How to Become A Sports Fan in 10 Days: NFL Edition

It’s Sunday afternoon, and you and your friends are having a drink at your local sports bar. All of a sudden the bar goes into an uproar—drunk sports fans are screaming in agony after the game-ending play they just witnessed.

You hear the muffled words of the commentators saying some number got sacked on a 3rd and long, and with three minutes left in the game, they will have to punt it away. Wanting to feel a part of the anger and disappointment you also scream at the TV. But it's at this moment you realize that you have no idea what a sack or 3rd is and why you're screaming. 

Being a friend who’s oblivious about sports is never easy. You want to learn, but the list of sports, their teams, and players is a mile long and that's a walk you really don't want to take. This play-by-play 10-day checklist will give you everything you need to finally be a pro next game day!

Day 1: The sport of the season

Fall is all about football. The NFL (National Football League) is the biggest football organization in the country. Its 32 teams that are located across the country are split into 8 divisions: AFC North, AFC South, AFC West, AFC East, NFC East, NFC West, NFC South, and NFC North.

Day 4: The positions 

Offense  

  • Quarterback (QB) gets the ball from the center and controls the play by passing the ball, handing off the ball, or running the ball. 

  • Center (C) tosses the ball to the QB and blocks the defensive players so their team has a chance to score. 

  • Left and Right guards (LG or RG) are on either side of the center and their job is to create a wall so the defensive players can't break through. 

  • Left and Right tackles (LT or RT) are responsible for stopping the opposing team’s linebackers from crossing the line of scrimmage. 

  • Running back (RB) gets the ball from the QB and runs it as far downfield as possible until it reaches the end zone (goal). 

  • Wide receivers (WR) run the planned route while remaining open enough for the QB to throw the ball to them. 

  • Tight end (TE) positioned in between the WR and the LT or RT, is responsible for protecting, pressing, and receiving the ball. 

Defense 

  • Nose Tackle (NT) lines up in the center of the defense and is supposed to break through any holes in the offensive line. 

  • Defensive Ends (DE) are positioned outside the defensive tackles and match up with the offensive tackles. 

  • Defensive Tackles (DT) are typically in the center of the defensive line and are in charge of halting the run and hurrying the passer. 

  • Defensive Backs (DB) job is to block the run after the pass so the offense doesn't score. 

  • Linebackers (LB) play both defensive line and secondary and are the team’s primary tacklers. 

Special Teams

  • Punter (P) dropkicks the ball to a more problematic location on the field.

  • Kick Returner (KR) catches the ball where the punter positions it and has to dodge the other team's defense. 

  • Kicker (K) is responsible for kicking the ball into the goal to earn extra points for their team. 

Day 5 & 6: The basics of the sport 

There are many TikToks and influencers who dedicate their time to teaching a new sports lover. Mariah Rose is a great sports influencer. Check out her posts of easy-to-follow breakdown videos teaching you the ins and outs of your favorite sport.

Day 7: When to watch 

The NFL broadcasts its games on 3 different days: Sunday, Monday, and Thursday. These might seem like odd days but they do this to ensure that they are not conflicting with high school and college level football. 

Sunday

Early afternoon: 1pm 

Late afternoon: 4:05 or 4:25 pm 

Night: 8:20 pm

Monday

Night: 8:15 pm 

Thursday 

Night: 8:15 pm 

Day 8: Where to Watch 

If you're an introvert and like to be in the comfort of your own home, feel free to catch the games on TV or check weekly to see what streaming platforms are showing the game. 

There are some great sports bars in the New York area if you like to be in the jungle of it all and watch your favorite team surrounded by other fans. 

Day 9: What to wear

Whether you're staying in or going out, you can represent your team with a cute outfit. If it's hot and you don't want to be bound by the heat, you could go for a skirt or shorts with the team jersey. If it's a little cooler where you are, try layering a jacket or hoodie and substituting with a pair of jeans or pants.  

Here is some inspiration for your next look:

1. A jean skirt, your favorite team's jersey, a pair of sneakers, and a purse to tie it all in, makes for the perfect outfit to cheer on your team!

2. Hotter football days call for shorts with an oversized jersey. 

3. For the cooler fall days, throwing a jean jacket over top of your shirt is the perfect way to show team spirit with warmth.

4. For casual lovers, a pair of jeans and sneakers is never the wrong choice for a game-day fit.

5. Cargo pants and sneakers are a good way to spice up your classic casual look.

6. For warmer weather, sweat shorts and a jersey are a good combo to stay cool.

7. Layering a hoodie underneath your shirt will keep you warm during those fall football nights.

8. Adding a tote bag and sunglasses is a good way to elevate your game-day outfit.

Day 10: Get in the Mood

If you want to get in the football spirit on the night before game day, try watching one of these movies or series to get you ready for the big day.

Now that you know what football is, what the teams are, and have a small breakdown on the basics of the game, you’re ready to yell at the TV. This time, you’ll know what you're talking about!

Comment below who you’re rooting for this season!

SportsImani Motensports, fans, NFL, Tiktok, Movies, Bars, television, friends, how to, Sports, Football Teams, Football positions, football basics, New York Sports Bars, Football fashion, Football moviesComment