When most people get involved with the sport of football, they do so in grade school without necessarily aspiring to play professionally years later. From the Pop Warner level, to varsity football in high school, to college football, and eventually the NFL, very few players reach the professional level. Ohio State University estimated that 6.8 percent make it to the college level, and just 0.023 percent make it to the NFL. But not every player joins with any higher aspirations in mind. Young players join (or their parents sign them up) for the structure that team sports provide. You learn to work as a team and take instruction from an authority figure, but perhaps most importantly, you join a community in which you can form lifelong friendships.
‘It’s A Feeling Of Brotherhood’: Chris Hoke Reflects On Bonds Forged Through Football In Pittsburgh
