What I Miss Most: My Everyday
Football player wants return to guiding routine
Dequan Jackson
In their own words, Colorado State student-athletes share what they miss as the coronavirus pandemic has put life on hold globally
Throughout this very tough nationwide pandemic, we have been stripped of the freedom of participating in our favorite hobbies, activities -- and if we're talking sports -- my livelihood.
Football has become my every day and I've been missing every part of it. I miss the structure. I miss my daily schedule. It's a different feeling to wake up and not have a full schedule; many will enjoy it for a little bit, but it gets boring and old really fast. When I'm home, after my workouts and film study, there is still a full day ahead, and I have a hard time finding out what to do, other than spend time with family.
I am also really missing meetings, lifts and runs with my teammates. We have grown to be a family, and it feels great to work together in preparation for a chance to accomplish our goals. At home, you are still competing with yourself and every other athlete in the nation, but I miss being able to physically strap up the pads and get after it and the satisfaction of knowing you gave great effort and energy in a good practice. I miss hanging out in the locker room and eating with my brothers, especially my linebackers. The laughs do not stop and there is never a dull moment. I am also missing the access to resources like the training room, weight room and fields. This virus is being taken seriously and the normal work spaces have been closed due to safety precautions.
The support that comes with being on a football team is unmatched, and I definitely miss that.
I also miss the energy that each coach and teammate brings, whether it is intensity, humor, football IQ, leadership or just anything that sparks up the rest of the team. The support that comes with being on a football team is unmatched, and I definitely miss that. Football was my path to get a college degree, and even though it may not be my favorite thing, I take a lot of pride in my ability in the classroom and have been Academic All-Mountain West each year I’ve been in college. So if it means getting up to go to class even when I’m not feeling it, I miss that part of being accountable and being a leader, too. Above all I miss living the college athlete life on campus without the distractions that the rest of the world brings.
Through this all I pray that each of the Ram family members and their family, friends and loved ones are safe and shielded from the virus and the other harms the universe has to offer. I also pray for the families who are dealing with the consequences of the virus, and I hope they receive blessings of strength, healing, and endurance. I am also thankful for all the health-care people who are on the front line!