With the exception of an annual teacher-versus-student flag football game, I have played football exactly twice in five years despite my desire to play much more often.
What I really want is to play tackle football, but as a man in his forties, with friends my age or older, this has been impossible. Even the handful of millennials whom I count as friends do not want to play tackle football with me (which should come as no surprise).
Though I would play tackle football in a heartbeat if asked, perhaps my inability to find such a game has been a blessing.
Almost five years ago, I played a flag football game with friends that led to a collision between my head and my friend’s torso. I don’t actually remember the collision and was likely concussed (but after a few minutes continued to play), and my friend was X-rayed three days later and discovered that he had two broken ribs.
In October, I played a game of two-on-two touch football. On the first play from scrimmage, I dove for a sideline pass and hurt my shoulder. It was hurt ever since. Two weeks ago, I began physical therapy on what may be a torn rotator cuff.
I love football, but perhaps it doesn’t love me back.
Or maybe I should stop playing the game as if a Super Bowl title is on the line.
Either way, I’m still looking to play. Two-hand touch, flag, or tackle. Whatever I can find.
But tackle would be great.
