As I reflect on my collegiate career, I cherish the moments of starting in my very first game, winning the conference title in 2005, playing in Nebraska and juking four defenders for my very first touchdown. These memories will forever last. However, what I will cherish most is the person the game has evolved me into and that means more to me than any of the previous special moments.

I remember coaches constantly preaching, “Football is a game of life.” As I think about it, besides God, my family and my education, football is probably the best thing that has ever happened to me.

For four years I had the typical student schedule, but I also had a football schedule that was enough to get the best of me. Order begins with time management, and this is how I attribute football to it.

Being part of a team has allowed me to open up and communicate to people and has taught me the fundamental concept of unity. If I did well but not the entire team, it would be futile because the common goal would not have been met.

Being accountable for my actions causes me to dwell upon the costs and benefits of each single decision I make. If I do what I please on the football field my team could suffer.

Knowing that I am no more important than the next man has allowed me to empathize with others and to love others as God loves me.

Being able to humbly and respectfully receive order and direction has allowed me to continue growth. I understand that I don’t know everything, and am willing and eager to receive insight that can benefit my growth.

I cannot close this article without recognizing the lesson in handling adversity the game has taught me. Not only in football but in life, you will lose some and win some. You may fumble or score. You may get tackled or break a tackle. But, the true value lies when no circumstance can detour one from a goal, and football has implanted this idea in me.

Collegiate football was more than just a game to me. It will have an everlasting effect. Collegiate football has given me tools to become an effective and better Christian, man, employer, husband and decision maker.

Four years of the hot sun, early mornings, long bus rides, and a few cuts and bruises was well worth it.