Dear Troy Polamalu, please don’t retire before next year. Love, Sarah. (Associated Press photo)
Two weekends ago, Super Bowl XLVII marked the very end of football season. Although high school and college seasons finished a while ago, the final NFL game makes it official. Traditionally, now is when I turn into a sports hater.
I can’t explain my affinity for football over other mainstream (or obscure) sports. And I’ll admit upfront, I only started watching NFL and college games regularly a few years ago. A good chunk of the time, I get tricked by trick plays. I don’t understand all of the penalties. And my 10-year-old brother gets a good laugh when we play the “is this position offense or defense” game.
But there’s something addictive about rooting for a team, and I’ve found that the more I learn about the sport, its rivalries and its players, the more I enjoy the season.
My team (the Steelers) suffered this season and missed playoffs, so I cheered for RGIII and then any team that might beat the Ravens. (Didn’t quite work as well as I’d hoped.) The Super Bowl was, instead of a high-stress situation as in past years, a good excuse to hang out with friends, eat good food and joke about everything from the commercials to Ray Lewis’ inevitable tears.
But all good things come to an end, and now I’m stuck with basketball (does no one else think the sneaker squeaks sound like nails on a chalkboard?) and baseball (which, unless you’re watching live, goes on far too long to hold my interest).
I think I’ll stick with some Steelers DVDs.
Are you bummed that football has ended, or excited for opening day? Leave a comment with your vote.
after 24 years of strong parental sports influence, I derive some feeling of accomplishment, and much satisfaction, from your self motivated football interests in recent years. I continue to accept the challenge related to other sports…just need a little more of your time…and maybe some good accompanying beverages?