the one throwing the passes for the Packers, you can still take advantages of the skills you do have and combine them with your passions. What if you love football and enjoy statistics? Go work in the front office of a pro organization! There are many ways to be intimately involved with your passions besides playing them.
ReplyDeleteBeing a 5'9 Jewish boy with no hops and average athletic ability I relate to this post so much. I think that this post is makes you pretty vulnerable and real because you admit that you have no chance at becoming a football QB but i find that makes your post more fun to read. I also love your conclusion paragraph because it has a good message.
ReplyDeleteDidn't even know you were in this class?! You can be Patrick Mahomes, and I'll be Aaron.
DeleteWhile I agree with a lot of what you said, I don't think its as depressing as you made it out to be. While most people won't work their dream jobs, they can still explore their passions outside of work. And, people's interests change. You may hate football in a few years and may love economics. who knows.
ReplyDeleteHey Will! I agree with you. The blog post turned out to be really depressing. I didn't mean to kill everyone's dreams. Also, I'm not really that depressed for the people that are worried! I'll always love football, and you're right. Who knows?
DeleteI suck at a LOT of things that I do, but I choose to ignore the fact that I suck. The hobbies that I have are for me and even though I once dreamed of making a living off them, I realize the odds are against me. Be happy for the things you are good at, but enjoy the things you do just for fun awell.
ReplyDeleteI can relate well to your story. I often suck at things I enjoy, like soccer or piano for example. Something I have noticed is that I think people try to convince themselves that they enjoy what they are good at. I originally very much disliked math, but after realizing I was ok at it, I enjoyed it.
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