What the NFL Draft Costs and Asks of Us

The NFL Draft is a three-day event where the 32 teams of the National Football League select the best college players to build their futures. It asks nothing of us. And yet, what it is—and what it has cost—is worth serious consideration.

The 2026 NFL draft took place in Pittsburgh, PA. The commissioner Roger Goodell told fans that the Iron City set a new attendance record. Around 320,000 people showed up for the first night alone, and hundreds of thousands more attended across multiple days. Over 700,000 people were expected to descend upon this great sports town—which is home to roughly 300,000 people. In light of such logistics, Pittsburgh public schools moved from in person to remote learning Wednesday—Friday April 22-24. In short, this increasingly popular football festival is redirecting the path and process of American education. I would also like to call into question what this reveals about us as fans and as a society.

I’m a football fan, but I have no interest in attending the NFL Draft. While you may feel part of a “moment,” the experience is largely the same sequence repeated: a pick is announced, a player embraces family, walks the stage, and puts on a new team’s hat or jersey. You might see highlights, but not performance. And you’ll see this play out again and again over seven rounds.

This is very different from the live events we covet. At a concert or a game, something unfolds in real time—unpredictable, unscripted, alive. At the draft, there is no play, no competition, no moment of athletic brilliance. We’re not watching something happen; we’re watching a decision about what might happen.

I understand the appeal—the crowd, the shared anticipation, the hope for a team’s future. But as a live event, it leaves me cold. It celebrates projection over performance—and notably, it centers only male athletes, with no comparable stage for women’s professional talent.

While the NFL Draft asks nothing of us, it quietly rearranges quite a bit. Schools adjust. Cities bend. Resources shift. I understand the logistical challenges students might face getting to school given the crowds, but the deeper question remains: What is more important?

When I presented this story to my seniors, several admitted what many already know but rarely say out loud—that their education, what they actually learn and retain, is not the same when they are remote as when they are physically present. One student noted that the social interaction of school is ssential to both his learning and his well-being. School is not simply the transmission of information—it is formation, relationship, and more.

We already pause regularly: for holidays, for rest, for professional development. Those interruptions serve a purpose. But redirecting education to accommodate the NFL Draft however popular, signals something different. It suggests that what is foundational can be made flexible, even secondary, in the face of spectacle.

And that should give us pause and consider: an important question. The text book for Sports and Spirituality, On the Eighth Day: Toward a Catholic Theology of Sport—the required text for Sports and Spirituality posits two essential questions for readers and students to consider. 

First, with the combined occurrences of a global pandemic, ongoing wars, gun violence, and an unsettledness in Western society, should we even be playing sport, let alone writing books about it? Amidst the martyrdom of unprecedented numbers of Christians in the twentieth and twenty-first century world, is sport not too frivolous for Christians to really care about? Johnston sums up this critical introspection about the value of sport with his first question: “What the hell are they doing?” That is, should we be affording so much time to sport, especially when it does not always support human communities?  

In theological terms, we can speak about sport as sinful in many ways, or as a part of our fallen world. Whereas Catholics have often critiqued the sin of sport in its bodily injuries, over-commercialization, and physical violence, sport sociology analyzes more specifically deeper problems of sport. Forms of discrimination (e.g., race and gender), systemic issues (tied to globalization, sport systems, labor migration), and the use of human performance drugs are topics that require careful research and cry out for justice and righteousness. These issues cause Johnston to question, “What the hell are they doing?”

I know I am a teacher so I have my bias. I think education is not to be undervalued. Ever. I think it can and should be made a priority for all. Sadly, I think Johnston's question is relevant. And for what it's worth, I'd like to add one: Why can't the draft be on Saturday or Sunday?!

If you would like to talk more about this topic, consider the following:

1. Last year's host city, Green Bay cancelled class entirely. My students do want to know if those days were added on as snow days.
2. Many times, the men drafted do not become the athletes they were projected to be. Sometimes, the draft is dead wrong—Niners know this as much as any team.
3. How much does the average attendee at the draft spend to be part of the event?
4. My students and I talked about how hosting the draft and taking time off of school is similar and different to when our school was not open on the day of the San Francisco Giants' victory parade. NB: many teachers are still upset about that...

Photo Credits
Mendoza Moment
32 picks
Draft City

Coaches Calendar Part II: Four Reasons We Are Interested in NFL Head Coaches

At dinner the other night, a friend said "NASCAR is the most popular sport in America."

 "Noooo...." I said. I paused.

I wanted say "no amount of you not wanting football to be number one can or will change the numbers. Professional football is unequivocally the most popular sport in the U.S."

