Clemson Football: A Much-Needed Change In Perspective

Author’s Note: I’ve been away from the keyboard most of this summer and not by choice, I assure you. I just wanted to say, I’ve missed my fellow Clemson Junkies and here’s to having a great season!

It’s funny how life can deliver a gut punch and you never see it coming. Honestly, it tests your soul, your strength and your reality. That is an unfortunate part of life and yes, football as well. However, how you deal with it, defines you. I’ve come to the realization I’ve been defined by resounding negativity.

It’s been a long, hot summer of waiting, ruminating and speculation for many people but particularly long for DJ Uiagalelei and those within Tiger Nation. In a world where winning is everything, sometime life forces you to reshuffle your priorities. So it is with this team, this season and most importantly, this man, me.

I’ve been erratic in my comments about Uiagalelei leading up to the season. I’ve been supportive and critical. I want to believe he’s absolutely going to redeem himself but at times I questioned if he’s unrepairably broken. I am a little uneasy but none of my thoughts mean a thing. It’s just noise and quite honestly, I’m ashamed. I must approach my entire relationship with this program and my expectations for it, more maturely and differently.

Football is not a live or die proposition, it’s a game, period. I believe that it is essential to be proud and grateful for the effort and commitment these young men give every day, 24/7/365. Winning is what they strive for everyday. Maybe, I need to learn to be as passionate about their unwavering commitment as I am the score of the game. No, I’m not saying I don’t care if Clemson wins or loses, I care deeply. However, I take it way too seriously, that’s not a healthy approach for anybody, especially me. I’ve got to relax and enjoy, no matter what.

This new perspective will not happen immediately, it will take commitment and I will evolve as the season unfolds. Why should my commitment be any less than that of these young men, these coaches? This is not a veiled attempt to point fingers at anyone else, no the finger is squarely pointed back at me.

No player on any team should have to bare the constant criticism that Uiagalelei has had to endure. It’s important to remember no competitive athlete ever wants to lose and all the backlash that comes from it. On Monday night, not all, but many preseason concerns will begin to be answered and not all of those answers will be immediately answered positively. It’s going to take time, faith and belief and that has to be exercised.

So, to Uiagalelei and every single member of this team, good luck, stay healthy and most importantly, have fun and enjoy each game. The negative noise from my direction will be much reduced and that’ll be my contribution to this season’s success. Thank God, it’s football time! I will enjoy and savor each game because none of us are promised any game therefore, every one is precious.