Saturday, December 8, 2012

The Legend of Johnny Football

Or maybe it should be of Johnny Heisman. Either way, never have I been more proud and overwhelmed by football. Yes, this tops the Aggie vs. Bama game. Barely. But it does. Maybe because that was the major catalyst for him to become the front runner for the Heisman. But both feats--the Heisman and Bama victories--were team efforts. The 12th man stands strong and proud as ever, but maybe that 3rd quarter slump that everyone feels is a little less potent. Maybe our knees and backs are just a little bit strengthened to stand for just a little while longer.

Johnny said that this [the Heisman Trophy] was for the 12th man. I genuinely believe that the 12th Man Spirit was part of his success. But I think we were so pumped because he was always so pumped and we knew how capable his hands were. His victories were our victories. Our campus is always bustling and alive, but Johnny and the fightin' Texas Aggie football team gave us a little extra fire. We anxiously waited to see how he would stun us every weekend, what amazing play he would pull, how he could find Swope or McNeal or Nwachukwu or Evans while he was on the move. How he could turn 3rd-and-23 into a touchdown by some quick moves and his sheer speed. I'm thrilled to be part of his 12th Man. I wouldn't have this season go any other way.

You have to give props to his offensive line. Luke Joekel said it well in his Outlander Defensive Player speech when he said "It's hard to protect someone when you don't know where he is." Johnny's O-Line protected him when he would refuse to stay in the pocket. They blocked. They defended. They stopped. They are a huge reason why the Aggies had such a successful season and why Johnny stayed off of his back and on his feet (most of the time).

I also have to give a thank you shout out to our Brazos River neighbor up in Wacky Waco for taking down Collin Klein. Baylor's defense showed up at the most opportune moment this season and I will always be grateful for that unlikely game where they were able to stop the ball. So, sic 'em?

Manti Te'o and Collin Klein are unbelievable football players and both of whom should have long, successful pro careers. I can't (and won't) take away how incredible they both are at what they do and both of them were well deserving of their nomination. I'm excited to watch both of them perform in their bowl games.

But, Te'o, you'll have to excuse me for pulling against you. Nothing personal--just want to keep those SEC National Champions rolling in. Plus, it'll make A&M look even better because we'll have beaten the champions. So, roll tide?

To everyone who scoffed, snickered, or joked before this season began about A&M in the SEC: You may have been validated then, but please don't try and take away our victories now. We've all seen the error of our ways by rolling our eyes at the idea of a competitive A&M in the nation's toughest conference. Yet it's become clear that the Ags are definitely formidable to anyone. By counting us out, you made our wins even sweeter and, every game, we won a little bit more appreciation and recognition. Let's just all make a pact and not make the same mistake for next season, shall we? Sweet.

It's still amazing to me that a freshman pulled out the win for the Heisman. He's a fellow member of the class of 2015. He threw up some unreal numbers--topping Cam Newton's total offensive yards in one fewer game. He's humble. He's classy. He's appreciative. He's Johnny Football.

I've said it once and I'll say it again:

New coach. New HEISMAN WINNING quarterback. New conference. New victories.

Same Old Army.

Gig 'em, Aggies.