The animals were bored one sunny afternoon, until the lion had a brilliant idea.

“I’ve seen humans play this game called football on TV,” he said. “It looks exciting!”

The jungle lit up with enthusiasm. Teams were formed, positions assigned, and the game began.

The lion’s team received the kickoff. They made some progress but had to punt. The mule stepped up and sent the ball flying. Deep in the field, the rhino caught it and charged like a freight train!

He barreled through the defense — dodging, weaving, and powering forward — scoring a touchdown! But… they didn’t have a kicker, so the score stayed 6–0.

Later, the lion’s team answered with a touchdown of their own, and the mule nailed the extra point. Halftime score: 7–6.

In the locker room, the lion gave a pep talk.
“Team, we’ve got the lead. Just one thing — keep the ball away from the rhino. He’s unstoppable!”

The second half kicked off… and wouldn’t you know it, the ball went straight to the rhino again.

He thundered down the field, dodging gazelles, sidestepping zebras, even nudging an elephant aside. It looked like another touchdown was guaranteed.

But just as he reached the twenty-yard line… the rhino suddenly dropped to the ground.
The field was silent.

The lion rushed over and found a tiny centipede standing next to the fallen rhino.
“Did you do this?” the lion asked.

“Yep,” said the centipede.

“Where were you during the first half?”

“I was putting on my shoes.”