Instead, I kept it light.

"Football reigns supreme. While NASCAR is popular in certain places and to some demographics, think about it—football is on every Sunday, Monday night and now Thursday. College Game Day is where it's at. And as I wrote in my Caliente Coaches Calendar I believe Americans can name more head coaches than US Senators or Congressmen and women." Perhaps they are one significant reason we love the game so much. Thoughts?

Football has remained the country's most popular sport since 1972. As written in Football Still Most Popular Sport in America Despite Controversies

In 1960, 34 percent of Americans said baseball was their favorite sport, compared to 21 percent for football and 9 percent for basketball. Baseball has since lost ground to football and basketball. And now soccer is now almost as popular as baseball in America.

Despite its troubles, football remains the most popular sport in America. And the NFL is a mega-industry. In 2022, the combined value of the NFL's 32 teams was a whopping $142 billion, according to Forbes. If the NFL were a country, by virtue of the value of its teams alone, it would rank as the 56th largest economy — above countries like Croatia, Ecuador, and Kuwait.

I am confident extensive analysis and research has been done to explain "the why." Why we love this game, why it captures our time, attention and wallets. We can all probably name a few good reasons. Are coaches one of them?  Maybe. The purpose of this post is to take a deeper look at that. Why are we drawn to these leaders. We love them and we bemoan them. They are household names. Some people even create a passion project that profiles them! 

Before we begin, I do think it worth mentioning that noting the NFL's popularity does not mean it is above reproach. Greed and power, exploitation and violence associated with the game are frightening. I do not dismiss these problems. I believe critical analysis or concern is necessary. The game is not entirely tone deaf. Some changes have been made; other are barely even a work in progress. In spite of it all, I remain a fan.

Back to coaches....

Last year, my own Dad said to me last year, "I realized at one point in the season, my favorite Forty Niner was actually a coach. I asked myself Is this okay?" My father was talking about  Niners' (former) defensive coordinator, DeMeco Ryans. I said, "Wow, that was a team with a ton of talent on both sides of the ball." And still, I replied "Dad, I get it. I love it. I can see why." 

Ryans, who is now with the Houston Texans, was one of five new head coaches for the 2023-2024 NFL season. A former player, he was selected with the first pick in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft; he was taken 33rd overall. In the role of the Niners D.C., he was relentlessly positive—smiling and communicating directly with his guys. He was excellent at his job, not to mention tremendously fit. It's no wonder he got promoted and made the calendar. 

My interest in people like Ryans, what it takes to become a head coach, and how they handle the spotlight (and press conferences) sparks intrigue. Coaching is an art and a science. How one leads and why they do are worth discussion and easy to debate. Who gets hired and why others get fired are not neutral matters. People are passionate about football. 

And speaking of passion, this summer I undertook my own passion project that centered around NFL coaches. Thanks something I did—just for the joy of it—I can name all 32 coaches and fun facts about 12 of them. I think and hope I could name 32 men or women in the House or Senate; however, that might be optimistic. 

So what gives? Why do we care? Why do we know about these men? Why are they household names Why are we fascinated by them. Here are a few thoughts.

The Headset
Let's start with the obvious. That headset is much more than an accessory. Is it a symbol of power? prestige? I'll let you answer it. However, it is part of the allure. When they put it on and rip it off are an extension of the game. In the same way we know a doctor via the stethoscope, we know high level football coaches by the headset. 

They're Young:
Unlike the two popular candidates for President and other high profile leaders in government, the majority of NFL coaches are young—quite young. Last year, when Tom Brady was still in the league, at the age of 44, he was older than 40% of the head coaches. In fact, he was older than four of the seven opposing head coaches remaining in the playoffs— including all three opposing NFC coaches.

This year, the average age of a head coach in the NFL is 48.5. For the seventh consecutive year, Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams—is the youngest coach in the league. You can do the math— yes, he was just 30 years and 11 months old when the Rams hired him. And, Pete Carroll is the elder statesman at 71. Everyone will admit: he looks fabulous. 

Youth is not wasted on the young in the NFL. While experience is important, a diagnostic of those in charge of each team points to the truth—owners believe that younger leaders are just as capable. They are ready to perform, to lead and to meet the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual demands of the game. They have to be...the financial stakes are just too high. For those of us who are fans, it's refreshing and it's inspiring to see newer, younger faces in the fold.

They Lead:
This has to be both the spoken and unspoken truth. I think we are intrigued by coaches because they do something many of us don't want to do: they lead. They take a stand. They call the shots. Their mistakes are very public but their victories are even more!

