Over Fall Break, I, like many of my classmates, took to my favorite relaxing activities in the comfort of my own home. I ate my parents’ cooking, slept in my own bed and enjoyed a reunion with two of the greatest beings I have the pleasure of knowing: my dogs. And though Fall Break lacks the bounty of traditions associated with Thanksgiving and Winter Break, many homes across America make up for this with a ritual of watching Sunday football.
Now, watching football at home isn’t exactly “eating ma’s homemade apple pie” given that University students can watch football while in Charlottesville. But some aspects of watching football become enhanced when you are surrounded by family members.
Over the break, I had the pleasure of lying on my couch, with no textbooks nearby, watching football. Contrasted with the state I often find myself in on Sundays at school — sneaking glances at the SportsCenter app on my phone while huddled in the library — lounging on the couch is much more appealing.
Not only is stress-free football the best kind of football, but I would argue watching football, and most sports in general, is an activity best spent with people of different ages. Most of the time, I relish the homogeneity that surrounds me on Grounds — but in some instances, inter-generational interaction is important. I can promise you, when something out of the ordinary occurs in a football game, my little brother, my dad and I utter a wide spectrum of reactions.
One of the best aspects of watching football in the comfort of your home, though, reaches only an unlucky subcategory of fan. I’m talking about the fans of perennially disappointing teams like the Redskins.
Yes, from day one I have cheered for the burgundy and gold of our capital’s team. I have hailed my heart out for my team. Unfortunately, I have never lived to see the Skins hoist the Lombardi Trophy, though I’ve heard some have witnessed this mythical occurrence. Instead, I, along with millions of other fans, have cursed and lamented bad trades, devastating injuries and countless losing seasons.
Watching football with my family, the one group of people whose purpose is to love me unconditionally, allows me to view and suffer without judgment. Even my mom sympathizes, though she has a slightly annoying habit of wondering aloud why my anguished brother and I don’t simply root for another team. I always inform her of my stubborn aversion to succumbing to the bandwagon and my pride in sticking with my team. After all, this is one of the few things a Redskins fan can stake a claim to.
As fans face one heartbreaking result after another, Sunday after Sunday, year after year, the tension mounts. I am not a violent man, but constant disappointment is bound to result in me throwing a pillow or gently slamming my fist on the table after an interception. This reaction is only enhanced when I watch football at home. I can scream in anger or disappointment without fear of creeping out my roommates. On the off chance the Redskins happen to score a touchdown — or, if a man is allowed to dream, win — I can not only celebrate unabashedly but do so in the company of my family.
Some claim a valuable day at home spent watching television detracts from true family values. When it comes to football, I disagree. For a long time, I will consider these hours spent screaming at a television in joy and anguish some of my most memorable.
Aidan’s column runs biweekly Friday. He can be reached at a.cochrane@cavalierdaily.com.
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