November 24, 2024

Growing up, autumn Sunday afternoons, as well as Thanksgiving Day, were days of faith, food and football. After Mass, we would gather for a mid-day dinner and watch Washington’s games. It was a wonderful way to spend the day, as I had several brothers along with myself who, like my dad, played football in high school. [caption id="attachment_38970" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Bishop Barry C. Knestout (top row, 31) on his high school football team.[/caption] Like attending Mass and sharing a meal, there is a communal aspect to watching the games. Being faithful fans, we shared the excitement of the team making its first Super Bowl appearance in 1973, only to watch them lose to the undefeated Miami Dolphins. Ten years later,…