NFL: Part of the American Life

So, why DO Americans love football so much? Many people believe Americans take football too seriously or are just completely obsessed. You may think it is overrated but leave it to the fans to decide that. Only a true fan will ever know the real feeling and the passion it brings out. It’s more than just something to look forward to on the usually dreaded Monday nights. It’s part of the American culture, American life. It’s about the excitement, anticipation, halftime shows, tail gating and parties. But even more important than the game itself, it is about traditions, family past times, bonding with your son and buddies, and coming together for a common cause. A good excuse to throw down a few cold ones. Getting that first jersey when you’re a kid, going to your first game and Sunday barbeque’s with your family and friends are what the love for the NFL are all about. Of course, a win always makes things better, but there is more to football than the literal aspect.

It is the reason some people get up in the morning, the light that keeps them going, okay now I may be exaggerating a bit now, but people do take it seriously and it does become a big part of their lives and themselves. Sometimes, literally, I mean how many team logos have you seen tattooed on people? I know I sure have seen a fair share.

Although, there are definitely some over obsessed hardcore fans out there that would literally die for their team. My brother included, it actually scares me sometimes. He gets so into the game that it literally determines his attitude for the week. I always knew to stay clear of him when the niners lost. I’ll admit there are those crazy fans that get a little too intense and involved at games. The ones that find themselves being hauled away by security after brawling with the other team’s fans. If that pertains to you, words of advice: you should probably get a life and know that whether your team wins or loses, life WILL still go on.

The Super Bowl might as well be declared an official holiday. As it is, more people do celebrate it than most holidays. I bet some of you fans out there are already guilty to missing Sunday service or calling in sick to work so you could watch the game. Don’t be ashamed to admit it, we know it is true.

Some of us, especially women don’t fully understand the football frenzy and may never know, but don’t judge until you have experienced it yourself. I get really annoyed by people out there that put professional sports down and criticize them. Saying, "it is just a stupid game and people need to get a life." Well, maybe THEY need to get a life, what is so bad about having a passion for something or a healthy outlet to your daily routine. People need something to look forward to in their busy lives and if it happens to be game day, then good for them. It seems healthy to me. The ones who knock it are usually the people that were last to get picked for kick ball when they were younger and it is built up resentment. They just need to get over it.

It may mostly be a guy thing, but women also love football. One word: shopping. Game days are the only time of the year they can go shopping without being hassled and are actually encouraged to leave. Women, be sure to take full advantage of football season, that great opportunity may never arise again.

True fans are dedicated to their team until the day they die and will never back down or give up. "Their team" will always be "their team", and they would never ever consider switching. They are not front runners or band wagoners. Go Niners, I stand by them in their good and as we have seen in the past few seasons, definitely their bad as well.

It’s more than just being a spectator, NFL fans live it. There is a real feeling and
importance football plays in your life. If this wasn’t true, the NFL wouldn’t have such a remarkable impact on American culture, as it has more than proven to be.