We’re often asked throughout the year which season is our favorite. For me, the choice is easy: fall. And with fall comes football, a season I eagerly anticipate every year.
Now that I’m married, some might wonder if my wife is at risk of becoming a “football widow.” Well, not really—though my multitasking skills are certainly put to the test as I balance my “honey-do list” with my football-watching activities. Fortunately, my wife has grown into more of a fan lately, which helps ease the situation. I also try not to be completely glued to the television during football season, though having sports apps on my phone has come in handy—sometimes too much. I once walked into a big aisle end-cap display in a store while checking scores on my phone!
Watching football has always been a cherished activity for me, especially since it was something my dad and I did together for as long as I can remember. Losing my dad in June 2020 changed everything, and the 2020 and 2021 seasons were particularly tough without him. Watching football without him just wasn’t the same. Will it ever be? In one way, no. But in another way, it will be—because it’s up to me to create new memories. Now, I get to watch football with my father-in-law, who loves the game just as much as I do. I can’t wait for the season to start.
And football season is almost here. After a long, hot summer, fall is finally approaching, bringing with it the excitement of football. I’m counting down the days until the LSU Tigers kick off their season on Sunday, September 1, at 6:30 p.m. against USC at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. It promises to be an exciting game, and I can’t wait!
I’ve been a football fan all my life. I played football from my youth through middle school, until I became more interested in music and band. Realizing I couldn’t do it all and still keep my grades up, I chose band, but my love for football never waned. I’ve always been a huge fan.
One of my earliest football memories is flying to New Orleans with my mom and dad when I was six years old to see the New Orleans Saints play the Baltimore Colts and QB Johnny Unitas at the old Tulane Stadium. It was 1967, the Saints’ inaugural season, and I still vividly remember standing with my dad by the tunnel, waiting to see Johnny Unitas emerge.
A few years later, I watched the Dallas Cowboys play their traditional Thanksgiving Day game in 1974—the game where Clint Longley came in for an injured Roger Staubach and threw a bomb to Drew Pearson for a touchdown with less than 30 seconds left. The Cowboys won 24-23 against the Washington Redskins. I’ve been a Dallas Cowboys fan ever since, and I was thrilled by their championships in 1971, 1977, 1992, 1993, and 1995. Watching what Dak Prescott and the Cowboys have accomplished in recent years has been incredible. I truly believe the “Big Game” is in their future.
Of course, I also root hard for the New Orleans Saints. I was ecstatic when they won the Super Bowl in 2009—finally! Although the Saints appear to be in a rebuilding phase this year, I’m cheering them on and wishing them great success.
As a lifelong and die-hard LSU fan, I’m still reveling in the glory of our national championships in 2003, 2007, and the magical 2019 season. This season’s schedule looks tough, but expectations are high, and everything is looking good. We have hopes for a great LSU football season under head coach Brian Kelly, now in his third year.
Finally, I can’t wait to be on the sidelines taking photos at high school and middle school football games. The season kicks off in just about three weeks! If you see me at a local game, please stop by and say hello—it always means so much to me. So here’s to fall, and here’s to football!
Randy Brown is publisher of the Minden Press-Herald.