I will speak for myself. I know so many people who do not want to take on the responsibility that leadership demands of us—often times, including me. It's tough to be the fall guy or fall girl. We know that leaders are constantly criticized, both publicly and privately. How? Why? Because quite often we are the ones launching the critiques and complaints. I know a lot of very talented MMQBs! 

However, I think we want to see real leadership. We want someone who will stand up and take risks. I am certain that many coaches feel pressure to do things along their "party lines" (read: what a GM or owner dictates) but for a team to win, it takes more than pure talent. It takes a head coach. We have seen how often they can and do turn a program around. It's interesting. It's inspiring. It's important!

They're Interesting:
The personal lives of coaches are seldom boring. For example, this week my students leanred that Robert Saleh became a coach because of his brother's experience in the South Tower on 9/11. Upon his survival, Saleh decided to leave his own job and pursue his passion. We can all applaud the courage that took! Watch the video here.

Many coaches are role models of professional and personal discipline. Yes, a good percentage of  NFL head coaches were former great athletes, while others came to the game because of their passion for it. They are talented, charismatic, dynamic and more. These are but a few reasons why we find NFL coaches so attractive. And they are...

In Conclusion:
This year, I'm not convinced that my Dad's favorite member of the Notre Dame football team  isn't the head coach, Marcus Freeman. While Irish fans love our running back, Audric Estime and our 24 year old QB, Sam Hartman, I know my Dad cheers from "Coach Free" as much as anyone. 

A sport like NASCAR doesn't really have the position of head coach in its system. While it's certainly popular and a subculture worth exploring, it's not football....American football for your soccer fans. Personally, I'm encouraged by the growing popularity of football among women. 24% of women self describe at avid fans ad 35% as casual fans (vs. 51% of men who are avid fans and 30% who are casual fans). The numbers of women and men who follow the game—paying attention to it, the players, rivalries, coaches and more make for a great conversation around the water cooler...or whatever our gathering place and space is today.

Photo Credits
Saleh
Ryans
Grading Coaches

One of the Most Powerful Influences in our Culture: NFL Sundays

I traveled to Los Angeles this past weekend to visit a sports stadium. That's right, I booked a flight, hotel room and rental car all to check out the sleek, shiny, futuristic and magnificent SoFi Stadium. This $5 billion venture, rose from the ashes of the Betfair Hollywood Racetrack. It stands but a few miles from LAX in Inglewood, California. It is the home of not one but two NFL teams—the Chargers and the Rams—and Super Bowl LVI. The entire experience was well worth it—not just for what I saw and experienced but for what it has me thinking a little bit more about, as a sports fan and a Catholic Christian.

In the article "Good Sports," Rabbi Martin Seigel writes

If a millennium from now someone were to examine the artifacts of our civilization, he or she would discover that in many places sports facilities were the largest and most prominent buildings. This discovery might lead to the conclusion that sports were one of the most powerful influences in our culture. And that conclusion would be correct.

Past civilizations left behind colossal cathedrals to glorify God because for them ultimate power resided in religion. We will leave behind colossal sport stadiums, because these are, for many, our cathedrals. Sport is our shared religion.

This truth was made self evident during my time at SoFi. Not having any particular allegiance to either team allowed me to take in the experience a with a bit of objectivity. Without any skin in the game, I need not defend my team or fan base. I didn't have to explain or justify who or what I saw or what I heard. Rather I was able to observe and take note of this "powerful influence in our culture." 

I do love this tradition at the start of the game.
Some players take a knee in the end zone as a moment of silence.

To attend an NFL is to be a part of great, grand performance. It is entertaining and competitive, ostentatious and problematic. For those who think the American football is going away or that the NFL is in a bad place right now, think again. Perhaps you haven't been to a game recently. It will speak for itself....

What happened on the field is remarkable and it should be. These athletes are professionals. The level of competition truly is elite; it is a jump from what I see weekly when I watch Notre Dame / college football. The degree of marketing and hype, as well as the army of people both on an off the field is Fahrenheit 451. It is truly a multi-million dollar adventure...from start to finish. 

I was struck by the loyalty and passion of NFL fans. The 70,000 people in attendance were loud and proud. The stadium was a sea of purple and gold vs. baby blue. I saw hundreds of others in green and gold sporting the college jersey of franchise QB and Oregon Duck, Justin Herbert. Representing what must be the tallest fan base in the NFL, Vikings fans donned shirts that said "Skol!" (Cheers) and hats with horns.  These men, women and children cheered and jeered. They stood, they sat, they danced and made friends and enemies with those around them. 

