During the school year, my son Eric plays high school football. It has been a real pleasure to watch Eric doing something he loves so much. It’s also been great to see so many of Eric’s teammate’s parents supporting their children. That means a lot to kids. Too often during my NFL career I saw young men who didn’t have that support while they were growing up, they had to figure things out for themselves.
If you’re a father, your children should never have to go it alone. Do whatever it takes to make time for your kids. If it means telling your boss you can’t work late every night because you want to make it to your child’s soccer game, pray about it, and then ask your boss if you can talk to him.
Take a stand.
I remember having to stand my ground once so that I could be with Eric. It happened when I was coaching the Colts in a game against the Jaguars in Jacksonville. I’d made it a habit to have Eric or James with me on the field during our games-their reward for keeping up with school work or helping out around the house. Well, a security guard came up to me and told me that Eric would have to leave the field. After I explained to him that Eric would not be leaving the field, he told me that League rules required it. I told him that if Eric left the field, I would too, and so would our team. Eric got to stay on the field.
Take a stand for your kids.
