As you get older, the way you see things changes significantly. For example, when we were thirteen, $100 was a fortune. Now, it’s about three lap dances. Disney used to be the greatest place in the world. Now, the bar is the greatest place in the world.  Professional athletes were idols, now they’re about the same age as your little brother.

Things change. This became painfully obvious to me when attending the Miami Dolphins vs. the New England Patriots game a week ago. Our seats were amazing, 50 yd line, fifth row, behind the Patriots bench (A special thanks to Hilary Spiewak). Like I said that day, “Hilary isn’t necessarily our coolest friend, but she definitely gets us the coolest stuff.” She didn’t appreciate that comment. Anyway, despite the importance of the game, despite the great seats, all I could think about was how young the Patriot players looked. Even Richard Seymour, who by athletic age measurements is a relic, looked no older than the kid who sits in the cubicle next to me.

The last few months, I never seem to be able to fully commit to any sports game. When I was younger, I could tell you every single statistic of every single starter on any baseball team. I could tell you within a tenth of a point the scoring average for any player in the NBA. Sports were my life. Athletes were the only people I looked up to. Why then, could I not enjoy a game the way I used to. I just assumed it was a growing up thing. I was maturing. I had other interests.  Then, last Sunday, I finally realized what had been pulling me away from sports.

The athletes are simply becoming younger and younger, and I am becoming older and older. I can no longer idolize them. I can no longer strive to be them. Taken to the extreme, it’s like going to my little brother’s soccer game. I hated it. It was just a bunch of kids playing around. This is kind of how I was beginning to view pro sports. Just like some people need attitude adjustments, I had to adjust my opinions and expectations when it came to sports.

Though I can no longer hope to become one, I now have to admire their abilities. I respect their talents. We all know the one kid who can come in and dominate any pick-up basketball game. The ability that is necessary to become a professional athlete is almost beyond comprehension. Take the best player on your little league team, the biggest stud on your basketball team, the fastest kid on your soccer team; Are they playing professional sports? The answer is more often than not, no.
I now have to respect, rather than admire pro athletes. These guys really hit the genetic lottery. No amount of practice or playing time would have made me play like any of them. Once I realized what has been bothering me about sports, I changed the way I thought about these athletes. I can now enjoy sports again. College sports are still stupid, thought that’s another article for another time.