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Tuesday 19 December 2017

How to Pick an NFL Team to Support

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For overseas fans and those who are just starting to get into the sport, finding the right NFL team to support can be a big decision. If like me, you haven't grown up with American football, you find yourself beginning with a clean slate, free to make your own choices and support a team of your choosing. But, to coin a popular phrase, with great power comes great responsibility, as the team that you choose will stick with you throughout the rest of your life as a football fan.

So, as a football rookie, with such a great weight behind one simple decision, how should you go about picking an NFL team to support?

Follow Your Friends

Do you have friends who are into the sport? Whether they are the ones who first introduced you to football or you're all on the journey to fandom together, sometimes the easiest way to pick a team is to follow your friends' guidance. Long-established fans of the sport will be able to give you comprehensive potted histories of their team, enabling you to make a better informed (though, perhaps, slightly biased) decision about who to support. However, on the flipside, there's also a case to be made for friendly rivalries between friends who support different teams, or even direct divisional rivals!

Jump On the Bandwagon

Another option is to ignore the raised eyebrows and jump on the bandwagon of one of the better teams of the season. After all, who doesn't like to back a winner? Whether it's a Hall of Famer, the GOAT, or even just a good team on a winning streak, sometimes, jumping on the bandwagon of success is the best way to guarantee a few great games worth staying up for! Alternatively, you could also pick out a team from the lower end of the table with a season that isn't going so well. Supporting the underdogs can be a good way to stick with a team from the worst of times to the best, and when a win is rare, securing that extra win can make for an even sweeter victory.

Random Choice

If you're an indecisive person, no matter how hard you try to come to a decision, you're likely to just keep going around in circles. Instead of flailing about umming and ahhing about this team or that team, why not just cut to the chase and give yourself the benefit of the doubt with a random draw or fun quiz? No more confusion, no more mixed loyalties and one less decision to be made. Sorted!

Your Favourite Player's Team

Seen a player you like? Admired someone's play style? Sometimes, it's easier to pick up on a favourite player before a favourite team. If this is the case, luckily, it's then much easier to find your perfect team to support! A good player is the calling card of a great team, so if someone has caught your eye, then the chances are that their team are likely to make a good match for you. Grab some snacks, settle down on the sofa and flick on the TV to catch one or two of their team's games - are you ready to cheer them on yet?

City or State

Last but certainly not least, another popular way for non-Americans to choose a football team is by singling out a city or state they like and simply supporting that area's local team. Whether it's your dream holiday destination, a favourite getaway location or something else entirely, location can play a big factor in influencing newbies' opinions on teams and franchises. Just take the Packers, for example, and the unwavering loyalty they receive from their fans back home in Wisconsin!

No matter how you go about picking your team, make sure to choose wisely and that you're happy with your decision. After all, this is the team that you will stick with through thick and thin, no matter what happens, so it's important to get it right!

Are you an American football fan? How did you choose your favourite NFL team? Let me know in the comments below!

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