Why I Never Miss a Game (or Leave the Sideline)

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine asked why I felt the need to attend every single one of my husband’s football games. Another friend, after coming to a game himself, wondered why I stand on the sidelines instead of sitting in the bleachers. Their questions caught me off guard because to me, the answer is obvious. But to them, it was odd enough to ask.

And so I’ve been reflecting on why I never miss a game, why I always choose the sideline, and what it really means to show up as a coach’s wife.

Why I Show Up to Every Game

I show up for my husband. It’s really just that simple. Coaching asks a lot of him, from his energy and focus to his heart and commitment. He pours himself into his players, his staff, and his program, and it all culminates in those beloved Friday Night Lights. But the truth is, it doesn’t always pour back into him.

So I go, week after week, to make sure there’s always someone in his corner. Someone who understands where he’s been and where he’s going. Someone who will celebrate when things go right and lift him up when they don’t.

When my friend asked me why, I told her: Because he’s my best friend, my partner. And that’s what you do for your best friend and partner; you show up.

Why I Stand on the Sidelines

Standing on the sidelines is Eddie’s request and one I happily honor. Just the other day, he told me how much it comforts him to glance to his right or left and see me standing on the sideline with a warm smile. He doesn’t require it of me, but he appreciates it. And that’s reason enough for me.

And honestly, I love it there. The sidelines are a pretty exciting place to be. I can hear the chatter, the calls, the disputes, and the celebrations. I can catch Eddie’s eye and sometimes even sneak in a quick word. I’ve never sat in the stands, so I don’t know what I’d be missing. But he tells me when he gets to the college level, I’ll have to find out! For now, I’ll take the front-row seat that lets me experience the game as he experiences it, as well as sit in awe of his talent and skill.

The Tradition of Showing Up

Coming to his games and standing on the sidelines is not something new. I’ve done this since the beginning. Long before Eddie was Head Coach. And long before we were even officially together.

He invited me to a game back when he was Defensive Coordinator, and I was ready to sit in the bleachers like any other colleague. Instead, he got me a sideline badge. That first night, standing just a few feet from the players, hearing the whistles and the chaos, getting to sneak a kiss or conversation in, I was hooked. From then on, under every set of Friday night lights, I’ve been on the sideline.

Showing Up While Pregnant

Usually, I don’t think twice about my routine. But this season is a little different because I’m pregnant! (If you’re reading this when it goes live, you’re one of the first to know!) Fatigue hits harder, and I’ve had to think through how to keep showing up without overexerting myself. For away games, I’ve been riding with the team instead of stressing about traffic, parking, or directions. On the sidelines, I haven’t hesitated to sit if there’s a bench or chair nearby, even if it means being a little further away.

Being a coach’s wife during pregnancy has taught me that showing up doesn’t mean pushing myself past my limits. It means finding sustainable ways to stay present and supportive because that’s the real gift.

What It All Comes Down To

At the end of the day, it’s about partnership. You should want to be your partner’s biggest fan, and you should support them in the way that they feel supported.

It may not look like anyone else’s version of showing up, and it may not make sense to your friends, but if it makes sense to you and him, that’s all that matters.

So yes, I go to every game. And yes, I stand on the sidelines. Not because I have to. But because I want to. Because this is what showing up in marriage looks like for us.

How do you show up for the people you love? Maybe it’s not standing on a football sideline, but I bet you have your own version of being present. Share this post with someone who always shows up for you, or drop a comment with your story!