Monday, August 15, 2011

It Ain't Prison Ball

The most electrifying day in sports entertainment is quickly approaching.  The day when the dazed and confused, the drunk and stupid, the men and the boys meet on hallowed ground to do battle.  This ritual has been going on for longer than any of us really remember.  Multiple years get remembered as one.  Every year is special though. The Day After Thanksgiving Football Game (TDATFG from now on) is the greatest day on the calendar.

I've been a part of this sacred practice for at least 12 years I'd say.  I'm not the man who started it though.  Long before my arrival the legend was born.  Sometimes in snow, usually the coldest day of the year, and rarely a nice day, TDATFG  is played with great intensity, little skill, and massive creativity.  The alcoholic beverages per capita increases and the overall fitness of the players involved diminishes exponentially every year it seems.  Over the years there have been many injuries (Chunk.....his ear!), one lifetime expulsion (sorry Luke, it's for the best), and we've even had black people (and they sucked).  TDATFG has it all.  The perfect day.

Some people poo poo the game.  They say that we're dumb/gay/retarded for still playing it.  We care not.  The true ambassadors of the game know the importance of it in the grand scheme of things.  I mentioned the booze.....that really should be enough.  But how often do you get a chance to beat the hell out of some of your best friends and them not just be okay with it but be totally stoked that you did it?  The injuries, the soreness, the drunkenness.....it's all perfect.

Last year was the first year I've missed since starting playing those many years ago.  I was crushed.  Surgery on my shoulder put me out.  Worst thing to ever happen to me.  I still showed up to the game though.  I drank a lot of beer, I cheered, I ran around talking trash.....AND I drank a lot of beer too.  It was a great day.  This year will be better.  We need the best to show up this year.  The football, as usual, will be lacking.  The creativity will be immense.  The plays will be intense. The beer will flow like wine.  And all will be right in the world.  This year let's make history.  It's the day after Thanksgiving by the way.

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