As highlighted in my previous blog "The Struggle of a Washington Redskins Fan", I am dedicated to the Burgundy and Gold. Since my pre-teen years, my loyalty has been with "The Hogs", based off spending a large amount of my childhood with my mother's family who resides in the greater DC area. Thanksgiving Dinner discussions with my late uncles about the defense, the importance of the running game, and more are important remnants of my life. They fuel my loyalty towards the Skins, in good times and bad.
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| A family that roots together, stays together. |
For many, there is commonly a back story that started them rooting for their favorite team. Through an emotional appeal, we connect with a team and cheer for them like our life depends on it. The team is a part of our daily (or weekly) journey. Their poor performances cause you to beat your kids and despise going to work the next day, while their gutty and successful executions numb you to your everyday problems. In Philadelphia, you could break your leg, but if Michael Vick doesn't get injured and has less than 2 turnovers, a Tylenol will get them thru the day.
The question is, however, how do you pick your team? As you may notice on Facebook and Twitter, people have very odd rooting interests. Allow me to break it down.
Family Ties
We thoroughly enjoy those memorable Sundays with Dad, Pop-Pop, or Uncle Marvin. Moments or relics like your first basketball jersey from Mom, or for newer fans, going to your first live game with your beau, are truly investments in a team becoming special to you. Commonly, women gain interest in sports teams through their boyfriends/husbands, eventually becoming fans all their own. In addition to gaining a new hobby, you develop another form of quality time, one we like to call "Back-up Boo Loving". Trust me, if done properly, it can enhance your relationship. Do you know the other day my girl said she wanted a Redskins shirt? I had to text Jesus and thank him for my blessings.
Location
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| Spike Lee is perhaps the most recognizable fan associated with a team. |
Living in a sports-oriented town allows people young and old to grow close with their teams, and teams with their fans. Cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington are filled with competitive squads across multiple sports. With the amount of coverage these sports receive, we are exposed to these teams at a high rate. In addition, the teams carry the name and reputation of your hometown everywhere they go. Their success=bragging rights.
Favorite Player
It was 1995; a young, talented yet rebellious sophomore named Allen Iverson was making noise in NCAA Basketball with Georgetown University. Meanwhile, I was slowly developing hometown loyalty with the (at that time) lowly Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers were struggling, and Philly fans were praying for a miracle, or at least Dr. J. Then suddenly, like a Disney movie, things began to look up. Philadelphia won the lottery, and gained the #1 pick. Then this happened. It changed the way I played basketball, but more importantly, it changed how I watched it. The bond you have with your favorite player transcends trades, free agency, and misdemeanors. If you are mature, you root for your guy wherever he/she goes, but you love YOUR team. An immature fan, however, just co-signs absurdly with his hero's new team and lies about liking them for years.
Miscellaneous Bad Reasons (Bandwagon, Rebellion, Color Scheme, etc)
Nothing is worse to a fan who bleeds their team's colors than a person joining the fray after the winning begins. Wait, yes there is: people who root for the rival of everyone's team. Pretty much, rooting for the Cowboys makes you corny (if you live in Texas, you're not AS corny). Other bad reasons include: Rooting because their color layout is nice (even though the Carolina Panthers have fly uniforms), liking a team because the players look good (females stop it), or because you're trying to get back at Daddy.
Watching sports at any level are a great pastime, and developing a union with a team or teams personalizes the experience. You'll feel even better viewing the sport as you become more involved. As with most things in life, moderation is key, and becoming too involved can be unhealthy and at times idiotic. Avoid becoming (and interacting with): the fan who degrades teams who aren't even playing his team, can dish but can't receive, or the delusional fan whose team hasn't won Kid N' Play dropped House Party 1, but they still talk trash. Support your team and leave it at that; all the extra jawing makes the game unpleasant. Other than that, root on, and may your team enjoy great prosperity...unless you're a Cowboys fan. Sorry.
Peace and Boogie,
Ceddy P
More Confessions...
For more on writer Cedric Perry and "Confessions of a Big Dreamer", like the page at www.facebook.com/cedsconfessions. Also, follow us on twitter @cedsconfessions.
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Thank you for posting!