Just the kicker

I am the kicker, just the kicker

I know what I am destined to be

I hear the hike of the football

I see the field-goal post ahead

I know this kick will win the game

I am the punter, just the punter

I pretend I am in the NFL

I feel the pressure building

I sense the winning kick

I worry I won’t make it

I stay confident and strong

I am the kicker, just the kicker

I understand what’s at stake

I know I can do this

I know the sounds

I know the feeling

I know the atmosphere

I have been here before

I hear it, there it is, the snap, the hold …

I know it’s time to go

I dream I’m in the NFL

I thrive on the moment as the whole team chases me around the field

I see the Gatorade cooler being dunked on the coach

I am the punter, just the punter

I open my eyes

I see my cleats on the ground

I am sitting down looking at the turf field

I glance up to see my high school team practicing offense

I shake my head

I can hope my dream will come true one day

But …

I am the kicker, just the kicker.

-Aidan Marshall