My expectations for Chargers fans were lowered since the team moved to LA from San Diego. I went into SoFi expecting 70% of the fans to be from the visiting team. I was wrong. I couldn't believe their passion. And yet, I wonder how long Los Angeles can and will keep this franchise in town.

But what might be the most striking sight at SoFi isn't the futuristic roof or the massive, double sided scoreboard. Nor is it the view of greater Los Angeles, the palm trees, or sunset on the strip. What made me pause was what I saw across the street at Kareem Court: the Los Angeles Forum. Once home of the Showtime Lakers, this venue, has hosted legendary concerts and past championship games. 

To see it through the eyes of 2021, one must wonder: Was this possibly a destination? An indoor arena without windows, it looks like a circus tent. I asked myself, Were fans in the past  content with the game and athletes alone? How our cathedrals have changed.

Following the game, Vikings won 27-20, I headed to Mass at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. I have long wanted to attend a service at this Jesuit parish because I have heard about this community and their outreach to the poor and needy, the gay community and others. 

I loved the music and the warm welcomes I received. The preaching was outstanding and those in the congregation were remarkably prayerful. I was humbled by the attention and stillness of those seated near me; I would like them to know they helped me to pray better.

This beautiful church, built in 1928 can seat up to 1,400 people. I would guess that maybe 100 were in attendance for the 5:30 p.m. mass. Given the spiritual uplift and religious boost I gained from my visit to this faithful community, I left wishing more people had availed themselves to this opportunity.

In "Good Sports," Rabbi Seigel asks, "What power does sport manifest that has made it the “religion” of many contemporary people?" He is asking the right question. In the article, he offers five answers. Following my visit at SoFi stadium and to Blessed Sacrament, I have a few of my own...and more questions. Let's discuss.

Final Thought. In the spirit of full Disclosure: I was cheering the "home" team. Why? Two former ND players--Jerry Tillery and Drue Tranquill #BoltUp every Sunday.

Photo Credits
Inside the stadium
Charger Fans
Church of the Blessed Sacrament

Terrell Owens: A Man of Courage and Character Who "Loves Me More"

And on the 317th day, God made Terrell Owens. 

But why, you might ask, did it take God all of 317 days to make the now Hall of Fame wide receiver? I think the more pressing question is why did it take NFL Hall of Fame three years for Owens to be inducted. On Saturday, August 4, 2018, Terrell Eldorado Owens became the 317th member to receive a gold jacket and a bronze bust, that will forever be enshrined in Canton, Ohio. The irony in all of this, however, is that T.O. opted out of that ceremony, only to host his own inside McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee Chatanooga. The presentation began precisely at 3:17 pm.

I did not watch Owen's speech until after I read Terrell Owens — unique, defiant and maybe self-defeating — inducts himself into the Hall of Fame, a thorough and thoughtful article sent to me by my brother. Upon reading this piece from the Washington Post, I was reminded—yet again—when you have people like Terrell Owens, you need not read fiction. 

What an outstanding class. Unfortunate that T.O. was not there to make the mark that only he can with them.

His personal story is remarkable: though I was already familiar with his familial background (at the age of 11 he found out that the man living across the street was his father), I did not know that this six-time Pro Bowl selection was not allowed to play sports until high school. Given the specialization of today's youth sports and that so few D1 athletes play more than one sport (he played both football and basketball at UTC), Owens is that much more of an anomaly. He was teased and bullied because he was gangly with very dark skin; he was once very quiet and shy. The man that most San Francisco 49ers fans know is different: he loves me some me. He stood on the star in Dallas, he celebrated excessively in the end zone—polarizing players / getting penalized and yet he was revered by teammates for his work ethic and was, according to former Eagles coach, Andy Reid, "one of the most coachable guys I've ever had." As a coach, I consider that descriptor the highest of praise. 

The article is worth reading in its entirety as Adam Kilgore addresses the pros and cons, complexity and angles of T.O's choice to accept entry into the Hall of Fame. Please know, however, it will probably leave you with more questions than answers and well, maybe the desire to read more...nonfiction.

When you finish, take a look—and a listen, at his speech (linked here). Owens is undoubtedly the star of his own show. Not many people can pull off a suit like the one he wears: dotted with the NFL Hall of Fame Logo. Replete with his megawatt smile, Owens' quoted MLK, Einstein and even Scripture. As a child, his Grandmama made him read the Bible every night and he chose to read from Deuteronomy 31:6 for "it represents me well," he said. The Word says: Be strong and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the LORD, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you. This may have been my favorite moment for it was a true reflection of who he is and what's in his heart. The towel that he kept using to dry his eyes?! Not so much....seriously? a towel?!!

