Heart, The Win Column and Why Belt Loops Matter in Football
Nick Fleming
Article posted on 12/15/2013

A great man once said, "It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit."

Let's talk about snappers.

No glory in their job. None of the stats. None of the fanfare. And yet, a team lacking a skilled long snapper can be seriously undermined. Scholarships for snappers used to be rare, but have become more popular as colleges begin to recognize the importance of special teams. And justifiably so. Special teams can make or break you in the game of football.

It takes a certain type of individual to step onto that field each practice, each game, knowing that all their work typically won't get them an ounce of credit or recognition from the folks in the stands. And yet, those warriors show up. They put the work in. And they do it for their team. Every team has that QB, or running back or wide receiver that gets all the press. That puts up the stats. That the crowd loves. Even the kickers and punters are getting love! But the only time that snapper gets acknowledged is when he screws up. So I'd say it takes a lot of guts and heart to continually put yourself in that position. The unsung hero. They're out there for the love of the game...for the team. And you know what? The team would collapse without them.

Nope, there's no stat column for these guys. There's no post game interview...no "celebrity". But there's also no extra point. No game winning field goal...there's no high deep punt setting the opposing team up with horrible field position...there's no check in the "win" column. Ah so wait, maybe we've just stumbled upon it. THAT'S the stat column we've been looking for. So every time you see the check go in that "win" column, know that a snapper had a lot to do with it...though you won't hear about it at all. Like I said, it takes a certain type of individual. An exceptional individual. The epitome of "team" member.

A belt holds your pants up, but the belt loops hold that belt up.

Take care of your snapper. Don't be caught with your pants down.

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