This last weekend, I was honored to be inducted into the first ever Women’s Football Hall of Fame. I had a blast at the ceremony and I did give a short speech. However, since there were so many speeches that evening, I did not wish to be played off the stage with the amount of thank you’s I wanted to give. So I have chosen instead to write them in a blog.

There is no question that football has changed my life and frankly even saved it. The lessons I have learned from the sport far outweigh any statistical category I have filled or award that I have won. There is no stat column for learning how strong I really am. There is no certificate big enough for the prize of understanding the benefits of hard work. There is no trophy case that can contain the amount of memories that have warmed my heart.

It is not the touchdowns that really matter. It’s the journey to the end zone. In that journey I have face tremendous loss. I have endured losing every material item I owned in an instant. I have seen my mother nearly die in an accident. I have lost my job. I have lost relationships. I have driven 2 hours each way to practice. I have slept in cars in order to go to practice.

Then I faced multiple injuries including one that truly broke my heart, just when I was really turning the corner in my career. I had to go all the way back down the mountain, pick up my bike again, and start pedaling from the bottom. This included 3 months of re-learning how to walk, another 3 or so to jog, another 3 or so to play with a giant brace, and another year to get rid of the brace.

There were moments were I had doubt. There were moments where I wanted to quit. There were moments where I cried myself to sleep because I felt like no matter how hard I worked in the quiet of the night, that it wouldn’t be enough.

But then the real reason that I love football. and the reason that all of this stuff was worth the turmoil, is the same reason that I am now inducted into this amazing class.

That reason is the people. My teammates, my coaches, my family, my friends. The real treasure was never the tackles but the people I made them with. They were always there for me. They picked me up when I struggled. They bought me cleats when I couldn’t afford to. They gave me a place to sleep when my family’s house burnt down. They let me vent when I was frustrated.

They also celebrated all my successes and joys. They made me laugh so many times that it’s impossible to count. They jumped up and down when I made a play. They even listened to my long-winded pep talks and millions of inspirational YouTube videos I would send.

My entire football career to this point and until I retire, is based upon the idea that no one succeeds alone. It is up to you to walk your steps but at some point, your why has to be stronger than the obstacles you face. All of you, are my why.

I would like to thank all the coaches that have crossed my path. I am analytical as hell so I apologize for the many questions I asked. It is simply how I learn and I always tried to learn. I appreciate all the hard work you put into me. I took a piece of each of you as I went.

I would like to thank all my teammates past and present. I am here because of you and you are my family. You are why I have played so long. Thank you for believing in me even in moments where I didn’t feel it myself.

 

I would like to thank my family. Your support in my playing was extremely important. Your advice and love helped me grow. Thank you for sacrificing at times to help me chase these dreams.

 

I would like to thank my friends. Thank you for following my thousands of football posts, videos, and pictures. Thank you for sharing in my journey. Thank you for those who donated to my trips. Thank you to those who helped replace my equipment that was stolen. Thank you to those who read my blog and followed my story. Thank you for taking me out when I needed some fun.

 

I would like to thank my soulmate, my wife. Meeting you gave the entire journey perspective. Even though you hate the spotlight, I want you to know that you too have earned this honor with me. Thank you for enduring the hours I’ve had to spend away from you and taking care of me when I’m banged up. Also, considering you are always so cold, thank you for still attending the games even when you are freezing. That is love!

 

I would like to thank my dog Hazel and my cat Cappy, well, just because they are cute. Thank you for thinking of my shoulder pads as a playground and rolling around in my bags.

 

 

You all have taught me so much. I am truly grateful and I hope to continue down this path and to give back as much as I can to a sport that brought me so much joy. For although I can be a complete sweetheart off the field, once the game starts, I’m completely different person. I’m a person who enjoys the hell out of hitting people.

 

Thank you!