I do believe that Terrell Owens is the man he claims to be: "A man of conviction, a man of faith, a man of humility, a man of character and integrity, charisma, and discipline. A man of courage, one who had the courage to choose Chatanooga over Canton." And yet, I also believe given the huge persona that he has offered the media, the NFL and his fans in a sport that yes, celebrates individuals, but is regarded as the ultimate team sport—he could have said what he said with his classmates, on that field. That's not his way. As he told a fan who yelled: "I Love you!"—he said, "I love me more." 

In my book, I love him for being unabashedly who he is, but as in any good story/novel, we are here to discuss, debate and disagree. No wonder it took 317 days to create this character....

Photo Credits
HoF class
TO

My NFL Experience: Hearing the National Call to Service

Super Bowl 50 has come and gone. The nation woke up with a great hangover. Too much food, drink, festivity have always led me to believe that Super Bowl Sunday should be followed by a national holiday. But it need not be just any ordinary holiday, I believe it should be a national day of service. All members of the NFL from the commissioner on down could lead the charge. It would be a wonderful sight to see.

I learned  from a friend, whose brother is a Marine stationed in Okinawa, that the US Military already has this one figured out. All members of the armed service receive a day off on Super Bowl Monday. I'm glad they do, but I would like to challenge the status quo. 

Rather than giving a day off, why can't we create a "day on." Super Bowl Monday could be a day to serve on a local, city-wide, state or national level—you make the call! This "Day-On" would be for everyone, including those  in service to our country. Such unity could serve as a powerful testimony to the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr who said: "Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve." Those words cannot be just a vision or an excerpt from a historic speech. If we want to be great, we must serve. 

I appreciate that the NFL included live footage of troops overseas in Afghanistan during the national anthem and paid various tributes to all members of the armed services at different points during the game. All attendees at the NFL experience (inside Moscone Center)  were encouraged to hand write a card to men and women serving our country; I was grateful for an opportunity to say "thank you." Indeed, the NFL has more than a few things to thank the US military for, and defending our freedoms  is the least of them. What I considered to be the most interesting exhibit at the NFL experience tops that list.

A fan of Bose, a company best known for its home audio systems and speakers, noise cancelling headphones and automotive sound systems, I decided to stop by the "Bose NFL trailer." In true marketing genius, they lured people in with their flashy sets of headphones in the two colors of every NFL team (32 pairs in all). I happened to make my way inside to try on the headsets that NFL coaches wear on the sidelines. As written on the Bose website, 
Fans at Super Bowl 50 heard firsthand how we enable clear communications for coaches when the pressure is mounting and critical calls make all the difference.

The quality of sound was pristine.  It was incredible for me to have the sheer noise of the crowd (simulated in the booth) totally blocked out from the technology of Bose. On any given headset, coaches have one of two options to distill ambient sound. I also learned/experienced how quarterbacks and other designated players have a similar speaker put on one side of their helmet so they can hear play calling from their coaches. Obviously, they do not wear noise cancelling headphones on two ears as they need to catch the audible /team talk on the field through the other one.

I came to learn that Bose first created these head sets for those serving the US military. They are extremely durable—a primary concern for those in combat. They are also effective. It was a raw moment thinking of the pilot flying a classified helicopter who might wear a similar headset. I was slightly conflicted as I went from thinking how cool it was to be wearing what Chip Kelly wears on any given Sunday to realizing that people these were designed for aren't playing a game. They aren't earning millions of dollars either....and yet nothing is as loud as Autzen Stadium (University of Oregon).

At the end of the day, professional sports are entertainment. And I know they bring a great amount of joy (and heartache) to fans in a way that little else does. I don't doubt that the men and women serving overseas find a healthy diversion from their duties in a weekly game on the gridiron.

In Luke 12:48 we are reminded:

Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.

We Americans have been given much, let us do something with it. And to the great athletes of the NFL--you have been blessed with incredible athletic talent, a wonderful platform and opportunity to change lives—do more. Let us make the day after a contest viewed by over 111.9 million people, a day of national service. No head phones required. 

Photo Credits
NFL Experience
NFL Bose

Sports Can Illuminate Scripture: Thank You Super Bowl 50

Sitting in Peet's coffee, it was hard to concentrate on writing given the volume of the conversation between two men sitting next to me. They were discussing their plans for the weekend, as the Super Bowl and the whirlwind of festivities that accompany it are in the Bay Area. Anyone can visit Super Bowl City at no cost. For $35, an adult can attend the NFL experience.  Celebrities abound. At my golf club, members identified Roger Gooddell, John Elway, Maroon Five and my favorite, Bo Jackson on the course. Because Levi's Stadium, is 48 miles from San Francisco, it feels as though the larger Bay Area and not just "the City" is hosting "50." 

