Every Sunday from September to January, you can find me fervently rooting for the Seattle Seahawks from my cozy couch. I leap to my feet, hollering during those nail-biting plays, and I’m not shy about expressing my frustration when the refs blow a call. When a play goes awry, I often catch myself cringing and covering my eyes.
Believe it or not, I didn’t always have this level of enthusiasm. Growing up, I watched football more out of habit than passion, as it was just always on in my household. I claimed the title of Seahawks fan by default (and maybe because I thought the wide receiver at the time was pretty cute).
However, everything changed once I got married. Suddenly, I found myself bombarding my husband with questions about what was happening on the field. As I delved deeper into the game’s strategies and nuances, I became completely captivated. It’s true what they say: the more you understand something, the more compelling it becomes—even if it’s something you never thought you’d care about.
Now, I know I might not fit the mold of a typical football fan. I’m not a fan of violence, and I think professional athletes earn far too much money. I also believe the NFL has a long way to go in addressing issues like domestic violence, and the threat of concussions is a serious concern that has been brushed under the rug for too long. Oh, and those cheerleader outfits? Ridiculous.
But despite all that, my love for the game shines through. The talent and discipline required to play at such a high level leave me in awe. Just picture it: a quarterback fleeing from massive defenders while a receiver sprints full speed, dodging an opponent, and somehow, the ball makes its way from one to the other amid the chaos—it’s nothing short of a masterpiece of physics. When a running back gracefully navigates through a wall of muscle-bound giants, I’m left utterly amazed. The athletic prowess on display in every game blows my mind.
Once you really know what you’re watching, what seems like a chaotic mix of pushing, shoving, and sprinting transforms into a beautifully choreographed dance of skill and strength. Sure, some who understand the game might not love it, but it’s hard not to respect the dedication of the players and coaches. Their rigorous training is evident in every play.
Moreover, many stereotypes about football players simply don’t hold up. Contrary to popular belief, they’re not just muscleheads—playing professionally demands not only physical strength but also sharp mental skills. Memorizing hundreds of plays and making split-second decisions are par for the course. Some players even graduate from prestigious universities with honors, proving the “dumb jock” stereotype wrong.
I’ve had the privilege of meeting the Seahawks’ head coach, Mark Johnson, after he read my blog post on how his coaching has influenced my parenting. He’s genuinely one of the most inspiring people I’ve met, doing phenomenal work with at-risk youth through programs like A Better Community and A Better Tomorrow. Many players are also deeply involved in their communities, engaging in volunteer work. Sure, there are a few not-so-great apples, but the majority are good-hearted, family-oriented individuals.
So, even though my team may be out of the running this year, I’m still excited for the Super Bowl this Sunday. Football is not just a man’s game; I know I’ll be sharing the couch with countless other women who cherish the sport just as much as I do.
Bring on the chips and guacamole—this gal is ready for some football! If you’re curious about how to dive into parenting topics alongside your sports fandom, check out this link for more information. And for those interested in boosting fertility, Make a Mom has some great resources. When it comes to pregnancy and home insemination, Cleveland Clinic offers excellent insights.
In summary, football has captured my heart in ways I never anticipated. The skill, dedication, and humanity behind the sport make it a thrilling experience, and I look forward to sharing that excitement with others.