Fall has always been an exceptional time in Minnesota. This time of year brings autumn beauty, cool days, back-to-school (sort of), and football. Season-wise, fall is a heavy favorite for most Minnesotans.
Both my wife and I have lost our enthusiasm for watching pro football. For me in particular, it’s not for the reason you may think. All my life, I have been a sports nut. You name it, I loved to play it.
As a youngster, I would comb through the Sunday sports page. I was always immersed in sports. My wife is still amazed when I recall a sports statistic from the 1960s, yet lose my reading glasses and truck keys daily.
Playing sports, competing, and staying involved in high school sports as an official improved my life. I wouldn’t change a moment of it, not the long drives, ankle sprains, pulled hamstrings, or meniscus tears. Being active and having teammates and fellow officials who became friends for life were the rewards.
The reason I will watch very little of the Minnesota Vikings is simply time. Time seems to travel even faster in retirement. It’s slipping away. Time is relentless. It’s not about players taking a knee. It’s not about constant advertisements, or the players and owners fighting over billions of dollars.
It seems the older I get, the more I am drifting away from professional sports. Despite my love of the games, my priorities have evolved.
Before COVID-19 entered the picture, there were other factors affecting this change in me. When it came to watching games on television, it’s difficult for me to stay inside on a beautiful fall day.
As far as going to games, it’s the cost, crowds, driving and parking, and it’s hard to feel connected to someone making $30 million a year. The old saying is “There’s no 'I' in team,” but it seems there are too many I’s in teams these days.
Most Sundays, grandkids come over to our house. Neither grandkid gives a rip about football, so I’m no longer going to spend three hours watching it and whining about our quarterback while they are bored.
During the first Vikings game, my granddaughter and I were outside hitting the birdie over a badminton net and shooting baskets. During the Vikings' second game this year, we got out a deck of cards and played rummy.
The pandemic has kicked many of us around a bit. Job loss, kids not able to go to school, and not being able to see and visit family and loved ones. It has scared us, and changed our lives, routines and priorities.
Years ago, I admired certain ballplayers. As we age, we realize heroes may still wear a uniform, but they're not ballplayers. They are our medical staff, caregivers, first responders, teachers, law enforcement, and all those working in various stores and businesses who are going the extra mile.
At kickoff times next Sunday, shut that television off and recognize one of these heroes. Call and thank somebody, visit someone, write a letter, send an email or a text. Recognize and thank those who are making a difference during this difficult time. They deserve recognition. Visit with your neighbor. You can always talk about how bad the Vikings are.
If it comes down to watching the Vikings or spending time with family, the Vikings are going to lose every time. At this point in my life, that’s just the way it is.
Loren Else lives in Rochester and also writes the Post Bulletin’s “Day in History” column. Send comments and column ideas to Loren at news@postbulletin.com.
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