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Niagara Gazette — I’m not a football expert. I don’t even “play one on TV.” I am, by way of life’s circumstances, a “daughter-sister-girlfriend-wife-mother” of the game that has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Through the years, I’ve learned to appreciate football and not ask too many questions during the big plays—(questions asked during the game somehow always seem to evoke laughter).
Since moving to Western New York a lifetime ago, I’ve watched Super Sunday become a bit of an un-official holiday. During the glory years of the Buffalo Bills Super Bowl dreams, I began to realize that Super Sunday is, for many Americans, another reason to get together with family and friends to celebrate & savor a unique slice of American life.
The Super Bowl is conducive to friendly rivalries, laughter, fantastic fans, food, fellowship and fun — even if our beloved Buffalo Bills are once again NOT in it. For those of you who watch only for the halftime show or the commercials, it’s still a reason to enjoy.
Some of my fondest childhood memories are of my grandfather, dad and uncles gathered around the big consul TV at my grandparents’ home cheering, laughing and talking during the holidays, while my grandmother, mom and aunts gathered in the kitchen to celebrate, prepare and serve the holiday meal. Football was always in the background — even in the “glorious days” of black and white television!
Growing up with three brothers, I remember the electronic football game sets with the plastic players that ‘vibrated’ their way down the metal field, whenever the game switch was turned on. I even remember the revolutionary onset of Monday Night Football, and the matching home Monday Night Foot Ball Game.
It was while learning to play these games with my three brothers that I learned some of the basics of football. Afterwards, my brother David would teach me how to throw a football in the back yard — I actually got pretty good at throwing a ‘spiral’ pass! Nowadays, people can actually take classes on understanding the game of football!
My love for music opened the doors of my high school marching band, and I learned a new level of appreciation for football games. As an instrumentalist, and as a baton twirler, I marched in halftime shows for every home and away game for all four years of high school. There is nothing quite like the excitement and school spirit of a high school football game!
After watching so many live games, and with the steady dose of football at home, I was a well seasoned pseudo-fan of the sport when I met and married my college sweetheart. Defensive end Vince Davis played for the division one Cornell University Big Red Bears.
It seemed only natural that all four of our sons played football in middle school and high school. Our eldest son Vincent (who shares this column with me) even played at Rich Stadium in his sophomore year with the varsity Lockport Lions. Some of our dearest friends are parents we met in the football stands, cheering our sons on — rain, snow or shine.
The ultimate game is almost here. This Super Sunday, I hope you will make time to celebrate with the people you love, and savor the football experience — even if you have no clue who’s playing the game!
Jackie Davis is an Inspirational Vocalist, Musician and Speaker with over 20 years of television broadcast experience. You can contact her at jjd.22344@yahoo.com
Jackie Davis is an Inspirational Vocalist, Musician and Speaker with over 20 years of television broadcast experience. You can contact her at jjd.22344@yahoo.com
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