Tackle Football...Finally...

This tough guy has been asking to play tackle football for a LONG...long time.

He played flag football for quite a few seasons...but it just didn't make the cut.

He wanted to "really" play football.

So we finally signed him up to play for the MARA Colts this fall season.

All summer long Tyler counted down the days until the practice started.

He would run around the neighborhood to try and get in some pre-season conditioning.

It hasn't been quite the season he thought it would be.

The position he had hoped to play...he didn't get to.

The coach that demanded respect and loyalty...quit after the first practice.

The teammates that swore to give their full effort...bailed out mid-season.

But Tyler played...and gave it his all...every single practice...and every single game...regardless of the score!

We were proud to watch him emerge as a leader on his team.

Cheering on his fellow teammates and encouraging them to make right choices.

And every time he walked out on that field - he gave it his all.

He played the entire game - every game.

His grandpa was able to make it to one of his games...which made the cheering section double in volume!

And with that extra support - Tyler scored a touchdown and several amazing tackles!! 

It wasn't a winning season...in fact, the Colts lost every single game.

But for Tyler it was a growing season. A learning curve. An opportunity to prove to himself and others what he would do under pressure.

Not sure what the future holds. 

Tyler would like to play another season or two of tackle...but for now...we are thanking God for the season he had...and he escaped with NO injuries!!