Fantasy Football: Where Nerds and Jocks May Coexist

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You may have heard or seen on the internet that Fantasy Football is pretty much just Dungeons & Dragons for jocks. This is half true. Fantasy Football and D&D have quite a few things in common but are also vastly different. There is infinitely less creativity involved in Fantasy Football than in role-playing games for one. Fantasy Football seems to be far more popular and socially “acceptable.” People that play one or the other are rarely in the same social circles… one would think.

The shocking truth is that the line drawn in the sand between the jocks and the nerds is beginning to blur more than we’ve ever seen before. I may be a shining example of that. As far as I can remember, I have always been somewhat of an athlete. I played baseball and ice hockey when I grew up and continue to play ice hockey and slow-pitch softball today. I have also always been a complete and utter nerd. I’ve been in love with video games, superheroes, computers, Sci-Fi books, Star Wars, Star Trek, Stargate, Starman – anything with Star in the title.

As it stands, I have two categories of people in my life which I have organized based on the basis for our friendship, i.e. the shit we talk about. One group I discuss sports with and the other I discuss movies, video games, comic books, etc. with.The number of friends that I have in both continues to multiply. I find myself having conversations about the Denver Broncos defense and what they’re going to do without Von Miller for the first 4 games of the season if his suspension holds up shortly followed by, “Hey, did you hear that Aaron Taylor-Johnson from Kick-Ass is going to play Quicksilver in The Avengers 2 in two years?”

All of these folks in the big grey area have one thing in common… we all play Fantasy Football. Sure we enjoy the gambling and the skill involved but we also appreciate the similarities to role-playing games. In both, you choose players that score points or take points away from opponents. Also, both have a 3 to 1 ratio of shit-talking to actual game play. This is how I believe nerds who aren’t into football can find a way to enjoy it and can make friends with folks they would never think to talk to otherwise.

Some nerds say that they don’t understand football. I think that’s just overt negativity or laziness. We’re NERDS, everyone! We read, we code, we design, we draw, or we research! I’ve heard football players in interviews that can’t spell doorknob. If THEY have an expert understanding of the game of football, so can you.

First, start watching some football with friends. You’re bound to know at least one or two people that enjoy America’s most popular sport. If not, then this is going to be tougher for you. Start with going outside then seek professional help for the rest. Then, come back to this blog and continue. You’re

smart, so you’ll pick up on the game quickly if you pay attention and ask questions. Pay attention to touchdowns, field goals, rushing yards, and passing yards. Also, enjoy a few adult beverages and as many laughs as possible.

Then, sign up for an account on ESPN.com or NFL.com. I have accounts for both and can attest to their quality and that they both have excellent mobile apps. Watch the tutorial videos that the website has for new players. Find or create an awesome logo for your team and come up with a name. I’ve seen a lot of extremely offensive names which were hilarious or very cool names like mine last year: The Gotham City Rogues. Then you can join a league with openings or if you know people who have one, you can ask them if they have spots available. Most leagues are 8-10 teams.

If you love the thrill of gambling, then get into a league where there’s money involved. ESPN.com and NFL.com do not handle the financial side so you’ll have to discuss this privately with other members of your league. I strongly suggest you only put up cash when you really know the people you’re playing with.

You now have a basic knowledge of football, a sweet avatar, hilarious/cool team name, and a new message board to talk shit to people. With your metaphorical nerd boner at full attention you can now make friends with different types of people, even jocks through Fantasy Football. With your superior intellect, you’re on your way to becoming a…

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