My Cherished, Professionally Signed Football

Football. It has become more of a female fan sport over the years, but I don't know that many women who have signed footballs or cherish a plethora of sports memorabilia. But for those of us who do, what we have means a lot to us. And mine is a football I was given at the Washington Redskins 70th Anniversary Gala.

The gala was held in 2002 in honor of the team that started (as the Boston Football Braves) and entered the National Football League (NFL) in 1932. The team made the move to Washington DC in 1934. My husband and I attended this gala because he works for the NFL, and at the time, he was covering the actual seasonal game that weekend.

Because my father took us to many games in the 1970's and 80's at RFK Stadium, we were always big fans of the Redskins. Joe Gibb's was hired as head coach in 1981 and this lead to some fantastic years for the Redskins and their fans. I remember all the players like Joe Washington, Joe Theisman, Dave Butz, Darryl Green and so many more. And at this gala, there were all these greats, Art Monk, Joe Gibb's, just milling around, waiting to shake your hand, take time to talk to you or sign your football.

I took full advantage, not only for myself, but for my father who took me to all these games. I was so proud to meet these men that entertained us and made us true football fans. I was lucky enough to get Joe Gibbs, Mark Mosely, Joe Jacoby and many more to sign my 70th anniversary football. It is something my family will always cherish.