Even though I wanted those two men to stop talking, or at least turn it down, what I heard prompted an interesting realization: familiarity with sports can help us understand Scripture. Usually the faithful read and pray with the Word to illuminate other areas of our life, but in this case, I realized what else might be true.

A man in his mid-50s said, "Is the Super Bowl on Saturday night?"  

His friend said "no...it's on Sunday. It's always on Sunday."  

"Really?! he replied. "I  could have sworn it was going to take place on Saturday evening." 

"No, it's Sunday. That's why we call it...Super Bowl Sunday."

I couldn't believe what I just heard. I thought to myself you've got to be the only person who thinks that way. This man wasn't foreign born (meaning, that American football might be unfamiliar to him). He wasn't that old that he grew up before the first Super Bowl or that young that he wouldn't know what football is or its popularity in American culture.

I even told my students because I thought it was so funny and someone said in response, the NFL owns Sunday—isn't that a line from the movie "Concussion?" The Church used to own Sunday, and now the NFL does. It's true.

I responded by saying "he's got to be the only person in the Bay Area that thinks this way" and then I realized, I've heard those words before...my words...my response. They aren't much different than the words of Cleopas, a disciple of Jesus.

"The Road to Emmaus," one of my favorite stories in the Gospel, refers to one of the appearances of Jesus after his crucifixion and the discovery of his empty tomb. In Luke's Gospel, we learn that what occurred was "the talk of the town" and had social, political and emotional implications—big ones. It says:

Now that very day two of them were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred.  

And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.  

He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?”  

And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” 

They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him.

I never want to forget that Jesus Chris was a real person who lived, breathed, walked and died. His life generates controversy and conversation; his death even more. What transpired at Golgotha was big—so big—that there was a sense among those in the community that it was on the forefront of everyone's hearts and minds.

Super Bowl Sunday doesn't feel that much different. At Mass this morning. several people in the congregation were dressed in orange and navy Bronco ware. At the grocery store, folks were stocking up last minute party snacks and drinks. It's hard not to know what will take place later today.

As we prepare for Lent, let us take time to realize that what we will celebrate in the next 40 days and the 50 thereafter is more than worth talking about. 

Photo Credits
Super Bowl 50
Logo

Will Fuller: It's Not You, It's Me

All day I have been feeling as though I got dumped. I was in denial that he might leave. There were rumors. I should have known better and today it was made public: Will Fuller will forgo his senior year at Notre Dame for the NFL draft.

I wrote those words on Sunday, January 3 minutes after reading via Twitter about wide receiver, #7 Will Fuller. Like any break-up, it hurts. I asked myself What went wrong? I found myself wondering Could things have been different? I did a mental inventory and what I read confirmed that I wasn't totally delusional; I had some reason for thinking differently.

Fuller told reporters in early November that he would return to Notre Dame for the 2016 season. 

I paid less attention to the second part of that report: 

...however, the junior reevaluated and said after the football banquet on Dec. 11 that he was keeping his options open.

Fuller earned the highest award from his teammates at the end-of-season awards banquet. He received the Most Valuable Player honor.

I loved what Coach Kelly had to say about him that evening

"What changed for us as we look at great players through the years is when the moment was great, he stepped up," head coach Brian Kelly said. "When we needed that big play … he steps up and makes those huge plays."

Fuller caught 56 passes for 1,145 yards and 13 touchdown receptions in 12 regular season games. He earned second-team All-American honors from Sports Illustrated, CBS Sports and USA Today.

Will Fuller was a joy to watch as our wide receiver. Not a man of many words, he let his feet do all of the talking. As written in "How Will Fuller is keeping Notre Dame in the playoff hunt; Week 5 Walkthrough," Brian Hamilton writes:

We know now that Will Fuller is really fast, and we also know why he is maybe the best receiver in the country: Because he never thought he was fast, which prompted him to rely on painstaking technique and route-running, which now equips the Fighting Irish’s junior star with topflight instincts to complement world-class speed that emerged once he arrived on campus.

Someone once told me the reason to see LeBron James play live is that one cannot tell just how quickly he gets down the court on television. To be a witness, live and in person is much different. I felt that way when I saw Fuller play three times this season.

