I need to hear from the women on this if you are a football fan.

[2BigKIdz]

I became a football fan as an adult, and only after I met my now DH. He loved football, so Sundays were dedicated to watching his favorite team play. We made a tradition to dress in our favorite lounge wear, order a pizza, grab a bottle of wine, and watch the game. Just the 2 of us.

The more I learned about the game, the more I fell in love with it. I swear I'm a bigger fan now than my husband
Good luck!! You can do it!!

Me too! I have been watching as many preseason games as I can. My husband says "it's just preseason" and doesn't watch unless it is "our" team. I love love love football!!

As for how I became interested, I have been a casual football watcher all of my life. My mom was a big sports fan as well as my extended family we lived with. I watched as a kid and teen but was not a fanatic like I am now.

What really hooked me was a live game. The first time we went to Ericsson Stadium (now Bank of America) I was hooked and switched from a casual Cowboys fan to a die-hard Panthers fan, it was just that simple.

One thing that has really helped me understand the game is Madden NFL games. Playing those with my husband really helped me to understand the rules, plays, game structure etc.

Also becoming interested in a specific player, wanting them to do well and cheer them on may help.

Get her to go to one game as a favor to you. Even if she is not interested she should at least be willing to spend an afternoon with you doing something that you will enjoy. If she's not loving it after that, I'm afraid there won't be much else you can do if she is not willing to watch it on tv.

 

[christineann]

I really didn't care much about football until I went to college at the University of Georgia.....got totally hooked on the game, and now I watch it noon to midnight on Saturdays in the fall if I am not at a stadium. Hey Snoopymom, I watched Hines Ward play many times during his college years

I haven't been to a pro game (no pro teams around here), but if it's anything like a pro basketball game, there is a lot of other stuff going on in addition to the game, isn't there? Maybe you could talk her into giving it a try - one game, to see if she likes it.

 

[kafitty]

it seems to me that most of us became football fans once we understood the game.

i'm a cheerleader for a local semi-pro team, and me and one of my friends have to make sure we're paying attention to the game and the cheers being called - a lot of the time, the other girls have NO IDEA what's going on the field! Can't be cheering for defense when we're on offense...

football is pretty great...but rugby > football.

 

[GoHogs]

Dedicated female sports fan here, mostly college. Can't wait for football season to start. I grew up watching sports with my Dad. Would not trade that time for anything.

I have some female friends that are like me and we would leave our husbands at home if they chose not to attend a game. We love the game. However, some of the wives that we know come only for the social aspect. They love the tailgate party and visiting with people. In Dallas, part of going to the game is "being seen" at the game.

I would agree with several posters here that have suggested the personal side of the game. I know one wife that has to have a person that she picks out each year to root for. She goes to the game just to watch them and cheer for them. She also brings a book to read if she gets bored.

In the end, she either comes with you or stays at home. However, she does need to understand that you will be going. It is not only something you enjoy, but part of your work.

 

[MichelleVW]

What was it that turned you onto the game?

I make my career as an NFL and NBA agent and for some reason, can not get my girlfriend to get into football. One of my clients gave me tickets to the opening game in Dallas. He plays for the team so these were pretty good seats. She decided to stay home! I tried to explain to her that the stadium was brand new and cost 1.2 billion. She didn't care. She really doesn't understand the game all that well and someone told me I should try explaining it to her. The funny part is she knows about player contracts because she hears me talk about it when I'm on the phone.

Ladies...how do I get this girl to become a football fan!?

OMG SHE DIDN'T WANT TO GO TO THE NEW COWBOY STADIUM???!!!!

I don't know how you get someone interested in football since I pretty much always have been, and my girls are major sports fans too. My girls (16 and 18) watch every Rangers game they can on tv and beg us to go to the game all the time.

If you need to get rid of Cowboy tickets just call me!!

 

[Stacerita]

What was it that turned you onto the game?

I make my career as an NFL and NBA agent and for some reason, can not get my girlfriend to get into football. One of my clients gave me tickets to the opening game in Dallas. He plays for the team so these were pretty good seats. She decided to stay home! I tried to explain to her that the stadium was brand new and cost 1.2 billion. She didn't care. She really doesn't understand the game all that well and someone told me I should try explaining it to her. The funny part is she knows about player contracts because she hears me talk about it when I'm on the phone.

