As Phil Collins would say, “I can feel it coming in the air tonight oh Lord and I’ve been waiting for this moment all my life Oh Lord!” This particular song is special to me because it something I experienced with my brothers every Friday night. In many high school/collegiate stadiums across the country you will hear pump-up songs or team anthems echoing throughout the loud speakers to ignite and inspire your team to press toward the mark. Your adrenalin will be pumping faster than the speed of light when it’s time to go to battle with your teammates.

But before you head to battle, you must prevail in the war which is fall camp. Fall camp is a gruesome but it helps strengthen the bond and build camaraderie amongst the team because you are together twenty-four seven. Football is a brotherhood and as you continue to move through the ranks it only gets better. The game of football has attributed many things to me such as: learning how to effectively balance time, effective leadership skills, developing discipline, and most importantly building life-long relationships with my brothers.

I am forever grateful that my father signed me up to play football when I was five years old, because it helped shape and molded me into the person I am today. As you reflect about being in the trenches daily, think about the guys you line up next to whether it’s on offense, defense, or special teams. Ask yourself am I doing everything in power to ensure my brother is protected? Football is bigger than x’s and o’s and it truly is a bond amongst brothers that will never fade because we have invested so much into the game and our teammates.

Work hard. Be great.

Ashton Henderson was a four-year letterman at defensive back for Michigan State University as well as an honor student and co-author with former teammate Travis Key of “Beyond The Gridiron: How to successfully transition into collegiate football,” a detailed account of what it takes to be a Division I college football player and successful in life. To learn more about their mission and purchase your copy today, visit: www.beyondthegridironllc.com