Football Is A Soap Opera

2025-09-10

I have realized that Football is basically a soap opera for men. I remember my mom watching soap operas when I was a kid or when I was home sick I would as well. And I feel that women have a bunch of versions of soap operas, watching ‘Love is Blind’, following the lives of movie stars, and ‘K Dramas’ are examples I can think of. I personally enjoy enjoy ‘Love is Blind’ and ‘K Dramas’ myself.

And I realize that football is kind of similar. There are a bunch of players with personalities, there is drama every week, rituals, teams, etc. Men become ingratiated to a team and follow them for the rest of their lives. It is really similar to watching a show every week, following the lives of the actors, and being a fan. People are die hard 49er fans here, I chat with them weekly about how the team is doing. Some of them wear 49er gear to support their team.

And I guess I am all here for it, I enjoy the drama. I try to watch the Steelers and follow the team a bit. But the drama is fun, just a bunch of guys playing a sport, trying to win. Coaches scheming, to score points. I think the main thing is that it is not very serious, it doesn’t really matter who wins and loses in my life. It is a game played far away. I do feel emotionally involved sometimes, but it is silly to.

And I do think people who play football are jocks, if you listen to them talk they sound like jocks at my high school (most of them). But there are a lot of people involved in football including nerds and literary types. They produce shows, analyze data, write articles, etc. And these supporting cast of media people have a blend of jock and art which is really cool.

One more thing, I dont think this is really that specific to men, I know quite a few women who watch football casually or seriously, my mom included. So kick back and enjoy some football.

-Gary