Football stimulates many emotions. Fans maintain almost fanatical loyalty. As evidenced by the massive team jerseys, bumper stickers, and ever imaginable item in the team colors or team logo sold on a daily basis. Game day in Denver seems to turn orange and blue. I even knew a man who was so an avid fan that he decorated his Christmas tree in the team colors.

Football teaches teamwork, sportsmanship (hopefully) and strategic planning. Another unexpected motivation appeared in the story of a college quarterback. I applaud his initiative both before and after the play.

The two minute warning had recently been issued indicating that the game was nearing completion. Before the team returned to the field to take possession of the ball, the coach instructed the quarterback to "play it safe." His team led the scoring by 6 points. Being conservative at this point in the game with possession of the ball should result in a victory. This particular quarterback possessed an excellent throwing arm but he was not known for his speed on the field.

Being an innovative and daring young man, this quarterback took charge of the pre-play huddle with the statement, "The other team expects us to be conservative and so does coach. Let's surprise both of them and add one more score. Billy, you go long and I'm going to throw a pass to you. We'll go out in a blaze of glory."

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The quarterback indeed threw a long pass. When the quarterback dropped back and launched the ball into the air, the opposing cornerback (a champion sprinter) sprung into motion.