BYU-Texas Tech Backyard Football Field (Hype Video)

As the saying goes, "Families that paint football fields together, stay together."

Okay, fine, I made that up. But honestly, it feels true at our house. Because when you’ve got four young kids and a yard full of paint — enough to worry the neighbors — you’re basically one step away from world peace… or disaster. Luckily for us, it turned into something pretty special and our best football field yet.

Two years ago, my kids and I started a new tradition: during rivalry week, we’d paint a football field in our backyard, adding a little more detail each year.

Well.. fast forward to today, and to borrow the wise words of Ron Burgundy: "Boy, that escalated quickly. I mean, that really got out of hand fast."

Little did my wife know what she was signing up for. Bless her heart.

Living in Utah, and with the BYU-Utah rivalry pushed forward a month thanks to the Big 12 schedule makers, we painted our "Holy War" football field and had a blast with all the neighborhood kids, as well as friends and family coming over to play.

We stepped up the artwork, adding painted helmets of each of the teams at midfield to make the field pop, and then started coming up with ideas on what we could do next year to take it another step forward.

But as the paint started to fade, BYU's playoff chances did not. The Cougars continued their winning streak and climbed to 8-0 to set up a Top 10 showdown with Texas Tech.

When ESPN College Gameday announced they were going to Lubbock, my kids gave me the look.

I knew instantly that it was time to get back to work.

With most of the field lines still somewhat visible, in my mind, "all" we needed to do was make some Texas Tech stencils for the end zone and logo, and we'd be done. Nothing too crazy.

At least so I thought.

However, with it being a Top 10 showdown, my kids wanted to make it extra special, so we decided to go all out. From hash marks and yard-line numbers to painted end zones, we did it all.

The older kids helped with the hash marks while the younger ones took charge helping mom paint the logos. Even our three-year-old got in on the action, however, her “help” meant more enthusiasm than accuracy.

It was a lot of work, but it was one of the best decision we’ve ever made.

The field turned out incredible and the kids haven't stopped playing on it since. As a parent and lifelong sports fan, there’s nothing better than seeing kids running around and having fun.

As we stood back to admire the finished product, it struck me how these little projects have become the heartbeat of our football season. What started as a fun way to hype up a rivalry game, has turned into something the kids talk about months in advance, and years after too. Even the neighbors have started wandering over each week to see what the latest field looks like, with one of them jokingly saying, ”So… when do season tickets go on sale?"

I told him we’re considering it — though the waiting list could get long with limited seating and the concession stand only serves fruit snacks, Crumbl cookies, and Capri Suns. For now, we’re enjoying the kids sprinting down our homemade sidelines, knowing these are the moments they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.

So, here’s to a thrilling Big 12 Championship game and may the best team win. Go Cougars, go Red Raiders, and here’s to many more years of family, football, and fun.

What should we paint next? Follow me on Twitter and send me a message.

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