Let's face it - there is always something sports-related happening in this world. Between the NFL, college football, MLB, March Madness, arguing in off-seasons, and everything else in between, sports fans are frequently going crazy about something. If you are someone who isn't into sports, it can get frustrating when you end up at Buffalo Wild Wings with football fanatics or you're stuck in a conversation where people are name dropping a bunch of team names or things you do not understand. It can become very awkward.
So for those who are worried about being stuck at a game or a hallway conversation that you can't understand, here are some helpful tips and tricks to get you through a game. Since the Superbowl is swiftly approaching, this will all be help to get you through your next football game.
1. Pick a team to love and defend until you die.
Get passionate about a team. Usually it's best to go with the team of your state, that tends to be the easiest to justify. Whether it be something as simple as you liking their colors, find a reason to love them. Get a jersey, choose a player on the team to be your favorite, obtain a sticker for your car, and grab some face paint for game day and you're set. Wear your jersey on Superbowl Sunday, even if your team isn't playing to show everyone how much you like your team.
2. Pick a team to hate.
Liking a team is important, but having a rival and hatred towards another team is just as important. Know who your rival is and hate all things about them. Many popular teams to hate on are the Patriots, Broncos, and Steelers.
3. Know that most people hate the Steelers.
4. Have basic knowledge of a few football terms.
Touchdown = Yay, we got six points!
Field Goal = Yay, more points!
Tackle = One player throws other player on ground.
Yellow Flag = Everyone either loves or hates the referees.
Red Flag = One coach says "nope."
Quarterback = The person who is throwing the ball a lot.
5. Follow the crowd.
Unsure of what you are supposed to be doing during the game? Make sure you have someone there on your side and follow their cheers and boos. Start screaming at the refs with general noises with the rest of the room.
6. Know what "Deflategate" is.
Patriots said: "We didn't cheat!"
Everyone else: "They cheated."
7. If you really don't know what is going on, focus on the food.
Food is just as important as the game. Superbowl Sunday is about the wings, the drinks, the pizza, or whatever is being served. Need to avoid smack talk? Eat. Don't know what is going on the screen? Food table! If you really don't know what to say, just stuff your face.
Here's to the non-sports fans out there. Together, we can make it through the season(s). Go sports!