“Put Me in Coach”

Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.

Me to Coach Dan Daniels, head coach of the 1972 Kennesaw Generals 100lb midget league football team:  “Coach, can I go in long enough to score a touchdown?”

He looked at me for what seemed like a full 60 seconds in an intense, piercing way that only Coach Daniels could do.  I mean, when he was mad he had a bark worse than a German Shepard.  But he also had a heart of gold and loved his boys.  Over the course of two years that I had the priviledge of playing on his football and baseball teams, he taught me a lot about the game but also about playing it the right way.

We were playing the worst team in the league and I’d been riding the bench the whole game.  Coach was tough but he was also a gentleman because his game plan was to sit the starters and not run the score up on the opposing team.  I guess they were that bad.

Anyway, late in the game, I really wanted to get in because I had a streak going where I’d scored a touchdown in every game and didn’t want it to end.  I also think were coming down to the end of the season and I knew I wouldn’t be playing for him anymore so that made it even more urgent.  I was usually afraid of him so it’s hard to believe I had the courage to ask him.  In fact, most of the time he was talking to me he’d have to stoop down so he could look me in the eyes because I’d hang my head.  Many times, he’d take my chin in his hand and lift it up so I’d have to look him the eyes when he was talking.  That’s how afraid I was of him most of the time.  But under his coaching, he’d ignited a competitive fire in me that wasn’t going out without a fight.

So I stood there on the sideline and met his gaze, this time without hanging my head for what seemed forever.  Seriously, you’ve heard the term laser eyes before?  He was lasering me and big time.  I still wonder what he was thinking because he never said anything for soooo long.  Just stared at me like he was looking at my soul through my eyes.

Finally, he answered me.  “You can go in for one play.”

Looking back, the other team must have been really bad if he had to think that hard about letting me go in.

So one play it was.  It was a sweep where the quarterback pitches the ball to the running back (me) who is already running to take advantage of the momentum.  I didn’t catch it cleanly and it hit my chest, bounded off, and hit the ground in front of me.  Here’s the part you might not believe but I promise I’m not making it up.  While I was still running forward, the ball bounced off the ground and right into my hands.  I tucked it into my shoulder and took off running.  My blockers took care of the defensive players and I scored keeping my streak alive!  I trotted back to the sideline and happily assumed my position the bench, grateful that Coach let me go in.

Sometimes I wonder what he thought about my question.  I didn’t simply ask to get in the game.  I asked a very specific question.  “Can I go in long enough to score a touchdown?”  Did he think I was arrogant?  Did he think I was obnoxious?  Did he think I could do it?

I’m not sure but I think when he was staring me down, he could see into my soul.  Did he see arrogance? I hope not but I don’t think so.  Remember, I’m the kid that normally hung my head when he was talking to me.  No, I think he saw a little kid with a dream.  A dream big enough to overcome his shyness and be brave enough to go after it.  Oh to have that kind of confidence and faith today.  There’s no telling what any of us could do.

What’s your dream?  If you’re young, go for your dream with everything you have.  If you’re older you might have put your dream up on the shelf in the back of your closet.  It might need dusting off but I believe if you’re honest with yourself you’ll admit the dream is still there.

Don’t give up.  Keep dreaming and take a step forward.  Find someone who believes in you and will support you in attaining your dream.  Be “All In” this week!

Coach Dan Daniels, thank you for believing in my dream and me.