Well, I guess it should say “we interrupt this normal blog post for a football related post.” I’m bending the “healthy living-college” blogging norm to briefly discuss the special event happening tonight: NFL Kickoff. Now, don’t run away yet, I’m not going to talk about stats or my obsession for the Philadelphia Eagles (which I could easily write a novel about), because for me, football is more than the actual game.
Other than my family, football has been a constant in my life. I was born into a football-loving family and regularly watched and attended games with my dad from a very young age. But more than just the excitement of the game, football has always been something that makes me happy. During difficult times in my life (pre-celiac diagnosis, moving across the country, transitioning to high school and college), football was a good distraction. At my lowest points it was sometimes the only thing I looked forward to (silly, but true).
Note: I’m sharing a picture of my awkward freshman self on the blog. That is true love. It’s also the only picture I have of us at the Superbowl.
Superbowl 2009
If any of you follow football, you can guess that it’s not the outcome of the game that made/makes me happy (because my Eagles have never been that great). It’s what was happening around the game. The early fall run with my dad, the smell of a home cooked meal, the music, the Halloween decorations, the chatter, the anticipation for kickoff, the hope of a last-minute score…I love it all.
One of the most stressful and exciting games ever
Field passes for an Eagles game
Until I left for college I watched every Eagles game with my dad (my sister and mom usually join in too, often making fun of us). But even though I’ve been away at college for most of the last two years, I still get giddy at the start of the season. While I wish every year for the Eagles to win the Superbowl, football is more than just the score of the game. It’s about family. It’s about tradition. It’s about the comfort of knowing no matter where I live or what’s going on in my life, that every September, my Eagles will fly.
Now you all know where I’ll be every Sunday (and occasional Monday night) from now until Christmas :P
What’s your favorite tradition?
If you like football, who’s your favorite team? If you don’t like football, what’s your favorite football food?
Aw I love this! I’m not a football fan at all but I can definitely appreciate the family traditions. It’s great that you and your family share this :)
Not a fan, huh?! I can convert you ;)
At my house it was college football every Saturday. We’d go down to campus to watch the band march in and then fill our seats for home games. It was rain or shine and staying for the end of the game no matter what the outcome. It was awesome.
I love that tradition! True fans stay in the rain.
Hockey to me is the same as football to you. I love being with my family and friends cheering on our favorite team, the Chicago Blackhawks! We were also very supset when they lost to LA this year :/
I know the feeling of heartbreak after a tough loss. You have some championships, though! I think watching sports with family and friends adds so much to the game.
LOVE THIS. I’m a born and raised. Eagles fan! I live in Baltimore & root for the Ravens too (they are in the AFC whew) but Philly sports will always have my heart!
I LOVE meeting other Eagles fans! Wooohooo! Yeah I always cheer for my hometown team (Tampa Bay Bucs) but nothing compares to my Eagles. We’ve got to keep in touch :)