It’s Possible To Thrive During College Football Season When You’re Not A Fan

I’m not quite sure if it’s possible to live in the South for any extended amount of time and not find yourself morphed into some sort of college football fan. You might not be on the super-fan end of the spectrum, but it’s safe to assume that very few can resist the charms of waking up to College Game Day as your 7-year-old frantically searches for his team jersey and the 4-year-old repeatedly begs to “just put on Bluey.” I live in a football household. And not just a one-and-done, our-team-plays-at-3 type of thing. We’re talking any good game, it’s prime viewing.

When I first met my husband I was largely indifferent to his fandom. I had grown up in the South, albeit in a family that somehow managed to scoot through every fall without even a second thought about how our team was stacking up and whether we had a shot at the playoffs. It’s hard to imagine now.

Over the years, my indifference turned to hoping things worked out for his team—for his happiness’ sake. Sure there would be other games to assuage his feelings afterward, but there’s nothing like your own team pulling out that W. My take-it-or-leave it feelings eventually evolved into some sort of quasi-fandom, not necessarily of a particular team, but of the season in general. Of the raucousness and revelry, the crisp(er) air and hopeful anticipation of what will be, and the yelps and cheers when the team miraculously hears the advice of the fan sitting next to me on the couch, resulting in a wide-open touchdown pass. But I didn’t arrive here in the span of a single fourth quarter. There are plenty of lessons I’ve picked up along the way that have delivered me to a place where I too enjoy this season—all with a tinge of regret knowing it never lasts as long as one hopes.

Start with the Basics

Don’t be mistaken, this isn’t a ploy to indoctrinate you into the wiles of football fandom where you must pick an allegiance, sweat, potentially cry, and scream so loud you don’t have a voice from early September until the National Championship (should you be so fortunate). But surviving college football in the South requires a healthy level of appreciation for the season—and sometimes that means finding your own joy. It might be jumping into entertaining by hosting watch parties where you can still enjoy the company of your friends while keeping yourself busy (Ham-and-Cheese Sliders, anyone?), or throwing yourself into the glory of the fall season in general (a fact which football fans typically recognize as one in the same). It’s all about finding your own joy.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T the Fans

Here’s a surefire way to enjoy football season: Don’t poke the bear. Remembering that this is a very serious business to many will help you keep a healthy level of respect for the fans around you. No one wants to be chortled at when they are upset, particularly a fan whose team just had a highly unfortunate turnover in the red zone. That being said, do seek out similarly indifferent fans and feel free to discuss the antics while out of earshot, perhaps over a barely touched charcuterie board. Football season is all about comradery.

Get Out and Unplug

When all else fails, get away from the devices and hit the trails. Ideally one with limited reception. If you’re more of the city-type, revel in the fact that you can get a same-day reservation at your favorite restaurant at 7 pm on a Saturday when the local teams have a primetime face-off. Sometimes a little time away, especially mid-season, can help recharge the soul so you can get back to your favorite fans with a new, fresh perspective and, perhaps, a little more patience for their sudden outbursts that wake both the dog and the neighbor’s new baby.

Check On Your Loved Ones

If you happen to be reading this as a die-hard football fan, seek out the non-fans in your life and maybe just check in on them. Fans or not, a little empathy can go a long way—and could result in a better spread of snacks for the next big game.