A young boy used to live with his father alone. He loved playing football and his father always encourage him.
His father never missed a game. Even though his son would always on the bench. Yet his father would always be there in stands cheering for him.
When young man entered high school. He was very determined about playing football. Despite being a bench warmer for all four years, he never missed even a single practice or game.
When the young man went to college, he decided to try out for the football team as a “walk-on.”
Everyone was sure that he wouldn’t make the cut but he did and coach decided to keep him on roaster because he always puts his heart and soul to every practice. At the same time provided the other members with the spirit and hustle they badly needed.
He was so thrilled with the news that he rushed to nearest phone and shared this excitement with his father and told him that he had sent him season tickets fro all college games.
Young boy was persistent and even in college he never missed a practice but still never got to play in game.
It was end of his senior football season and he was on field for practice before big play off game. Just then he received a telegram. After reading telegram young boy became silent and mumbled to coach,”My father died this morning.. Will it be alright if i miss today’s practice?”
Coach gently consoled him and said, “Take rest of week off and you don’t even have to come back for game on Saturday..” and young man left.
Saturday arrived. Game was not going well and in third quarter team was ten points behind. Young boy silently came to locker room and put on his football gear. As he ran onto the sidelines, the coach and his players were astounded to see their faithful team-mate back so soon.
Young boy went to coach and said, “Coach please let me play today..!! I have to play today..”
Coach pretended not to listen to him as he didn’t want to take risk in play off game but young man persisted and at last coach agreed and said, “Alright..!! You can go in.”
When young boy started playing opposing team couldn’t stop him and he played like a star and his team began to triumph. Before long everyone who knew him couldn’t believe their eyes as he had never play in any game before.
In closing seconds of game, Young boy ran all the way for winning touch down. His team won the game and his team mates hoisted him onto his shoulders.
After all concluding ceremony was done everyone left. Just when coach was leaving he saw that young man was sitting quietly in corner all alone. Coach went to him and said, “Congratulation kid, you did great today.. You were fantastic..”
Coach continued and asked him, “You never played in any game before.. Tell me how did you do it??”