Last September, my wife joked with our 5 year old, “It’s fantasy football season, say goodbye to Daddy, ‘see you in 6 months, Daddy!’”
It’s true that I’ve been occasionally distracted, like that time at Red Robin when I glanced over her shoulder at the TV just as 26 on the Dolphins took a short pass 55 yards to the house as if he was Indiana Jones getting chased by a massive boulder. “Hmm, dear?” “Oh yep, donuts sound good.” No harm done. In all seriousness, she sees how much I immerse myself in the knowledge and enjoy the action. She supports it. And for that, I’m thankful. If a hobby brings joy and doesn’t cause much stress, we should encourage that hobby for our loved ones.
As I get older fantasy football has become the only interaction I have with some good, old friends. Around August, the group messages heat up with familiar jabs and trash talking from our yesteryears while we spread the love and catch up on current life events. “Dude, there’s a Back to the Future musical? Rad.” The sad fact is, our friend groups shrink and change as we age. I’m so thankful fantasy football provides a reason to sustain many relationships that may otherwise have faded away.
I have leagues with old coworkers I know we all cherish as most of us have moved on to other companies and industries. Leagues with high school and college friends that keep us connected despite diverging life paths. And my favorite, I was invited into a league with my dad and his old teaching buddies. Their deep knowledge and inspired taunts are amazing to behold, and fill me with optimism about finding joy while we age. And now, as the next generation joins the league (16-team IDP league 👀), it means even more to us all.
There are so many heartwarming stories of fantasy leagues supporting one another through difficult life events. It’s a club, a tribe in which you feel a sense of shared experience and, hopefully, belonging. It’s a group of understanding, like-minded individuals. At the root of it, we’re all human – subject to the same emotions.
Fantasy football evens the life experience playing field. It’s really cool to meet and learn about people through this context. I know my experience resonates with many of you. While I’m not suggesting you go out and join 10 more leagues just to make new friends, I am telling you to take a pause on quitting that league you were considering leaving. While fantasy glory may only last a season, a friend or family league can be forever.
❤️ 🏈