Why we wear the jersey

By Travis B. Key | Posted 12/23/2014

Have you ever taken the time to understand the real reason football players wear jerseys? Is it so we can be identified by the referees in a game? Is it so fans in the stands can tell what team we play for? Is it so our teammates can identify with us? Or does it have a deeper purpose?

As I sit and stare at the green and white No. 13 jersey that hangs on my wall, it is crystal clear to me the true purpose for the football jersey. On the front I see the words “Michigan State” elegantly stitched across the chest. On the back, I see my last name polished across the top. On the chest, back and two shoulders, I see large bright No. 13s boldly popping off the aggressive dark green background. To me, the jersey represents everything and everyone I was accountable to as a student-athlete.

The words across your chest signify the responsibility you have to your school. You are accountable to uphold your commitment to being an intelligent student who uses good judgment in all of your actions – both inside and outside of the classroom.

The color of your jersey represents your teammates and past players who have worn the jersey before you. A legacy was created by those from the past, and your teammates are the ones sweating and bleeding with you every day to make sure everyone upholds that legacy and achieves success on and off the field.

The jersey number stands for the accountability you have toward yourself. You are accountable to grind and never give up in the face of adversity because of all of the hard work and sacrifices you made to prepare yourself for life.

The name on the back of your jersey represents your family and friends. These are the people who have invested in you, broken down barriers for you and pushed you to get better each and every day. You represent everything your family name is built on and are accountable to maintain a high level of honor and dignity around it. You owe it to them to be fully committed to giving your very best at all times.   

Your jersey symbolizes accountability. It’s not just about you. Being a student-athlete comes with responsibility and duty. Every time you put on that jersey, remember what it truly means and who it stands for. Give everything thing you have and make those you represent proud.

Work hard. Be great.

Travis B. Key was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten safety for Michigan State University and is co-author with former teammate Ashton Henderson of “Beyond the Gridiron: How to successfully transition into collegiate football,” a detailed account of what it takes to be a Division I college football player and successful in life. To learn more about their mission and purchase your copy today, visit www.beyondthegridironllc.com.  

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