Steven Zimmerman

From Jersey & though living in Florida since '83 I’ve remained a Giants fan & as tough as that can be at times, that’s not why I love football

Husband, Father & for the past years, a Pop Warner volunteer Football Coach. Yes, like most dads I played some ball on and off the field, and always wanted our Son to play. There are many sports, to date Tyler has played; t-ball to baseball, soccer, basketball, volleyball, flag football, golf & even ran cross country. Lessons from all, but in my mind, there's no greater testament to team and true teamwork as those learnt from Football.

Even when he was small, I wanted Tyler to play football, but on his terms and of his decision, then through some baseball teammates he came to my Wife and I and asked “can I play football ?” without thinking or looking at my Wife I said joyfully “sure you can Son” …and our journey began.

A lovely day, Tyler’s first stepping onto the gridiron- pads & cleats, wearing his first jersey [still in the garage], but no contact- it was day 1 of conditioning. We made sure he was well hydrated, that's important. Was Tyler apprehensive, perhaps, was my Wife overly concerned [having only one child] we’ll call that a given, but I, well I was ready to sacrifice him to the Football Gods. He did what was asked & had a great time. At the end of that first practice, looking somewhat lethargic, he thanked us. Resting on the ride home, we talked about all he had done, the new friends he had made & what the coaches expected of him & his teammates. Once home, he made his way to the bathroom …and threw up. Looking at me for support, I told him how proud I was of him, and that I probably wouldn’t have made it till I got home. It was the perfect first day.

While I’ll forebear the years of in-betweens, though each year receiving the honor of All American Scholar-Athlete, its been wonderful. Not all winning seasons, but not all losing either. The dedication of time and effort, the understanding of his own as well as other’s needs, strengths and weaknesses, the relationships made on the field with teammates, and off with cheerleaders. And yet in what seems to me as in the blink of an eye, our six years of Pop Warner football will come to an end after next week’s game – why do I love football; do you really need to ask ?

Steven Zimmerman; Husband, Father, proud member of the Pop Warner Family & volunteer Football Coach