When the seconds tic off the stadium clock for the last time at the end of a season, you know that you have a heart.  It aches.  It is a rare and unusual feeling.  It is deep and shared by teammates in this great game of football.  There is no other sport, that this writer knows of, that compares.  Football is unique because in that face to face, one on one combat, where there are winners and losers, you find who you are and who faces you.  

     The struggle begins in summer workouts, physical strength and endurance are tested, but the grind also challenges your will.  When it's your turn to straddle the board, do you hesitate? do you risk?  Even more important, do you get back up!?  The prideful are humbled, the independent become reliant, the weak become strong, the stoic find a voice and unity becomes power.  Trust is earned.

The boys that complete this journey become men.   Only soldiers can know this bond.  Words on paper can't describe what you know.  But as we look into the eyes of our teammate who walks off this field for the last time, you know... that you know... that they are yours forever.