At the Fiesta Bowl, Fuller scored on an 81-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. From where I was sitting, I could clearly see that two Buckeyes had the angle to catch and tackle Fuller. But what transpired was something different. Fuller locked into a second and then a third gear. Explosive speed. It was a true highlight for Irish fans at the game. Speed that fast and furious makes you go "wow."

Notre Dame fans were able to say that many times this season. I remember at one game-watch a fan quipped "there's our best player we have—do whatever you can to get it to Will Fuller." With a 10-2 record, Kizer did so often.

At one point, Fuller told Kizer he wanted 5...as in touch downs. Bring it.

But Fuller wants to be known for more than just his wheels. If you are interested in the mechanics of a great athlete, the SI article by Hamilton offers more insight.

“You can be the fastest guy in the world, but if you don’t know how to beat a defender, he can slow you down,” Fuller says. “There are a lot of guys out there who don’t know how to turn a defender around, to use him to give yourself an advantage. There are a lot of things I do other than just running fast.”Fuller’s straight-line speed is dangerous. The repertoire of receiver tricks he’s compiled over the years compounds the peril. 

There are the simple ones, such as “stacking” the defensive back: If he can get a clean release off press coverage, Fuller moves his body so that the defender is completely behind him instead of alongside him. This gives the quarterback multiple options for delivering a pass and limits the cornerback’s chances to get to any of them. 

That, again, is basic curriculum. “Something you learn in high school,” Fuller says. He has moved now to advanced stuff, like inverting the dynamic between cornerback and receiver. On a go-route, Fuller knows the defensive back, almost always, will aim to get his hands on a receiver to stifle forward motion. But Fuller holds his line and more or less invites the contact, so he can smack down on those hands as he peels off the cornerback’s hip. What appears like separation due to incredible acceleration can be, essentially, an optical illusion. “When he puts his hand out, you grab his hand and throw it by you,” Fuller says. “He’s slowing down. You’re continuing to go faster.”

It never got old seeing Will Fuller go faster. In fact, according to Irish 24/7

The 6-foot, 184-pound junior leaves Notre Dame second in touchdown receptions (30) in program history behind Michael Floyd. Fuller snared 62 receptions for 1,258 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2015, following up a breakout sophomore campaign that included 76 receptions for 1,094 yards and 15 touchdowns. No other player in program history recorded more touchdown receptions in two seasons than Fuller (29).  

Hamilton's article adds,

“He does it in practice, but what he does in the game is really something to see,” Brown says. “He’s that type of fast where he’s running, he’s full speed, he’s running pretty fast…but when he looks back for the ball, there’s something about it that he can reach for another gear. He flies in the games. I don’t know what it is.”

I don't know what it is that makes an elite student-athlete stay in college for all four years these days. I know with the chance for injury, the smart bet is to turn professional and make the money. But another part of me thinks, Why are you playing at a school like Notre Dame if you're not planning on earning the degree? Fuller shared via social media that he was pursuing his dream of playing in the NFL. I have no doubt that it true. But at the same time, Notre Dame fans want to believe our athletes are special because they both want the degree and they want to play. Good, bad, or otherwise, we always think we are different; yes, we think we are special.

Fuller is not the first and certainly not the last to turn pro early. Some of the greats have left us too soon—Jerome Bettis, Raghib "the Rocket" Ismail, Tom Carter, Golden Tate, Kyle Rudolph. And his classmates Kevare Rusell and CJ Prosise have followed suit in the past three days. It's apparent that the men who start for three years, mentally, are ready to go into the pros. (And a few come back to finish their degree. Rickie Watters made news in the last few years when he returned to campus in the summer months to earn his BA in architecture). But the loss of some of these guys hurts more than others. Some break-ups do too. 

I have been reminded this season, largely because of the Showtime series "A Season with Notre Dame Football" is that you enter into a relationship with a team. Team 127 had its own characteristics, gifts, and qualities that made them a joy to watch a group I was eager to cheer for. When folks opt out of that group, one that is special in the way they are, you can't help but feel a loss. Their impact is real. They color each Saturday in a unique way. They bring us joy and we stand with them in the agony of defeat (Clemson, Stanford).

A lot of people do not understand football. Why does it have a near religious following? The movie "Concussion" provided me with an answer. "It's a violent, mindless game. And then it's Shakespeare." Will Fuller was a brilliant actor in the play. While so many of today's athletes are flashy and in your face, Fuller was grace on the gridiron.

