Modern Gladiators

Since ancient times, competitive sports have been the past-time of the wealthy and the masses.  To this day, you will find company executives sitting shoulder to shoulder with blue collar workers at sporting events, be they baseball, basketball, football, etc.  However, of all the sports enjoyed by American sports enthusiasts, no sport has the drama or the grandeur of ancient times as does American football.

Football is a gladiator sport.  For three hours, the spectators can enjoy their big, muscular heroes compete in an arena, attempting to take possession of a pigskin and bring it home – touchdown.   Watching American football, whether at home on a big screen TV or in the stadium reminds one of ancient foes battling for hero worship.  The participants are bigger than life in their helmets and padded uniforms.  The raw energy of the competition exudes pure physical pleasure to the spectator.  When an opposing player is hit hard by one’s own team there is a cathartic release of joy exhibited by jumping up and down, chest bumps and animal grunts.  When the home team has been pushed back and loses yardage, screaming ensues at the TV and language unbecoming to civilized man, but who cares.

These modern day gladiators don’t need spears, shields or swords.  Their weapons are their bodies.  Their bodies run to capture the prize; block to prevent penetration, and intervene to help a fellow player.  They knock down opponents and flatten them with bodies on top.  They will jump to catch a flying ball and continue to the end zone – all for the joy of the spectators in the stands and at home.  

Football attracts the viewer with the drama of the game and the thrilling anticipation of victory.  No other sport offers danger and elation in one package.   Heroes are born and villains created.  Moreover, there exists the possibility of severe injury that may sideline a player for the rest of his life but there is also the possibility of unvanquished bravery when a player, after being injured, returns to the game triumphant. 

American football is indeed the sport of gladiators – physically challenging, and uncontested in its appeal to the testosterone-driven hunger for brute competition.