We just added a new family member. That's him showing off the
Colts blue.
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Win or Lose, both Super Bowl teams had a great run this year. It's also been a great run for my 8yo, who took an interest in football for the first time.
It started this Fall when he decided to play flag football for the Browns. Being named after the NFL franchise prompted his curiosity to find out more about pro team. In the process, he became a fan.
As with all football fans, even young ones, the camaraderie of sharing the emotions of competition is very special. In other words, when dad likes a different team it rubs off. And that's how a young boy also became a Colts fan.
Even though both his teams were on different paths this year, he watched every game he could. He traded cards with friends and amassed quite a collection for both teams. As the Colts flourished, so did his interest.
My son recently showed me a video of the Baltimore Colts playing in the Super Bowl (in 1969). It was ironic because my first exposure to football and the Colts was that year, when I was a young boy. I remember my boyhood hero, Johnny Unitas - the quarterback, leading them to victory. And when they got to the Super Bowl, I was ecstatic. Didn't matter that they lost...I was forever hooked. Football taught me a lot about life's lessons, and I was better for it.
My son and I will be cheering for our Colts in the Super Bowl. He doesn't know the lessons he's about to learn...its just a game for an 8 yo mind. Or maybe not!