In his essay “Kill ‘Em! Crush ‘Em! Eat ‘Em Raw!”, John McMurtry argues that football and war share a common purpose of causing physical harm. He supports his argument by pointing out phrases such as “for the kill” and “casualties”. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that there are differences between these two activities. Football has an entertaining aspect, whereas warfare ultimately revolves around safeguarding lives.
Football and war have three distinct differences: the draft, the attack, and the defense. However, it is not fair to compare war and football directly. In war, individuals can be drafted regardless of their intelligence, bravery, or education.
In the context of a war, the army selects individuals at will for recruitment. After the draft is completed, the selected men undergo firearm training or receive instruction on camouflage techniques. In football, potential candidates are chosen through the draft based on a specific criteria: displaying a sufficient level of strength and understanding of the sport. A football player is primarily selected based on their prior playing experience or exceptional ability to throw a football further than their competitors.
Football drafts comprise the elite athletes, whereas war drafts involve individuals who can be trained to use firearms. The act of attacking an enemy differs greatly between war and football. Rushing the enemy in war presents a far more challenging and dangerous task compared to a game of football. Unlike in football, where one cannot die while rushing the enemy, in war, a single shot can result in death or capture by the opposing force.
Football offers teams ongoing chances to score goals, giving quarterbacks the opportunity to correct their mistakes in the next play. In contrast, soldiers in war are not granted a second chance. They have only one opportunity to drop the bomb or throw the grenade, either annihilating the opposing force or facing their own demise.
In football, the losing team persists due to the promise of another game in the following week. In war, however, there are much higher stakes involved as a mistake can lead to life or death. The intensity of fighting for one’s own survival makes an individual defend themselves more efficiently than someone who is merely playing for a trophy. This can be exemplified by a chosen soldier being given the responsibility to drop a nuclear bomb on enemy forces, emphasizing their immense value.
The soldier’s obligation is to conscientiously eradicate any hurdles or dangers in the perilous area, putting his own life and the lives of his team at risk. To thwart adversaries, the soldier exercises thorough precautions, realizing that even a slight error could lead to not only his demise but also harm to those under his care. The soldier bears full accountability for any potential mishap. Likewise, in football, a player striving to secure the trophy understands that they will encounter numerous opportunities for triumph.
Football players and soldiers share a common characteristic – persistence and determination. Despite facing obstacles, both groups remain steadfast in their pursuit of goals. Whether it be scoring on the field or achieving military objectives, they are resolute in their efforts. Football players seize any opening to score, while soldiers not only consider present circumstances but also anticipate future challenges before and after an attack.
