Football. It is like a foreign country that I never had a ticket to or a tour guide to show me the ins and outs of. But after marrying a man who gets his mind wrapped into stats and fantasy teams, I've had to pack my suitcase and venture to this land, and learn the ways of the culture and the excitement. And if I am completely honest, I would tell you that I never understood it. I never understood why football was such a big deal. I never understood, but I never lived in a town with a professional football team--ahem, Los Angeles. You see, I grew up near a city where cars out number people, or so it seemed on certain days while inching along on freeways. I grew up near a city where walking to sporting events, catching the light rail, or riding your bike was just crazy to think of. I grew up near a city where there was more conversation about shows at the Hollywood Bowl, movie premiers, and the Rose Bowl Flea. I grew up near a city where professional football only existed on television, or in stadiums far far away. So all the other aspects that make the community and camaraderie of the sport come alive, and the city light up on game day--well, they were non existent to me...
Football was like a foreign country, and then I moved to Denver. Where even the trees turn orange because, well, its Bronco country. And I'm learning that football is quite enjoyable. I really underestimated it, or perhaps just never gave it a chance. But I'm getting it, and Matt is teaching me (ever so patiently as I have asked about downs and points and rules more than any normal person). Football, live football, is so much about the process. The morning downtown leading up to game time. The walk to the train and the vendors on the trek in. The families, couples, and number one fans all mixed together, in a sea of orange. The bag of kettle con passed down the seats and back again. The singing of our nation's anthem. High-fiving complete strangers. Its something I never really knew football to be. And really, its more than the sport--it's the way this city loves each other when there is a game. The sound of excitement and the thrill that you hear all weekend long. This might not be new to you, but I've never experienced that before. Until Denver, I've never truly known football--and now, slowly, my heart might be changing. I started as a tourist in this new land, and now I may decide to stay awhile, to become--dare I say it--a traveler with the desire to know the ins and outs of football as if I were a local.
Go Broncos!
