It’s September, and you know what that means? For me, it’s not back to school but back to some football! I spent the summer on the course playing golf, and now it’s time to get glued to my television. Do I have any fellow lady football fanatics out there?
I’m one of only a few women in my family who watches football. Some of my friends have the same passion but only for their team. I’m not a casual fan, I’m a fan-fan. I watch everyone! On Sunday you won’t be able to get in touch with me unless you’ve invited me to a football game. Mondays and Thursdays are quite the same. I’m often asked out to a bar or to private homes to watch games, but I need to hear the game. I can’t stand listening to outside noise when I’m trying to concentrate.
The Super Bowl is even worse. I have amazing friends who invite me to all kinds of parties, and the first thing I ask is: Who likes football, and who just wants to watch the half-time show? I record everything too. If I have to miss a game, I will stay off all social media and I won’t answer any texts or DMs for fear that someone will ruin the outcome of a game for me.
It’s a lonely place to be sometimes. Even more lonely when I’m thousands of miles away from my favorite team. If you’ve never met me or heard, it’s the Philadelphia Eagles. The thing about being in local television is that you have to support the local team. So there have been too many times when I’ve had to take the hit and put on another’s team gear. Sometimes it’s the Los Angeles Rams or the Chargers. I was recently gifted a jersey by my sweet Chicago television fans in a Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears game segment. But I’m always wearing Eagles gear underneath. Fly Eagles Fly!
I probably get this obsession from my father who was a college quarterback. Football was his thing—my grandfather’s, too. I remember his favorite player was “Sweetness,” also known as Walter Payton. I think I just pretended to like the Bears for a long time until I came to my senses.
This past year, I was invited to join a fantasy football league. I couldn’t stand it! I had to route for players outside of my team to win. I couldn’t handle it, so that will not be happening again. My uncle always asks me why I didn’t become a sports reporter. I always tell him I like sports too much. It’s an escape for me; it’s my entertainment, but I’m starting to think differently. Especially since it’s been so amazing to watch the strides of women in American football, from officiating to taking over front offices and coaching.
So I want to know, how much do you love football? Do you have a favorite team or do you only watch the Super Bowl for the halftime show? (No judgement!)
Leave a Comment
Rhonda says
I am a football-fan-girl too. My favorite team is the Dallas Cowboys. I got my love of football and the Cowboys from my Dad. He passed last year and I keep his love of the game forever in my heart!
Nicole says
Yes me and family follow Americas sweetheart team..the Dallas Cowboys is my dads favorite team. My daughter graduated from The university of ALABAMA and we watch every game. I follow some the players like Jaylen Hurts who plays for the Philadelphia Eagles and Bryce Young who plays for Carolina Panthers. I have also been watching Dion Sanders team Univ of Colorado
Danielle Nottingham says
Nicole, here we go again, lol. Another Dallas fan. I can’t escape y’all! Love my Eagles but I love hanging with women who love football even more!
Elizabeth Marshall says
Being former military, my children were born in different states than I was so I try to support their favorite teams as well. I am 💯 percent Steelers but, now living in Colorado, I go toe to toe with a great deal of Beoncos fans. I have learned, over the years, it is ok to root for my children’s or my boyfriends team but my blood runs black and gold. BLACK AND GOLD TIL I’M DEAD AND COLD!!
Danielle Nottingham says
Elizabeth, when I lived in Pittsburgh, I learned how deep black and yellow bleeds. I already posted my Steelers game day photos in earlier post so I didn’t do it again here. I had to call on Jesus a lot when I lived there because I had to wear black and yellow every Sunday but my Eagles understand :). Steelers games are a blast!
Sharon O' Connor says
I watch all sports, however football is my favorite. I watch Monday night Football, Thursday night Football and all day Sunday starting with the pre game talk ❤️🏈🏈❤️
Danielle Nottingham says
Sharon, you have to do the pregame! I’m with you!
Adrienne says
Football fan! Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Thursday night — I live for fall and mourn from February to late August. My welcome banner in front of house says
Welcome Fall : football, food and family
Danielle Nottingham says
Hey Adrienne, now that’s what I’m talking about. Love it!
