Fall is fast approaching, and you can feel the changes all around us–from the weather to the sports we watch. One sport, in particular, is practically synonymous with fall in the U.S.: American football.
When people hear the word "football," what comes to mind depends on where you're from. For much of the world, football is what we in the U.S. call soccer–a term that actually comes from "Association Football" (though that's a story for another time). Personally, I prefer that version of the game. However, in America, when someone says "football," they're usually talking about a sport where the foot is rarely used–except for the occasional kick. And that the game I'm focusing on this week.
Let me be honest: I don't usually care much for American football during the regular season. While it seems like almost everyone here is passionate about it, I just don't see the excitement in watching players hurl themselves at one another to move a ball–err, pigskin–from one end of the field to the other. Then again, now that I think about it, soccer isn't that different... just with its own quirks. Maybe football feels a little too common to me, which makes it harder to get invested in the weekly games.
That said, my interest starts to pick up during the playoffs. There's something about seeing my home team–or teams connected to my family–push deeper into the postseason that makes me pay more attention. By the time the Super Bowl arrives, I'm fully engaged and ready to watch with family and friends.
But here's the twist: my excitement isn't really about the game itself. I'm there for the commercials. I love seeing how companies roll out their biggest and boldest marketing campaigns for this one night. For example, last year's Jeep commercial with Harrison Ford was a favorite among my group. For me, the Super Bowl is as much about creativity and storytelling in advertising as it is about touchdowns and tackles.
While the world's version of football will always be my personal favorite, I can't help but respect the cultural power of American football–especially how it brings people together every fall.
That's all for now. Check back next week when I'll be talking about fall flavors to try that aren't pumpkin spice.
