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Medal of Honor - Football Style

twhigham Written by twhigham, Monday December 07 2009
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A token of appreciation to players for their dedication to the sport.

 

 

Shannon Bennett was in a lot of pain.

 

The Chicago Bliss had moved the ball down the field relentlessly to within spitting distance of the Tampa Breeze end zone.   It was the second half of the game and time was winding down.  If Tampa could stop Chicago here, they had a chance to get the ball back and hopefully win their home-opener.  

 

The Breeze players had implored their teammates to work together and hold the line.  They knew it would take a gang of Tampa players to tackle Tasha Pryor, Chicago’s strongest runningback, or Saran Dunmore, the fleet-footed speedster.  Both runners anchored a Chicago offense that was rated one of the best in the league.  Ashley Thunder had bravely tried to take on Pryor in the open field and had left the game with a concussion. The impact of their collision could be felt in the stands. Such was the dominance of the Chicago running attack. 

 

Sensing a potential score, the Chicago coach had called a simple right side sweep to the front corner of Tampa’s end zone.  It was a play they’d run earlier for a gain, and there was no reason to think it wouldn’t work again.

 

The clock had counted down the seconds left in the game as both teams had deployed their players along the line.

 

The ball had been snapped and Brandyce Lee, Tampa’s undersized strong side corner, had become engaged on a block by a larger Chicago receiver.  The ball had been pitched and the play was coming to her side of the line. Lee hadn’t been able to fight off the block, but with the tenacity of a wolverine she had held her ground, creating just enough of an obstacle to push the runner back inside, giving Shannon Bennett an opportunity to come from her linebacker position and make the tackle.  It was a good hit and the mass of players went down short of the goal.

 

Now Bennett was at the bottom of a pile of arms and legs, her body bent and twisted on the rock-solid artificial turf. 

 

As the players untangled themselves and separated from the hard floor, the referees didn’t notice that one player was still on the ground, her long blonde hair streaming from under her helmet as she rolled upright and reached for her leg.

 

The defense went into a huddle as the offense swapped out players. A Tampa teammate came over and tried to help Shannon up as the referee spotted the ball and signaled the clock. 

 

But Shannon wasn’t getting up.  Something was wrong.

 

With all of the noise from the crowd and the loudspeakers, the refs didn’t hear the shouts for help. The clock continued to run as the Chicago coach signaled his quarterback.  The Tampa defense went into a loose formation.  Shannon’s teammate ran back to her team, trying to get her captain to call a timeout.

 

Shannon saw that play was about to resume but she couldn’t get up.  Her body was broken and wouldn’t work. So, she did the only thing she could do. She tried to get out of the way.

 

Using her hands, she dragged herself slowly towards the boards like a wounded soldier caught in the open during an artillery barrage, looking for a foxhole before the next shell screamed in.  Shannon Bennett, who had been a defensive force in the middle, had stopped the Chicago run.  Now she was looking for someplace to hide.

 

The Chicago center lined up over the ball.

 

Shannon pushed herself closer to the boards.

 

As Chicago dispersed its receivers preparatory to running the play, the refs did the customary radar sweep down the formation to check for illegalities.  That was when they noticed the modern-day Athena crawling on her back towards the edge of the gritty green concrete rug, her damaged leg trailing behind her.

 

Play was stopped and the medical team came out.  They looked at her leg.  A stretcher was summoned, but never made it onto the field.  She didn’t want it. Pro football player Shannon Bennett wasn’t going out that way.

 

Two teammates pulled her up.  She balanced herself on her one good leg, her arms draped over the shoulder pads of her sisters as she moved towards the exit gate.  Tentatively, she put her foot on the ground, testing her injured knee.  Maybe it wasn’t so bad. Maybe she could come back in. But first she’d have to sit out a play. League rules.

 

Play resumed.  Chicago scored. And later Chicago scored again to seal the game. Tampa couldn’t stop the Chicago rush without their fair-haired linebacker.

 

Bennett never made it back in. She didn’t make the post-game team photographs. She didn’t make the post-game celebrations on the field; the ones that were held despite the team’s loss. 

 

An MVP award is handed out by the league after every game that’s played, and that award is usually given to the individual player who makes the biggest contribution to her team.  And that is usually the team that won.

 

But what about players who work hard, who give it their all, and still end up on the losing side of the equation?  Surely they should be given recognition for their efforts; something to show their character irregardless of the outcome of the game.  Football is a team sport and sometimes the best players end up going home with an “L”.  John Madden recognized this and launched his All-Madden award, and what started out as an informal highlight during a tv broadcast became a source of pride amongst players.  I think something similar should be offered in the LFL. 

 

Number 11 never made it back into the game, but she did make her way onto the All-Whigham team for showing true grit, bravery, skill, and determination on the football field.  She earned it with her play, and with her fortitude.

 

So Shannon Bennett, you’re the first player inducted onto the All-Whigham team. Let all men know by these presents that under your uniform beats the heart of a champion.  Congratulations. You’ve earned it.

 

Long live sport.

 

** Because my local team started so late in the season, I’m going to go back and review game tape of previous LFL contests to identify those players who I believe epitomize the true nature of sport. Watch this space for updates.

 

#11 Shannon Bennett

 


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5 comments


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10minute10minute, over 2 years ago said:

Not just anyone can garnish the respect to the award for "Medal of honor". Skill, determination, risks, respect and leadership are just some of the qualities Shannon Bennett possess. To watch Shannon play is to be amazed. Amazed by the quality of woman she is. Tough as nails, Shannon deserves every bit of recognition. I can't wait for the next game.

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special brownspecial brown, over 2 years ago said:

Also i atended my first LFL game an it is trully a exciting experiment. I have been around football my whole life, played and coaching and this is legit!! You will be surprised at the quality product. I support you should too!

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special brownspecial brown, over 2 years ago said:

Shannon perfect for the medal of honor award since she shows more than beauty, like all pro athletes she shows determination and grit to will her team an teammates to win. Who doesn't love a woman that not only can shop and cook the food but also go out and Hunt it!!

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twhighamtwhigham, over 2 years ago said:

I'm glad you liked it! I posted a link on the Breeze Facebook pages and the players liked it, too. With so many games already played, I have a lot of video to watch, analyze, and conclude. Can't guarantee that I'll get to each game, but hopefully I can watch at least one game with each team and get some familiarity before the playoffs.

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BaduilaBaduila, over 2 years ago said:

I think the All-Whigham award is an excellent idea. Miss Bennett is a worthy recipient. HUZZAA !!