Football 101

I can't remember the last time I've had so much fun.

Dan managed two tickets to Football 101 through his office, and it sounded like something fun for my mom and me to try out. Neither of us are "football people," though she's much closer than I am.

Let's back up. Football 101 is a benefit for the Marvin Lewis Community Fund. Tickets are a bit pricey (in the neighborhood of $200), and they raise more money through raffles and silent/live auctions during the event.


When dinner and the live auction were over... that's when the fun began. I have to admit I was full of trepidation about heading onto Paul Brown Stadium and running drills. I don't have an athletic bone in my body! But the event was managed in such a way that everyone could have a great time. We ran tackling drills, kicked field goals, suited up in Bengals uniforms, met with coaches in the locker room and classroom, and even had a scrimmage at the end of the night.


There were times when my mom was lying on the astroturf, laughing her tail off. We both spent some time on the jumbotron, and we were able to meet coaches like Jay Hayes and Paul Alexander. And through all the fun and hilarity, I think I managed to learn a thing or two about football. No small feat!


And I'd like to say that Marvin Lewis was awesome. He was so engaged throughout the entire night, managed to raise a ton of money during the live auction, and was very encouraging and supportive to the women running around making fools of themselves. The energy was buzzing all night, all the way from 4:30 to almost 10pm.


Even if I can't score free tickets next year, I might be persuaded to buy a pair!

Football 101: http://www.marvinlewis.org/football101.aspx
Marvin Lewis Community Fund: http://www.marvinlewis.org/default.aspx
More photos and videos from my first time at Football 101: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rrrrred/sets/72157625041778999/