Finally Football Season

There’s something about the first crisp morning of late August that flips a switch in me. It’s not just the cooler air or the back-to-school buzz. It’s football season.

More specifically: it’s Ducks season.

Growing up in Oregon, I’ve been cheering for the Ducks for as long as I can remember. But it really clicked when I was a student at the University of Oregon. There’s nothing quite like walking to Autzen Stadium with a crowd of fellow students, face painted, voice already hoarse, and that buzz in the air that says, this is going to be a good one. Those memories are core to who I am—and honestly, they still get me fired up every fall.

Autzen on game day? Pure magic. The sea of green and yellow, the sound of “Shout!” echoing across the stands, the collective energy of people who care way too much about 3rd down conversions—it’s electric. It’s chaotic. It’s joyful.

And yes, I yell at the TV.
Yes, I have game-day rituals.
Yes, I believe in the power of a good tailgate and a clutch two-minute drill.

But I also see football as something more than just a sport. At its best, it’s about grit. Teamwork. Trust. Learning how to bounce back from a busted play or a tough loss. Watching college football reminds me that leadership isn't just about calling the shots—it’s about building something together, one hard-earned yard at a time.

It’s also one of the few times I really unplug. No consulting, no calendar, no work phone. Just snacks, friends, and four quarters of fully committing to something that doesn’t need to be productive—it just needs to be fun.

And speaking of fun—the first game of the season is this Saturday, and you better believe I’ll be watching. First games always feel like a fresh start. A little nervous energy. A lot of hope. And no matter what happens, I’ll be cheering loud.

So if you’re looking for me this weekend, you know where I’ll be: in green, yelling at a screen, fully committed to the chaos.

Go Ducks. Always.