Fantasy football will either make you feel superior to your peers, or make you pull you hair out. It’s an addiction that affects an estimated 19 million people across the nation. But what is it that makes fantasy football so appealing?
Most people use it to gain bragging rights over friends, family and colleagues. Others use it to make money in cash leagues, while some have teams to become more involved with football.
“It’s about creating good times and memories, trash talking and winning money,” said SRJC student Spencer Cervantes, who plays in three fantasy leagues and also plays Draft Kings.
For many college students, the fantasy season can’t come fast enough each year. “It’s worth more than just the money, it’s about a year’s worth of bragging rights and taking home our beloved trophy, the Jenna Rose,” said SRJC hockey player Patrick Parnell. “Last season I lost the championship game, flushing away a glorious season after 16 weeks.”
Parnell believes fantasy football is something that can bring people together. “My brother set up a family fantasy draft so we have our whole family participating in it and it allows us to keep in touch more often.” He also relishes the opportunity to “win big money, to talk mad s*** and watch some football.”
For people who participate in multiple fantasy leagues, like SRJC student Luke Molitor, the football season can quickly become confusing. “I’ll be rooting for a player in one league but rooting against him for the other league,” he said. “Fantasy football teaches me to watch every game, watch the players and to get more involved.”
Fantasy football often becomes more than a hobby for those involved. Players may put aside their responsibilities to prepare for the fantasy season. Participating in a fantasy draft while at work is a common practice among SRJC students.
While a select number of people treat fantasy football like a job, most look at it as a way to spend time with friends and possibly win some cash. SRJC students Alex Bryson and Chris Tomasewski play in leagues replete with old friends, and simply look forward to “bragging rights, indecision and grey hairs.”
Whether fantasy football is your hobby or your life, the month of September is a time rife with possibility. Fantasy football is a way to personally connect with a sport we are surrounded by, giving each drop back, reception and touchdown more meaning.
