I Believe in Penn State Football

In November 2011, one hundred thousand fans gathered at Beaver Stadium to watch a football game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. This, however, was no ordinary game. This game was being played on the heels of sexual assault allegations that rocked the Penn State community, and resulted in criminal charges against school officials, and the firing of coach Joe Paterno. On this day, the community came together to not only watch football, but also forget the feelings of pain and betrayal, and have the emotional toll of the week lifted, even if for only a few hours.  

Football, unlike anything else, brings people together, and not just once either. Week after week, millions join one another in supporting, with all their heart, a few dozen athletes. Being part of such a community is a blessing to me, as I can unite with so many others, many whom I wouldn’t associate with otherwise. At football games, it doesn’t matter if I’ve known a person for years or minutes, I will befriend them, knowing we share a common emotional bond.

On this day, the bonds were bound together tighter than ever. Before the game began, Beaver Stadium, famous for hosting one of the loudest and rowdiest fan bases, transformed into the quietest, as everyone, fans and players alike, took a moment to mourn and reflect. However, once the game commenced, we cheered louder than ever. It was the first time in what seemed like forever that we could immerse ourselves in competition and joy. At this point, we wanted a win… something good that we could take away from this appalling situation.

             But, this was not our game to win, and as time expired, the final score 17-14, Nebraska, we gave the team a standing ovation in appreciation for providing such a critical escape. In mere moments, the weight of the real world crashed upon our heads. Some exhausted fans sobbed, with friends right their to support them.

            The community of football is so important emotionally. As a fan, you know others will be there help you cope and move forward, whether your team loses, or you face a scandal as crippling as we did at Penn State. For some, myself included, this makes football all the more appealing.

That game, despite being a loss, helped prove to the fans that if we stick together, we can push onward, and eventually overcome this pain.