Anyone who has been through a break-up has heard "It's not you, it's me." It's almost comical because it's cliche and too often it rings hollow. This is where my analogy to a break-up must conclude. Notre Dame must do what it can to prepare its students for using one's gifts and talents. And ND gave Will Fuller and a platform where others can appreciate them. He will make a living do so and the Irish faithful will delight in seeing him do that. But come September, we'll still miss him. 

Photo Credits
Head Shot

With Kizer

The Truth about the movie "Concussion."

"The truth doesn't have a side." —Dr. Bennet Omalu

I wish I had the words of Dr. Omalu in my arsenal for when I taught the Foundations of Ethics: Morality and Justice. Though I am not teaching Ethics for the first time in 12 years, the importance of truth and its very nature underscores every course an educator must teach. We seek to bring it to students. It is also what this medical doctor—a pathologist turned coroner born in Nigeria sought to bring to the NFL. And his revelation of truth is the subject of the new movie "Concussion."

To be honest, I was skeptical of how Hollywood might portray the story. To a large degree, I was familiar with the story of Concussion because in the summer of 2014, I read the book "League of Denial: The NFL, Concussion and the Battle for Truth." I read it because the authors—Mark Fainaru-Wada and Steve Fainaru, who are also investigative reporters and brothers spoke at a lunch at the Olympic Club downtown. I'm not sure I would have finished it otherwise. It was tremendously technical, both scientifically and politically. It's far from a "feel good" story, but I knew it was an important one. Teaching Ethics, I also know we don't call it the "ugly truth" for nothing. 

As written in "Will Smith shines a light on the dark side of the sport he loves," the cover story for the December 20, 2015 issue of Sports Illustrated, 

A desire to disseminate the truth usually ranks far down the list of Hollywood's motivations. It's also worth adding that almost all of the major studios have lucrative NFL connections.

Fortunately, I found myself checking the boxes as I watched the 2 hour film. Indeed, I would have passed the reading check quiz on "League of Denial" by watching Will Smith's latest film.

Screenwriter and director Peter Landesman would expect nothing less. He said, "this movie, like all movies based on nonfiction stories—if we're smart and if we care—goes through a strong vetting process to be sure we tell the best, most truthful, most impactful version of the story." This story, was based on an article written by Jeanne Marie Laskas for GQ magazine, in 2009. See below.

Watching Concussion and then reading the SI piece by Ben Reiter confirmed what I left the movie theater believing to be true. The death by suicide of former Chicago Bears Dave Duerson was the watershed moment—the linchpin—whereby the National Football League had to confront a problem that wasn't going away. The League could no longer be one of denial. I wrote about him in a blog tribute in February 2011: A Loss in the (Notre Dame) Family. It was shared on Notre Dame magazine's website. Although a tragic story, I believe it is one of the more important postings I have written. I carried those thoughts with me to the movie screen as I watched Duerson's own struggle lead to his demise.

Anyone who chooses to watch Concussion will leave with more questions than answers. Playing golf today, a friend asked if high school football will be around in 30 years. I did not hesitate to answer "yes." He retorted with "how many kids died from playing football last year." He told me the number is seven or eight. The only thing I could say in response is "how many boys are alive because of football." 

I know a significant number of parents who are very passionate about their sons not playing football; I do believe it is a personal and important decision. My only hope is that they are as passionate about their views on the usage of drugs and alcohol for their teens. I mean that.

Ben Reiter writes, the NFL hopes that "the movie offers an opportunity to publicly talk about player health and safety and what the league's doing to pursue the goals that we've set, then we welcome the conversation." It does and it should. I guess I'm used to organizations with money and power covering things up. In this case, the NFL should reclaim the words that emblazon their glass doors on their Park Avenue office in New York City. The league promotes: RESPECT—INTEGRITY—RESPONSIBILITY TO TEAM—RESILIENCY. Those ideals must fuel a commitment to learn more, be transparent, acknowledge the danger and ameliorate the risk.

I think every person who is hungry for the truth ought to find it. Some good sources on this particular subject include:

• Bennet Omalu, Concussion, and the NFL: How One Doctor Changed Football Forever   by Jeanne Marie Laskas, featured in GQ Magazine in 2009 
• League of Denial by Mark Fainaru-Wada and Steve Fairaru
• Frontline Special: League of Denial

You may wonder why we care. Why do we spend so much of our time, money and energy on a game like football? Why are we so passionate about our home teams and make heroes out of its players? Because as the movie says "It's a mindless, violent game. And then it's Shakespeare."

I paused when I heard those words. We often do when we hear and realize the truth. And remember—it doesn't have a side.

Photo Credits
Dr Omalou
League of Denial
NFL
Will Smith