I’ve heard from many of you, as well as other die-hard fans, about how the team can be an amazing way to connect with people, but it becomes even more meaningful when it involves your own family.

I recently took my three sons to the game—two of them aren’t particularly active but those 2 are die-hard BYU fans. There were two moments that left an impression on all of them.

The first was the opening prayer, given by a Pathways student in Africa. It felt incredibly powerful, and it expressed the deep love our Savior has for all of us. My sons all agreed it was a moving and pretty cool moment.

The second came after the game. All three of them wanted to stay and give the team high-fives. As we were leaving, we stopped to listen to the band in the southwest corner, and when they began playing “Armies of Helaman,” I noticed my two less-active sons singing along. It was a touching moment for me, and I’m so grateful they were there, and that I could share it with them.

I know moments like these might not change a person overnight—and that’s okay—but I do believe they can serve as a constant reminder of the love our Heavenly Father has for us and the joy He wants us to feel. Whether you’re someone who grew up rooting for BYU, or an MMA fighter who became a fan after watching a game in Florida, BYU football can bring us together and remind us of that unity and love. Go Cougs!