Gladiator for a Day

Written 10 July after practice on 9 July, 2005

This weekend I did the craziest thing of my life. For a local sports fan reality show, I donned full football gear and joined the Minnesota Vixen football team.

The idea was my own and I assume all the responsibility for the pain, bruises, and aches I have today. Yesterday, I spent three-plus hours running, sweating, and frying in the summer sun. After practice, I think I suffered a mild case of sunstroke. I paid my dues for trying to keep up with the Vixen. Honestly, I think I got off easy and was lucky. But let me talk a little about earning my pain: It started with warm-ups (and in the summer sun warming up didn't take long!) and stretching. Then we ran.

After the warm-ups, I practiced with the offense & defense (others than the line). I played wide receiver, cornerback, fullback, and tailback. Then we ran.

The most fun and hardest hits were during padded practice. I started on D at corner. I remember one tackle where number 40 ran inside and I filled the gap for the tackle. She ran right into me and over me. My accomplishment was mostly slowing her down. The best moment was Jake getting my back and letting me know where to roll on D as the offense changed formations. I really felt the camaraderie of the huddle and the teamwork needed to D up.

After some snaps at corner, I got to move into the line. Working the trenches was great and I learned more about D and where to go.

But the idea of playing with the team was not going to end with me on D. No sir, I was going to get the ball and take some hits. The Vixen wanted to smack me good and I expected it.

I think they got what they wanted. The best moment happened just before we ended practice. One coach said 3 minutes were left and one defensive lineman walked over to the offensive coach. That really made me laugh. I knew exactly what she wanted - a play her way. And she got it. I'd love to ask the Vixen if they got the hits they wanted. That's definitely something for another day.

To be continued...in part 2