Still Thinking About This Guy

Been trying to write something coherent on the complex moral and ethical entanglements that come with the news that the Big Ten will attempt to play football this fall but haven't been able to do it. It's a tricky, personal topic and quite honestly, it's tough to write with humility and exasperation for the future without opening up one's self to criticism that you're rooting against football or players who really want to do the thing they love. Because that's not true either.

Plus, I'm still thinking about this guy.

I’ve spent the past 188 days fighting to save Big 10 football. Today, we accomplished the mission.

Much like the Osama Bin Laden raid or D-Day, you never know when your number will be called to serve. All you hope for is to execute your job and the mission.

We did just that.
— David Hookstead (@dhookstead) September 16, 2020

I never asked to be a hero in the fight to save Big 10 football. I just wanted to watch the Badgers play.

That's the thing about heroes. We never ask to be in these moments. We just happen to find ourselves here.

Thanks to everyone who joined in the fight. Now, let's play.
— David Hookstead (@dhookstead) September 16, 2020

To the Nebraska, Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Iowa and other Big 10 fans who joined the fight, we’re friends for life.

We’re enemies on the field, but we’re band of brothers after fighting on the frontlines to save football.

You see me in a bar and the drinks are on me.
— David Hookstead (@dhookstead) September 16, 2020

"It's been a long war. It's been a tough war." - Band of Brothers

Today is a day that will forever be remembered in history. On this day, the Big 10 won the war to save college football.

I'm proud to have served with each and every one of you. pic.twitter.com/rmgmnkDXIr
— David Hookstead (@dhookstead) September 16, 2020

Just not a real guy a person expects to see out there making waves in the pool. Intrigued to see what's next for him.

Maybe tomorrow on that weightier Big Ten piece.

Thanks to everyone for their service, either real or imagined.