Sports are a major aspect of society today all over the world. Wherever one goes, sports will be a topic of interest. One sport at the top of that list in America is football. Football is a sport that has the capability of bringing people together in several ways to cheer for a common goal. There is no wonder why young people across the globe look at these star athletes on television and want to be just like them when they grow up. Athletes are icons in American society. The common person does not understand the work and dedication it takes to even be successful at this sport at the high school level, let alone college or the NFL. For the people who love the game of football and are not able to continue playing past high school, there are alternative ways to still be involved within the sport. Throughout this visual essay titled “Power of Football”, by Jake Viverette, several visual elements are incorporated to detail the power of the sport of football, and show the positive influences that the game can have on a person, as well as a society. 

Putting on a jersey and pads for the first time as a young boy is life changing. As you can see from the first image it is picture day and the boy has a huge smile on his face and is eager to begin playing.  The stance of the young boy is on one knee, a relaxing position that allows him to take quick rest for the photograph. The jersey is oversized without pads but is also comfortable.  He is ready to throw on his helmet and shoulder pads and begin competing against his peers. He is holding the football in the correct form, high and tight, so he is learning basics from the start.  This is a posed photograph that is in a safe environment, an environment different than what he is about to know on the football field for the first time. The boy is holding the football correctly, high and tight, which he just learned for the first time from the photographer. He used an important football skill already getting ready for the photo, that skill is learning how to follow directions. He had to go through a set of instructions to get the perfect photo. 

The next image focuses on an action shot of a senior player who is making a big-time interception. His feet are off the ground, so he had to exert extra energy to make the play The outstretched arms of the player behind him signify the fact that the other player believed he had a chance on the ball, but he was not able to make the play due to the interceptor. The teammate of the interceptor has facial expression says that speaks volumes, his mouth wide open in awe of the catch his teammate his making. The image is taken as a longshot, and it captures the anticipation the players are feeling as the ball slowly reaches the players hands. A game changing interception that is recognized by teammates, fans, and coaches is a moment of glory that a young man will hold onto for the rest of his life. Knowing it will not last long, one must come to realization that he will not be playing football forever. 

In this next image, there is a coach talking to his football players on the sideline. In this image, the coach is the center of attention. He is the bigger image in the picture with a smaller focus on the two players. This is because coaches make players who they are, and without the influence and help of coach’s players would not be able to produce on the field and in life. His hand is up as he is trying to instruct his players on a certain technique. The player on the far left seems be watching the game and not playing attention to his coach, which may be a contributing factor to why he is currently on the sideline and not in the game. The coach has a hand on one knee, as he is using all his energy to implore his players to follow directions. This appears to be either the head or assistant coach because of the headset, so he is calling plays for the offense or defense. The players are sweaty and tired, so the coach is trying to pump them up and help them rally towards the finish of the game. Coaches help player’s process information and give them the right tools to be successful. The game of football can be used to help achieve higher aspirations later in life and that is what coaches preach to their players. 

Football is more than just a game, communities and families live off football. This next image shows how relationships and communities can come together through the sport. In this image, older men and women all have bright smiles on their faces and are clearly enjoying themselves. The most significant people in this image is the mayor of Atlanta, who is holding a football, as well as the Georgia Tech President. These people have come to celebrate a past victory for their local Georgia Tech team and the apparent expansion of EQUIFAX, which is consumer credit reporting agency that is based in Atlanta. In the center of the image, there is a woman who is holding a pair of scissors to cut the tape which symbolizes the beginning of the expansion of the company.  The sport of football has coincided with an important agency, to make an advancement which simply shows the power of the sport.   These people are dressed nicely wearing suits and blazers, which proposes their wealth and power in society. Also, these people are situated in a corporate office setting, which again provides a stronger example of the respect and authority that they have in the world. 

For those who love the game, but are not given the ability to play the game at the professional level, there are many job opportunities that the sport still has to offer without putting the pads on. The final image depicts a male that is going through a serious phone conversation. He is unable to continue to play the sport he loves, but he can have a career where he can still use the same energy and passion he once used on the field. His tie is unbuttoned, and his hair is messed up as his adrenaline must be increasing very quickly with a daily job that involves so much action dealing with the management of others. His face is slightly sweaty, so the viewer can assume he is constantly on edge with several clients. The facial expression presents a sense of engagement where he is locked into the conversation.   Every day is different for him, he rarely has a dull moment in his profession. If you are passionate about something, chase that passion and make it reality. This is iconic Jerry Maguire, he is always onto the next objective in his life, and his expressions signifies that in this image. He looks persistent, never taking no for an answer. 

Football has the capability to change the dynamics of a person’s life, as well as alter a community in a positive direction. This picture essay is meant to shed light onto the powers of the game, and introduce to an audience the various ways that it can be made possible. The images chosen have various visual elements that can speak to an audience without the use of words, and can also speak to each viewer differently and on a personal level. After viewing this essay, the goal is for the viewer to have a new interpretation on the sport, and to view the game as more than just a sport played on a field. 

