FOOTBALL

Athleticism. Clad in shoulder padding, helmets, nylon, spandex, and breathable polyester mesh. The survival of the fittest, the strongest and the fastest. Egos bruised, broken bones and concussions. Rivalry, bragging rights and home-field advantage. It's mildly-mannered, rough and in the south, some call it a religion. Protracted angst, adrenaline rush, and holding your breath with 20 seconds on the clock - anything is possible. Hail Mary! The fans go wild in unison, the cheers get louder, the ritualistic chanting drowns out even the play on the field. Hard-hitting, double coverage, third and long, move the chains! Stadiums built to hold the masses, to tailgate, to root for your team. Team colors displayed proudly, faces painted, and banners stating the facts. It's stats, polls, bowl games and being in the top ten. In your face, noise, and fans spilling on to the field after a one-point win. It's September through January, prime time and cable. Victory! Defeat! Football is sport, amplified.