The Art Of Football Part I: Quarterback

Unlike the pure finesse of golf or the pure artistry of gymnastics, football is purely an artistic display of athletic finesse. This series of articles is dedicated to telling the artistic wonder that is the game of American football. The combinations of different arts in football are seen from the stunning paintings designed by the quarterback, to the amazing dance that is defense. Football is an art.

The quarterback position is all about orchestrating the music; he is the painter and the offense is his canvas. The quarterback is the person who makes it all happen. The whole offense revolves around him. His attention to detail and his leadership are of utmost importance in driving the offense. His play can be dramatic or methodical, either way it is exciting.

Watching either the quarterbacks of old or the field generals of today, it is not hard to see the "art of quarterbacking" and it's roots. Some say it was developed by Sammy Baugh and John Unitas, others say it came from Joe Namath and was perfected by Montana, and still others say it came from Fran Tarkenton and was perfected by Michael Vick. The quarterback's painting of the offense in motion from play to play can be seen today in men like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, or Brett Favre. These titans of the turf show us the art of orchestration when it comes to playing quarterback.

Even the throw of a football is an art. It is pure strength and finesse, and it is very hard to master. The throw varies from person to person, from quarterback to quarterback. The throw is simply difficult, or in other words, hard to execute. John Elway is one of my favorite quarterbacks and he threw it sidearm. To be a gunslinger and throw it sidearm is dangerous. It can get knocked down at the line, or come up short on a long throw. Elway mastered the art of the throw.

The art of the quarterback is not limited to the field, however. The quarterback's job stretches to off the field, in the locker room, and at meetings too. To be a leader means to be an all the time guy, someone you can count on anytime. Good quarterbacks are leaders on the field; great quarterbacks can lead on and off the field.

When something happens to a teammate, the team will look to the quarterback to lead them through it. I guess one could say that this is the team aspect for the quarterback. Win or lose, they are a leader. They are respected and revered. The quarterback is one of the hardest arts to master in all of football.