Norma Mills says
I love football! I come from a family where my siblings and mother watch every Sunday, Monday and Thursday night! We’re big LSU fans as well. We do fantasy football every year. Just have love for the game! My team is America’s team, you know who we are! We dem Boys!!! 💙
Donna says
Meee! I become a whole other person during football season! I’m not just fan Im a fanatic and will shout it loud and proud from the rooftop. I’ve been a Dallas Cowboys fan all of my life. I do watch all games and I don’t watch the SB just for the halftime show or the stupid commercials. It’s all things Cowboys for me and everyone who knows me know this and take heed! I will NOT wear another team’s gear and if and when I do send help because I’ve been taken and need Liam Newsom’s special skills!! HOW BOUT THEM COWBOYS!!💙💙💙
Danielle Nottingham says
Donna! Love the passion, we’ll have to talk about this Cowboys thing. lol. I get it, if I didn’t have to do it for tv, I would never wear another team!
Danielle Nottingham says
Norma, I’m a little jealous. My mom and sister do not watch! I’m going to kick myself for writing this post cuz I keep bringing out you Dallas folks….(eye roll). LOL.
Tonya Davis says
Oh yes!! Finally another woman with a sincere passion for football.
Danielle Nottingham says
Tonya that is me!
Robin Tilman says
I am a huge football fan. Funny reading your story. I was just telling one if my co-workers yesterday that being a knowledgeable female football fan is both a blessing and a curse. My favorite team is the Pittsburgh Steelers and I live in Cleveland. So, I catch alot of flack. Like you, I am a couch potato on Saturday and Sunday because I also watch college football. Some ask why am I still single since I am so passionate about football. I don’t know the answer to that. I just know that it’s Thursday and I will be watching football tonight. Fly Eagles, Fly
Danielle Nottingham says
Hey Robin! I used to live in Pittsburgh so I cheered for them–temporarily. lol. I’m with you. It’s great to find each other because people don’t understand, when I’m watching football, especially my team–DO NOT BOTHER ME! lol.
Tammy says
I finally found a woman who loves it like me!!!! I use to sneak out of church to make it home for the 1:00 kickoff. Thank goodness church starts at 9 now! I have loved the Eagles since Randall Cunningham! I went to college with Mike Quick but being in NC found a love for Cam Newton!#FaithFamilyFootball
Danielle Nottingham says
Yes, yes and YES! I love Cam Newton too! Randall is my all time favorite…Mike Quick, that’s taking it back. I’m glad we found each other Tammy!
Rhonda says
I am a football – fan – girl too!
Danielle Nottingham says
You GO Rhonda!
Carolyn Lightfoot says
I’m a life long Cowboys fan!💕 Our house is divided. I live in Georgia, grew up in South Carolina. I have 4 brothers so sports is a big part of my life. I played basketball, softball, volleyball and ran track.
My husband and I never argue about watching sports. I’m always somewhere nearby endothelial game with him. It’s really fun when our teams play each other.
I am a SC alumni and he is a Georgia Bull dog.
Now our son lives in Oklahoma so we have more rivalries,
It’s all fun though.
Keep watching football.
Danielle Nottingham says
Carolyn,
I’m going to forgive the Cowboys thing because I love all my ladies who love football! lol. Football rivalries are the best…. college or pro!
Tracy Asbury says
My favorite team is the Dallas Cowboys !!! Who-de-whooo!
And no, I’m not interested in the halftime show; it’s the commercials, and the game during the Super Bowl
Danielle Nottingham says
Hi Tracy,
Of course you are. lol. I’m going to have to start an Eagles vs. Cowboys feed. I mean where are my Philly fans! Those will be some good games!
J Barry says
DALLAS COWBOYS ALL DAY !!!
Fan fan.
Danielle Nottingham says
Not another one…LOL. Where are my Eagles fans??
Martha Frost says
I am a true football fan. You and I spent many Sundays watching games. I am just like you, I go to games to watch the game!! Therefore I prefer to go alone!! I only want to talk about what’s going on with the game, not who just walked by and what they had on!! I have loved football since I was 8. So I definitely feel all of what you said!!
Danielle Nottingham says
Hey Hey!! I know you do. The only one! lol
CJ Johnson says
Sis, you are not the only football fanatic. I’ve been a BRONCO fan since 1981 and CU Buffs fan since 1990’s when Eric Bieniemy and Cordell Stewart played there.
In order for me to watch the Super Bowl I have to care about the team or some of the players, otherwise it’s just another night…
FYI: Do not walk between me and the TV when I’m watching a game. It won’t be pretty!
Danielle Nottingham says
Haha! I hear you CJ! Thank you for NOT being a Cowboys fan. I’ll take the Broncos!
CJ Johnson says
You’re welcome!
Lisa Marie Prysock says
I love football! I am a Die-Hard Pittsburgh Steelers Fan. Just went to the Detroit Lion’s vs Pittsburgh Steelers Football came a couples of weeks ago. Gooooooo Steelers!!!!