The Truth About Football

This post is in honor of the big Utah vs. BYU game on Saturday. This game is the source of much anxiety and holding of breath in my household right now. A couple of years ago Marty bought season tickets for him and Joe, and this season, took the opportunity to buy a third spot for Caroline. They are planning to tailgate with friends before the game and will be watching from the 35 yard line (Northeast bleachers, third row). Joseph told me that there is nothing that will keep him from going to that game.

Most people probably think of football players and think of their many more noticeable qualities such as size, strength, and toughness.




However, being married to a former grid-iron guy, and now being a football mom, I have found that there are other characteristics of football players (and the game they play) worthy of recognition. So enjoy this little photo essay uncovering the real truth about football, the players, and their coaches.

Sometimes the players need a little help with their equipment...


...and there is usually someone around to help them out.







Sometimes the team gets a little worked up before the game.

...but they have to listen very carefully to the coach.

Occasionally someone important will come scout warmups to check out the talent...

Players can develop close friendships that sometimes result in hanging out off the field (aka playdates).

Photo credit: Julie Shipman

Some football players play with babies on the sidelines of their little brothers' games.

Sometimes games can get very intense, you can see it on the coach's face...

...And the players can get pretty serious about the game.

But a good team knows how to break the tension at halftime...

Sometimes they take a moment at halftime to catch up with their admiring fans.

Football players helmets get banged up during the season, but the players view each scrape as a mark of honor.

Occasionally the game takes on an epic feel.

When the team wins, everyone celebrates the team's victory.

Photo credit: Julie Shipman

In the end, the coach directs the grid-iron giants off the field...

Photo credit: Julie Shipman

...where the real purpose of football is revealed...

Photo credit: Julie Shipman

The team treats (at least until cheerleaders enter the picture).

After the game everyone is tuckered...

And so the footballers and fans alike rejuvenate with a long nap...

I hope you made it all the way through my first photojournalism attempt (photojournalist is my secret dream job). And in honor of the football guys in my life GO UTES!!!