This past weekend prior to the Hurricanes and UNC Tar Heels game, the University of Miami honored former UM quarterback and former Buffalo Bills great, Jim Kelly with a pre-game presentation and with a half time ceremony. It was pretty cool to be a few mere feet away from an NFL Legend and even cooler that he was standing there with his family after his lengthy bout with cancer. Not only was Jim Kelly being honored, but it was also Homecoming and a big ACC Coastal game for the University of Miami.
In honor of Jim Kelly the team, the cheerleaders and the fans wore shirts that read, “Kelly Tough.”Prior to the game, Jim Kelly was made Honorary Captain and during halftime the University of Miami presented Jim Kelly with a check for $10,000 for the foundation named in his son’s name, Hunter’s Hope. Jim and his wife were also presented with a jersey with Hunter’s name on it.
The game itself was basically the Duke Johnson show. He has been on a tear these past few games rushing his way to the top of all the University of Miami records. Watching the game, I felt bad for the Univeristy of North Carolina. It was like they didn’t even have a chance.
Running up those sidelines, dodging camera crews and alumni listening to the chants and cheers of the fans is an amazing experience. I’m lucky I’m able to be a part of that. It’s one of the best experiences as a sports photographer can have I think. Sure I’m there to capture the moments of the game, but I love immersing myself with the whole game experience.
While I have the opportunity to photograph sports, I will enjoy ever second of it. Every game altering play. Every cheer. Is it game day yet?
