Photo byKenny EliasononUnsplash

Nestled between the bustling cities of New York and Philadelphia, the state of New Jersey often finds itself in the shadow of its bigger, louder neighbors. But don't be fooled by its unassuming size! In fact, New Jersey is a magical land where the air smells of boardwalk fries and the only thing louder than the concerts at the Stone Pony is the roar of the crowd at a Friday night football game. Meet our hero - Benny the Bulldog. He's not your average dog; he's a football-obsessed, pizza-loving, wisecracking bulldog with a heart as big as his appetite. Benny loves nothing more than watching the kids of New Jersey play football. From Tenafly to Cape May, he's seen them all, and boy, do these kids play! They might be sandwiched between two giant cities, but their spirits are as huge as their dreams. These pint-sized powerhouses, with their muddy uniforms and determined faces, are quite a sight to behold. They dodge, they sprint, they tumble. They might not always catch the ball, but they catch the essence of the game. Jersey kids don't just play football, they live it! And on those chillier days, when the wind howls through the empty bleachers and the lights cast long shadows over the field, you might even catch a glimpse of Benny, sitting on the sidelines, cheering his little heart out. "BRRR! It's colder than a penguin's toenail out here!" Benny would chomp, his breath turning to frosty clouds in the cold air. "But it’s all worth it for the love of the game, right kiddos?" he’d bark, his hearty laughter echoing across the field as the kids nodded, their faces filled with determination and amusement. After all, football in New Jersey isn't just a game, it's a tradition, a passion, a way of life. It's a way to dream big, and in the Garden State, dreams are as boundless as the Atlantic Ocean.