Ladies...how do I get this girl to become a football fan!?

I was raised on football. My entire family watches the games on tv together. Its just our thing. My own DD has been raised watching football.

Does she ever watch with you at home? Maybe try making bets with her on games. Winner takes the other out to dinner or something. Give her a reason to want to watch.

 

[hanutedmansionmomma]

I think if you can get her to a game she'll have fun. drinks, snacks, everyone cheering...how could you not love it?

I love to watch MY team, but am bored with others, really. I can't watch it on TV all day. But a live game? Bills in the 90s? Tearing down the goal posts? I was there! woo hoo! You can't make that stuff up, people.

I still can't watch the replays of Norwide's kick tho. Makes me ill. Jim Kelly was robbed! Was cool to see Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuce inducted a couple weeks back

ok I'm back now on the planet now. find a team she likes and good luck.

 

[LaniesMom]

Hi, Can't tell you what exactly it was besides sheer osmosis that made me a die-hard football fan--one of my first words was "TOUCHDOWN!" per my parents.... I was born & raised on football.

However, I know from trying to convince my other non-football loving female friends to watch/get interested is that I've always had success when I tie it in with something that they enjoy too.

Could it be that she feels like it wouldn't be fun because it's too tied to your job? And she'd have to be "on display"? Maybe that's why she's not that interested....?

 

[HM]

I haven't read any replies, so this may have already been mentioned.
I am not really a fan of football, though I can follow the game. What I really like about attending sports events, is the people watching you can do while there. It's fascinating. Perhaps your GF would be more interested in that aspect of the events.

 

[Camicar]

Who would have an interest in anything they don't understand and which seems arcane and foreign to them? So, your first step should be to explain the game to her! WARNING: DO NOT DO SO IN A CONDESCENDING WAY. Explain to her why this or that is important/exciting. Explain what she should be looking for in a game. Tell her tidbits about this player or that player.

Also don't assume that just bec you find it fascinating, doesn't mean she will. I have to say that seeing a new stadium is not going to thrill everyone. Nor should it. Different strokes. It's my bet that you probably would have no interest if, for example, a big new shoe store opened up.

I have to ask -- is she interested in any sports at all? If not, you may be barking up the wrong tree.

Even still, just because you find one sport fascinating, does not mean you like all sports. For me, I'd love to go to a basketball game, enjoy minor league baseball occasionally because it's like a floor show on an off the field, and yet consider football a really good excuse for a nap. Football does nothing for me, even though I do have a basic understanding of it. Just isn't my cup of tea because to me it moves so slowly, stops and starts and seem to end up in a king of the pile contest.

Let me ask you this -- how important is sharing your work and sports hobby with her?

 

[Deb in IA]

Are you involved or interested in her hobbies and/or profession? Even stuff you don't understand?

Attending a game with you is probably a situation where your attention is primarily elsewhere, and not on your date, no? Are you looking for prospects and trying to make connections? Chatting with team personnel before and after? That kind of thing can feel like a command performance, and for a lot of people mixing business and "pleasure" really isn't fun.

Do any of your teams do activities to get the ladies involved?

Did you watch the reality series "4th and Long" on Spike tv? Jesse Holley was picked out of a group of guys to play for the Cowboys. Maybe you could somehow hook her that way. Does she like reality tv?

Is she is TX native? What HS did she go to? I find that I am enjoying college ball better than NFL although I have a soft spot for the Cowboys after living in DFW for 3yrs.

Does she ever watch with you at home? Maybe try making bets with her on games. Winner takes the other out to dinner or something. Give her a reason to want to watch.

Could it be that she feels like it wouldn't be fun because it's too tied to your job? And she'd have to be "on display"? Maybe that's why she's not that interested....?

Who would have an interest in anything they don't understand and which seems arcane and foreign to them? So, your first step should be to explain the game to her!

Let me ask you this -- how important is sharing your work and sports hobby with her?

LOTS of good suggestions have been offered here, and it would be nice for the OP to answer some of the questions . . .

