Good idea?

Question
Hey!
Well, I have been interested in football for quite a while already, and I am a pro at Madden even though you dont think it is good :P

I want to play for real, and the season starts soon I think, but I have never seen a real match before, and I have no idea about plays/coverages/routes etc.  I have read most of your previous answers and I can't watch any matches becasue I don't have cable (wish I did though).  My friend is a quarterback and he introduced me to this sport and I am going to join his team but I am having second thoughts.  Like his team is A division and I only know the basic rules and stuff, but that is about it.  I believe I have the physical aspects so that is no problem.  I dont think I should join his team because what would I do?  Ive never met up or talked to the coach before and I don't think I have a place in the team becasue they all know the game already and their plays and I don't think they'd be able to put me on the field becasue they need to win, and I dont think their coaches would be willing or patient enough to teach a first timer.  What do you think?  I am hesitant about joining a D divsion team because I don't know anyone there and I am worried that the team will reject me becasue I am a first timer.
I reckon itll be a waste of time and money if I don't learn anything and don't get on the field, or if my team mates don't like me.

Sorry I waffled on so much, I just needed to get it off my chest! ;]
Cheers for hearin' me out!

Answer
Aaron -

Thanks for writing.  Well, I am taking a wild guess here and thinking you might be writing from outside of the United States.  Some of the terms you used to desribe football are not the "usual" for American football.  But hey, I think that's great, and do have some things for you to consider. It was using the terms "match", "mates", and "cheers" that sparked my thought on that!  Well, either way, its great to have another player no matter where you are from or living!

First off, you have to always remember that football is a game.  Unless you are getting paid as a professional, or getting a free education, that is all it is.  You play football because you WANT to play football, period.  You have said you are a pretty good athlete, and love the sport.  So I say you should definitely give it a shot!  I think you will be very suprised at how receptive other players are on a team.  Some of the most popular players I have ever played with / coached were 3rd or 4th string!  In most cases, it isnt what kind of player you are when trying to fit in, it is what kind of person you are.

After reading your question, I realized that you really have most of the answers in your head.  You mentioned that you have never met or talked to the coaches.. Why not?  They are looking for players the same as you are looking to play... Dont be scared of them.  They WANT to talk to you Aaron.  What do you have to lose?  What do they have to lose?  If it doesnt work out, no harm done.  IF it does, you both have gained something.   You might be very suprised to see how open the coaches are to meeting new players.

Football is the most aggressive sport in the world.  And if you want to play it, you have to start living that way.  Keep in mind, if you arent aggressive enough to talk with someone, or go out and try to do something you have never done, then how are you going to get out and hit a big, strong lineman? OR running back?  Just a thought for you to chew on a while.

Overall Aaron, like I said above, what is there to lose.  Dont focus on negatives like "what if I am not good enough", or "what if they dont like me"??.. Focus on the positives.. "What if I do make it?"  "How many friends can I make by joining this team?"  These players are JUST LIKE YOU Aaron, I promise.  When it comes down to it, they are people, your age, just wanting to play football, just like you.   

Give it your best shot and see what happens.

Best wishes

Coach Perl