Please tell me I’m not the only American who supports football fans, though I remain confident that I am not a football fan.
I know, I know. An election year, now this?!
I’ve been a bystander of football fans for as long as I can remember. Growing up, football would always be on in every room that could mount a TV. My dad would strategically position a screen in every corner of the house so that there would be a vortex of football constantly circulating.
I’m not sure if it’s because Pensacola is sandwiched between a handful of big-name college towns or because people in the South simply don’t mind being loud. My family is not the only bunch that will throw all pride and dignity aside for some pigskin throwin’ down the 40-yard line.
Football is a full-force affair for most of everyone I know. College Football and the NFL generate enough buzz to power a paper mill. From the left to the right, man or woman, football doesn’t stereotype. While the game itself and the hype around representing a favorite team are the common draw, I’m in it for the football food. That’s all!
My only football instinct is to “say yes” to a chip full of cheesy spinach artichoke dip or ranch-dipped chicken wing. Maybe a little pig in a blanket, mom’s famous crab dip, or some chargrilled burger flipping!
Even after all these years of exposure, I’ve accepted that I am a bystander to the football scene. Something tells me, as the season nears, that I’m not the only one like myself around here.
I’ve compiled three tips to help you be the MVP of football season this year. Believe it or not, YOU ARE THE BYSTANDER. An actual player on the team. We add value to the football experience. We are neutral, able to remain calm, and truly could care less about winning.
These three things have elevated the football season for me and helped keep the long game days interesting.
Get A Massage
This may sound silly, but I’m serious. This is the season where you can treat yourself and treasure some “you” time because everyone is locked in on the 4-quarter clock. Making plans with football fans means their schedule is automatically built around the games they’ve “got to watch,” meaning you can book yourself some pamper time slots.
Netflix, Chill, & Eat
If I haven’t made it clear already, eating is one of the biggest bonuses of football season. This is a great time to get creative in the kitchen. Fans focused on the game don’t even notice that you botched the new recipe. This is a great time to get creative in the kitchen for the Game Day spread.
Gameday recipe inspo here: Healthy Gameday, Comfort Food
Savor The Community
Belonging and socializing are part of being human. As much as it’s hard for me to deeply connect during a football game, there is value in spending time together and building community. It amazes me how challenging it can be to get the gang together until you throw a football party and suddenly get everyone’s RSVP.
One of my biggest goals is to make the most of everything. I love spending time with the people I love. Since implementing these things, my mindset on loathing the football season has shifted.
I look forward to this time of year and feel excited to be on the bystander team!
For all the football fans who made it this far, I admire your loyalty and commitment to the game. You better dominate in your fantasy leagues! Here’s to hoping your team wins it all.
Blue, 42, Hut!
