CRUCIAL CATCH vs SHUT UP AND PLAY

I like people who make the crucial catch, who root and cheer for others to make their crucial catch. I’m a sports fan. That’s what sports fans do.

What else do sports fans do? They see shadows of sports everywhere; they hear echoes of sports talk radio before starting the car.

Most of all, sports fans know the athletes they cheer for are real people. If you don’t know, please continue.

First, if you ask what qualifies me as a sports fan: I’ve been to games in the NFL, MLB, and NBA. I’ve seen rodeos and greased pig chases, run Portland road races, and a 3:32 marathon pace.

Best of all for any sports fans, my kids are fans. We’re all Dallas Cowboy fans. They don’t remember the Danny White years. The Catch from Joe Montana vs the Cowboys? Danny White was the Cowboy QB.

My kids don’t have fading Danny White memories, which were refreshed by Tony Romo, and now Dak. Ever since Troy got chased out of town, his words not mine, the spot has been filled by Super Bowl quality guys trying to get there.

Which is the essence of life, don’t you think?

People Trying To Get There

From the Associated Press piece:

“Every year, we know how important our work with the American Cancer Society is to bring Crucial Catch to life on field and in our communities. Raising awareness of the importance of getting screened and raising much needed funding are more important this year than ever before,” said Melissa Schiller, director of community relations for the NFL. “We’re proud to work with the American Cancer Society to provide funding for CHANGE grants in underserved communities, which have already impacted over one million lives, and we look forward to continuing our work together.”

The joke about the the NFL is that it doesn’t stand for National Football League, it stands for Not For Long.

But, it’s no surprise to find such long term involvement between the world’s highest profile league and the highest profile cancer awareness programs.

Together they create a conversation about cancer screening. And the conversation spreads.

1. The NFL: $13 billion

What the NFL lacks in international appeal it makes up for in its religious following around the U.S. Despite a recent decline in popularity, reports Forbes, the NFL has successfully turned itself into a juggernaut thanks to a devoted fan base, weekly drama, and the rise of fantasy football. While other leagues might have a greater global reach, no sport connects with Americans quite like football.

Football is a hurting game won by the better team. With Crucial Catch, the hurting game delivers a blow against cancer. If fantasy football kooks hear about cancer awareness enough, they might get screened.

More than likely, their partners will notice something and make an appointment for them. That’s how happily married guys work. I talked to a few of them during HPV16 neck cancer treatment.

Cancer Round Two

An older man and woman entered the radiation waiting room. I had already cleared out the negative vibes so we had it all to ourselves.

Me: Howdy. I’m here in the shop for neck cancer. First time. You?

I liked to start interviewing early since the radiation tech could call at any time. Not everyone engaged in the talk.

Lady: Good morning. This is our second time.

The man looked defeated. Then I found out why.

Me: If you don’t mind me asking a couple of pros, I’m wondering how to talk about cancer to anybody. What did you guys do?

Lady: The first time we told everybody and we all celebrated remission together. This time we’ve only told our kids.

Man: It was hard enough talking to the doctors. After we told everyone, I had to talk to them all about cancer. The fewer you tell, the less you have to dwell on it.

Me: I’m thinking cancer awareness. Early detection. Have your heard of Crucial Catch?

Lady: No, but we will look into it. Did you detect cancer early?

Me: More my wife than me. I thought I was growing neck muscle. It was a lump of neck cancer.

Man: I quit smoking and drinking because of that.

Me: This wasn’t from smoking and drinking.

Man: It has to be from smoking and drinking.

Me: The doctors call it HPV 16 neck cancer. It’s a virus with a vaccine.

Lady: Really? A virus? Where does that start?

Me: Yes, ma’am, I’m glad you asked. This is my part for cancer awareness. It starts when the tongue . . .

Dean the radiation tech entered the room.

Dean: Gillaspie? Time to check in.

I followed him out of the waiting room.

Me: Did you warm up the table?

Dean: This table’s always warm. Sounded like you were warming up for another HPV awareness class. I’m sorry I had to interrupt.

Me: I’ll pick up next time.