After the Super Bowl, millions of die-hard fans will enter a seven-month depression. For many folks, it's like having a good friend move away. Whether you are a catch-every-minute kind of fan or a let's-just-have-a-game-on-while-we're-hanging-out type, you can feel something is missing from your life when football season is over. And those feelings are legitimate.
You have formed a relationship with the game, the players, coaches and commentators. You've forged an emotional bond and had a good time doing it (unless you're a Rams fan). This is why we make friends, to have people to play with, to pass the time with, and watching football on the telly is no different. I know people who watch, play their fantasy game, switch between games and look after their kids (brilliantly) all at the same time. I can barely focus on a game and my dog. Though truth be told, I get in a few paragraphs during halftime.
The NFL likes to say that "Football is family," and I love the sentiment. Some people have no place else, and that's sad, but if you get a lift from a game, then you can find ways to extend the season. If football is family, then when the Super Bowl ends, it makes sense that millions would be sad about it.
Some folks turn to other sports, and that can work, but many people are just passing time until the next gridiron game gets going. Some people carry it around and are actually emotionally wounded for a while. I do get it and have felt it, but if it goes on for more than a few days, you need to reevaluate your priorities. Missing something to the point of distraction isn't good, especially if it's something you enjoy that will return. It's like Christmas; it's here annually, and it lasts a lot longer.
We don't have enough love in this world, and adding football to the mix is great, but there is more to life. If football is all you've got, you could get more involved with the game at other levels. From Pop Warner to college football, there are many ways to keep the energy going long after the professional season comes to a close.
I did some "sports-chology" coaching for a group of little kids, and it was a blast, as was watching them play, and I didn't go into it expecting that result. I'm not super involved, but it's enough to keep me entertained until the pros come back to play. And now that the Rams are practically in my backyard, and we're getting a second team in LA, I'm sure the fans here will have plenty to get involved with.
For those who don't have a home team (and we didn't forever) or those who are losing one (and we've lost three), it can be very hard. The involvement we have with teams we love can be very strong. I've seen news reports that Chargers fans are burning their hats and jerseys and feeling very abandoned. I'm sure some are seeking therapy. It can be that disturbing if you are an intense fan.
