Past, Present, Future...

This morning as I enjoyed a steamy humid morning at training camp this little girl caught my eye...wearing a Simeon Rice jersey, a pair of sparkly Toms shoes, and an attitude of oblivion to the giant men out on the field getting ready to kick off a new season.

She fully represents why I want to write this blog about football. Although she is no older than two and never saw Simeon Rice play she is representing in the jersey. Simeon Rice was one of the great defensive ends on the Bucs' Super Bowl Team. He represents the past in this post. Those guys who we don't want to forget, because they were so great to watch as they did their job.

Today in the present time, she was more interested in watching the people in the stands and playing with whatever she brought from home than what was happening on the field. In fact I am not sure she knew why she was even there! (I could be wrong, as I didn't stop to talk) Those guys on the field at One Buc Place, and 31 other NFL training camps are working through the hot humid weather wearing full football pads and helmets, so I don't want to hear how hot you are!! (Yes, I have to remind myself this too!) They are anxiously awaiting the kickoff to this season, as are we the fans.

This little fan is our female fan of the future! I'm so happy to see that she (or her mom) decided to let her rock the jersey instead of a cheerleader outfit. So ladies, and any guys out there reading this... don't leave your daughters out! Immersing them in athletics will help them grow into self confident and self assured women. They will be strong, and capable. While she may never choose to play football, there are many options out there for her! Look at the 5 teenage girls from the USA that won a gold medal in team gymnastics last night! Encourage her spirit, dedication, and ability to choose what she wants to do!!

Cheers to a new season of football...