By Joyce Oscar
When a child goes to his parents and says “I want to play football”, it’s usually the mother that is apprehensive. I know first hand about this feeling. I insisted that my son play flag football before tackle just to make sure he was ready and could handle the athleticism it takes. It didn’t take long before I was a football fan keeping up with stats, showing up to watch practices and purchasing the best of the best in gear.
Meet Tisha Green, mother of wide receiver and free safety Michael Horsford. Her son has been playing football since he was ten-years-old and just like most mothers, she was really nervous when he came to her about playing football. I caught up with Tisha to get another mother’s her take on this american sport.
Play Book: What was going through your mind the first time Michael picked up a football and said he wanted to play?
Tisha: “Honestly I was a little nervous being that football is such a contact sport. 
All the horror stories I have heard didn’t help any either. Michael was playing baseball first so adding football to it had me scared he would get hurt.”
Play Book: You don’t find many mothers that are heavily involved in sports with their sons. What is the force that keeps you going?
Tisha: “My children are my heartbeat. I will do whatever is in my ability to support them in all they want to do and achieve in life. It also doesn’t hurt that I have a love for football now. I look forward to the games.”
Play Book: Has Michael ever told you he could hear you yelling from the stands?
Tisha: When he was on JV, I watched all games from the fence. I never sat down. He has said “I could hear you yelling a lot mom.” I’m pretty sure he may have seen me running alongside side the fence at times also. Yes, I’m that mom that is all in on game day. It’s a little different now on Varsity. I’m in bleachers yelling and he said it’s no way he can hear anything.
Play Book: What do you remember most about the very first game Michael played?
Tisha: Wow it was so many years ago. I would have to say I remember most watching him out there trying something new with new people and just owning it. I was proud super proud of him. I am even more proud of the young man he has become and still is.
Play Book: What advice do you want to leave with the mothers who may be reading this?
Tisha: From the time we wake up we take risks. Anything from natural causes to freak accidents can happen to us. Yes football can be dangerous but so can many other things. In life we shouldn’t operate off of the fear of the unknown. Who is to say your child will get hurt? Don’t hold your child back from anything that they want to do in life. Pray for protection, trust the process and trust your child.
It’s clear that Tisha has gotten over her fears and like me is enjoying watching her son enjoy himself. When you have a child that is passionate about the game, you just have to hold on for dear life and remember all of the positives of the sport and there are quite a few. So when Friday comes ,many moms will be watching from the stands, wearing their son’s jersey number, and praying that all goes well and no one gets hurt.
