Atticus   

Bound for Denver from my connection in Atlanta, I was sitting in a window seat three rows from the back of the plane. I’d chosen it that morning when, during online check-in, I realized how many empty seats remained in that section.

I like to sit in a row with an empty middle seat when I can because it gives me room to stretch my legs and maybe even secure a position for sleeping.

But shortly before take-off, a family of six – a dad, a mom, three daughters and a son – made their way down the aisle in my direction. After the father stowed every piece of their carry-on luggage, he was (much to my relief) the only one to take a seat in my row.

When he first saw me I thought I saw him light up just slightly but wasn’t sure why.

Seconds later after he settled in, I got my answer.

“So how do you think your boys are gonna do this fall?” he asked as he nodded his head and shifted his eyes toward the Auburn baseball cap on my head.

I smiled. “I’m hopeful, but we have a new offensive coordinator, new defensive coordinator and new offense. So it’s tough to say.”

We spent about the first 45 minutes of the flight talking about nothing other than the upcoming season.

It was flattering. Because I’m a graduate of a member of the Southeastern Conference, by default I was treated as a man in the know. It felt good. He—an Ohio State fan living in NFL-focused Colorado—was hungry to talk college football and knew I could fill his plate.

It’s not just a sport to Southerners. It’s an institution, a family tradition, a common bond. And I’m so glad it’s finally here.