If you're like me, you love football. You can't wait for Thursday, Sunday, and Monday nights because it means the pigskin is flying and it's time to release the little bit of testosterone you have in your little feminine body and scream at the TV for three hours. We've even gotten to the point where Chris Collinsworth's voice doesn't bug us. Also, if you're like me, you're used to some things that we typically get from other people who just don't understand our love for turf and shoulder pads. Whatever. We've gotten used to the fact that these are just the type of things that we, as fans of the field, have to deal with. Proudly.
1. You get the, "What? You like sports?" look from every guy, ever.
What else is new? You overhear two dudes talking about how Tom Brady lost his deflate-gate appeal and so naturally, you weigh in. All this brings you is a surprised look mixed with the visible opinion that females should not posses or offer an opinion about football. Seriously? We do have educated opinions about football, and we know just as much as the next guy, thank you.
2. You can recognize the theme songs from FOX, CBS and ESPN in a heartbeat.
Yep. Time to turn on the tube. Whether brought to you by Carrie Underwood or not, we truly have "waited all day for Sunday night" and can't wait to hear the sweet music of the beginning of three hours of bliss. Our dance moves are pretty great, too.
3. You never understood why all the other girls loved the soccer boys.
Don't get me wrong; soccer dudes are mighty fine. But I'd be lying if I said we didn't run faster when the boys of fall were watching us. So what? I mean, there is something so attractive about guys aggressively taking the field in a majestic battle of grit (or sweat and mud, but you know). I mean, come on.
4. You become one of the guys once the game is on.
Yes, we can be ladylike. But once the kick is up, all bets are off. There is little difference between you and the other guys on the couch once a bad call is made. And yes, we know what the calls mean, guys.
5. Everyone is surprised when you know how to throw.
Yes, we can throw a spiral. Yes we can aim. Yes, we can run a play. It's not that hard, yet friends and relatives alike are always awestruck by any cannons we have for arms. It just comes with the territory.
6. Thanksgiving gatherings mean backyard football time.
Or any family gathering, really. Never a chance missed to show off your skills in front of the relatives and get some points with grandpa for holding your own with the guys. Plus you work up a good appetite (even if your crazy, slightly demented competitive streak shows). Win win.
7. You became the favorite.
No better way to bond with your brother's friends than knowing your way around the gridiron. You're their buddy once you've proven your stripes on the 50 yard line. Plus it feels pretty good when the boys head out to play and one (or all) of them ask you to join them.
8. You're the first person the bro calls with new info about your team.
As soon as the draft starts, you're on it. And if you're in your dorm with an essay due and it's two in the morning, broski's got you. You hang on every line of every email from ESPN and check and refresh Facebook's trending info to make sure you're not missing anything. It's even worth the five emails you get the next day informing you of trades, signings, and even retirements from Bleacher Report.
9. You want to gush about up-and-coming players with your BFFs -- except they don't know who they are.
You are all alone in your love for college ball. You loved to talk about AJ McCarron but no one knew who he was, so you talked about so-and-so from high school. Sadly, we have crushed our desire to delve into the details about what made Matt Barkley and TJ Yeldon so appealing.
10. Absolutely loving showing people up about football facts.
Ah, yes. Dropping stats never felt so good. Yes, we know that Peyton Manning has the NFL record for over 70,000 passing yards, as well as the most passing touchdowns ever (539), among a lot of other amazing things. We know stuff.
11. You love meeting other football girls.
Yes, you are the best. It's never boring to meet another chica who's as much in it for the game as you are. Yes, the food, the guys, and the family time are great, but at the end of the day (or the quarter) it all comes who was rooting for your team, with you. Nothing beats doing that with your bestie.
And, finally...
12. You just really love the game.
There is honestly nothing like getting to cheer on the home team with your favorite people. For all the teasing, torment, and triumph of being a fan, every season we come back. The surprise and the thrill of knowing that literally anything can happen, and history can be made in front of your eyes. We just love the game.
