Asia “Hot Sauce” Smiley | Flag Football

We grew up on football.
Screaming at the TV for touchdowns…
and screaming even louder when the calls didn’t go our way.
It was our thing.
You were there when I made the X League team.
Excited for me.
Proud of me.
Ready to watch where football would take me next.
Then COVID came.
The league was canceled.
And then somehow…
COVID took you too.
Everything collapsed at once.
You were getting your passport
so we could travel the world together.
Now I’m playing football around the world…
and you’re not here to see it.
So when they see me running,
when they see me pulling flags,
when they see me celebrating louder than the next person…
I hope they understand.
It’s not just about the game.
It’s me still hearing your voice.
Still carrying your dream.
Still wishing you were here.
Because every field I step on…
I see you and me.
What used to be.
What still lives in me.
This journey is for you.
Road to LA28.