(This is the third and last of a 3 part overly dramatic, cheezily worded, tongue-in-cheek series about the NFL off-season. Hey, now it can really be called a series because it has 3 parts. In any case, click here for the first one and here for the second one)

There has been a rumbling off in the distance for quite some time. I remember the last great storm back in February and it was drenching, draining, satisfying. Since then the rumble has grown louder at times only to fade away and tease us with storms to come. In April the thunder came close then receded. In June it came closer still only to disappear completely during July.

August, it returned blowing back strong with the worst/best of it almost here, instead remaining just out of reach. Sure we got wet and the winds blew but the center of the storm was a flickering glow on the horizon. It was nice but didn't seem quite real. And then it backed off once more but remained nearby, regrouping, gathering itself together to send its fury unhindered.

All is right with my world. Summer has just about passed and once again the morning greets me with the welcome squeal of the school bus braking outside my window. The clanks and beeps of pre-dawn garbage trucks are comfortingly familiar. Whether sunny, cloudy, humid, or rainy, it matters not when I go outside. The weather seems just perfect. Even the blowhard on the morning sports talk show seems spot on. Maybe not spot on but I have no urge to rage against the radio machine today. The increasing storm surrounds me, shifts me closer to my center.

Yes, yes, the rumble on the horizon has definitely gotten stronger by the day, by the hour. Now close enough to feel it's presence if not it's touch. It promises a deep cleansing rain full of lightning and screaming winds and thunderous excitement. A strong wind is coming that will blow us into our futures. A fresh future, a renewal with possibilities I welcome eagerly.

Today the storm arrives, coming fully into focus and strength, unleashing its power across this nation. I can imagine being out in it surrounded by 50,000+ of my football brethren. Waiting impatiently for it to begin, gathering ourselves, gaining energy. The growl in the stadium growing louder, more insistent as we close in on the kick-off. The promise of things to come, the Sunday winds of hope swirling madly around us today and for the next five months.

The home team’s inflatable tunnel is now on the field. We see glimpses of players inside the end zone entrance pawing the ground, hitting each other, bleeding off excess adrenaline. The rumble in the crowd has coalesced into the drumming of more than 100,000 feet. Over the loudspeakers the announcer begins "Ladies and gentlemen...." and the thunderous crowd erupts. Jumping up, fans howl strong and stomp, shaking the steel and concrete structure underneath.

After months of waiting our storm is unleashed; we are united as the players run on to the field. The rumble is upon us and the new season soothes us to our cores. We ARE ready for some football.

Go team.

comments: OPhinions@yahoo.com