NFL Football-A Modern Ritual

Football season started this week and, although I’m not a huge fan, I still watched 3 games today (Browns vs. Vikings, Cardinals vs. 49ers, and the Sunday Night game).

There’s something comforting about the ritual and tradition of Sunday football that transcends the actual competition and adds value to the experience of watching the games. Well.. maybe not. But I do find the whole thing kind of fun to think about.

First, there’s the pageantry. Not just the pre-game,half-time,and post-game nonsense, but also the costumes worn by the fans which can be as simple as sporting the home team’s colors or as flamboyant and extravagant as the the apparel worn during Carnival in Venice or Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

There are also food traditions that go along with the Sunday football ritual. Fans who watch from home will likely consume potato chips, beer or soda, and a variety of other snack foods prepared in a way that represents their favorite team. Enthusiasts who watch the game at a stadium will have an opportunity to participate in the pre-game tailgate party which is, as far as I know, completely unique to American sporting events (and probably not very sanitary).

I don’t think it would be that much of a stretch to compare football to religion. Team loyalties, like religious beliefs, are typically learned from one’s parents, both include a weekly ritual including family, food, and special clothing, and both have the potential to bridge social boundaries such as race or social class.

Some other aspects of NFL football that I find interesting include the revered status of exceptional players and coaches, the phenomenal amount of random statistical information available and the unwavering loyalty of fans to their favorite team.