Despite being a self-proclaimed “sports geek” I never had much of an opinion of the University of Georgia’s football program. Being on the west coast, they just didn’t have much of a presence in our lives out there. Partly because nothing they did back then really stood out. That is until one Saturday in October of 2007. On that day, after scoring a touchdown against the Florida Gators, Head Coach Mark Richt sent his entire team onto the field to celebrate with their teammate, Knowshon Moreno. Yes, the celebration drew a flag and criticism. No doubt an expectation of Coach Richt. What it also drew however, is attention. For those who had little awareness of the program before the game, left that game very aware of the Bulldogs. Suddenly people were talking about the Georgia Bulldogs and their never before seen celebration. A celebration all of the people (high school athletes) around me (granted, I wasn’t accompanied by any Gator fans) absolutely loved. Football is a game. It’s supposed to be fun, regardless of what some might tell you. WHAT IF you ran your entire team out onto the field every time you scored the first touchdown in a game?
Statements > penalties.