Delay of Game by Amy Stephens

Football.
Some say it’s America’s most loved sport.
Sixty action-packed minutes of tackles, blocks, and game-changing plays that are talked about long after the final whistle is blown. Stadiums packed full of fans with their faces painted and sporting their favorite player’s jersey, shouting chants at the tops of their lungs, while waving posters with creative slogans. Game day was never more exciting.
Let’s not forget about the players, though.
Sweaty, muscular men decked out in protective shoulder pads and tight-fitting spandex pants. Oh, those pants…
One thing’s for certain, the view from the sideline is much better than the view from up in the replay box. That’s where I’ve been for the last couple years—taking pages upon pages of notes, reviewing questionable calls, and watching countless hours of videos—waiting for my chance to make it down onto the field as an official NFL referee.
Now, three weeks into the season, I’ve been given that opportunity. To be right there on the sideline amongst them. Sure, I’m nervous I’ll screw up and call out the wrong penalty or give the wrong signal. But if I can just keep my focus on the game instead of Chance Coker and all of his deliciousness, I just might have a permanent spot on the field for the remainder of the season.
So yeah, football…it’s all that and then some.