 

[Nik's Mom]

I've alway been a fan of football but didn't fall in love with football until I went to my first game while in college. The atmosphere of the game just adds to it. In college, I used to love going to the tailgate parties as well. Can you convince your girlfriend to go to at least one game? If you can get her there, I bet she will quickly change her mind.

 

[TLHB70]

I have not read through all of the posts yet so this may have been mentioned already. Has she met any of the players, face to face, personally? I think that if she knew the players as "real people", it may help her be interested in watching the game. She could put the face and personality with the jersey number.
I grew up a basketball fan because my dad and brother played. I kept stats for our high school team, and then watched my brother play college basketball. I did not get hooked on football until I had graduated from college. I can't explain why I love the game so much or the excitement of being at the stadium. I just love it! Do you know that for my Valentine's Day gift this past year DH bought us PSLs and season tickets for our Carolina Panthers. For Christmas he got me a new car. I have to be honest, I loved the football tickets more. DH laughed because he knew that I would, and he recognizes how "unique" that is.

 

[TLHB70]

I've heard Tony Dungy's book is awesome.

I read both of them. His first book, Quiet Strength, is really awesome! His second book (written specifically for guys...but DH bought it for me anyway since I loved the first one so much) was not as good.

 

[Shmily1]

I went to football games in high school alot and was a cheerleader, but knew absolutely nothing about the game until I was about 27. Then DH and I were watching tv and I asked what the 1st and 10 meant. He explained it, I asked a million other questions, he answered, and now I'm the one that knows who's winning this season and who isn't.

I would suggest just casually bringing up what things mean in the game when you are watching at home (like that yellow line they have on the tv but it's not there on the actual field--that one I just love!!). The more she learns, the more she will like it. Another suggestion is to watch the pregames or commercials. There are always some good ones!!

 

[Hidden_Mickey]

I did not grow up in a house with sports at all but my DH is a sports nut. I had an open mind and now enjoy watching almost anything. Football is not my favorite - I prefer baseball or hockey, but it's fun to root for your team or player. Once you watch or even listen to some games, you just learn who the players are, get familiar with the announcers, etc. I know I picked up more than I thought I would and I wasn't even paying attention for a few years! As far as going to games, the tailgaiting is the best! We recently went to Citi Field and I admit I was more interested in the Shake Shack than the game, lol, but the Mets stink this year. I figured it was a nice day out. I actually suggested going on Mother's Day as a family outing, just to check out the stadium!

As far as suggestions, if she really isn't interested in making the effort to meet you halfway, there isn't much you can do, except continue to expose her to it gently and positively. She might end up loving it, or she may resent you for trying to force her to go. DH has Jets season tix, and has a friend whose female cousin buys half our tickets and goes with her girlfriends, leaving her DH at home. My DH thinks she would be the dream wife, lol. In all the years we've had the tix DH usually takes friends because they pay for their tickets and enjoy it more than me; I think I've gone twice. It's fun but I have no desire to freeze my butt off for 4 hours in December. Giants' Stadium is a traffic nightmare, so going to a game is an all day event and even DH would rather stay home and watch all the games on satellite.

 

[pearlieq]

Um... men in tight pants I really don't care to know anymore about the game. That's enough for me

They're great on a running back, not so great on an offensive lineman, if you get my drift. Sometimes the camera can't swing away fast enough!

My mom introduced me to football, but I really got into it when I married DH. Honestly I think I'm even more into it than him now. I used to just watch "my" team, now I can watch 5 games a week. Something about the NFL music and the natter of the commentators just lowers my blood pressure.

As for how to get her into it, I would try telling her that it would really make you happy to share this with her, watch a game with her and explain it simply, and make an effort to get familiar with one of her hobbies. She'll appreciate the effort and if you make her feel valued and special I'm sure it will help pave the way.

That being said, sometimes it just doesn't click. DH is really into poker. I understand it, can play it, and still cannot stand it! I would rather poke myself in the eye with a fork than play. Sometimes when he tries to push I remind him how much he hated yoga. Then I tell him I'll meet him on the couch for kick off!

 

[browneyes106]

I became a football fan due to my family being football fans and my dad coached youth football teams too. Most of the other female football fans I know became fans due to having family members that were fans or involved in football in some way. Maybe if you have any female friends or family members that are fans ask them to try and explain the game to her or introduce to female fans.