Would you still be a fan if...

Submitted by canzior on

You knew Michigan was never going to win a title in your lifetime? I have a few friends here in the DC area who are Cubs fans, and I am admittedly a fair-weather Pistons fan, and much more of a Red Wings fan than a hockey fan. I don't know that I've ever watched a hockey game the Wings weren't playing in. I stop watching once their championship hopes are dashed. 

Every year there is a hope that your team will win, and if not this year, you hope they build for the future. But if you knew, right now that Michigan (God forbid) or any team that you root for would not win a title before you died...would it affect your fanhood? Would you care a little less?  

We'll be Champions

July 29th, 2017 at 12:01 PM ^

Well it would take a lot of drama out of the games and make them less stressful, but my connection to the university goes beyond the football team and there are other accomplishments so yeah I'd still be a fan.

PunchTheKeys

July 29th, 2017 at 12:04 PM ^

What would be the point? That's what keeps us watching right? To see the team reach the mountain top? If I knew there was no chance of feeling the cathartic euphoria of winning the big one, yeah idk, it would definitely make it less exciting and enjoyable. I mean I would be a fan, but even if they started 8-0 or something I couldn't really get excited, I know some losses are coming.

Helloheisman

July 29th, 2017 at 12:03 PM ^

Even though I have hope. It's the camaraderie shared with my Dad at games. The people we tend to tailgate next to. Passing my love of Michigan down to my young son is special. Also, the new friends we make.

Blue Carcajou

July 29th, 2017 at 12:04 PM ^

I'll never NOT be a fan.

I was born and raised in Ann Arbor, both my parents are Michigan grads. Hell, the way my dad talked about Bo growing up I damn-near thought he was my grandfather... It'd take a PSU-Paterno level scandal for me to stop being a fan.

Sione For Prez

July 29th, 2017 at 12:09 PM ^

I'm not a huge basketball fan so for Pistons I wouldn't watch much more if there was no chance they could ever win a title. But for football (both Lions and Michigan) I'll watch every game regardless of records or championship dreams.

uncle leo

July 29th, 2017 at 12:10 PM ^

That it would not affect their fandom, is lying.

If you knew your team would never win, there's zero purpose to watching.

Waking up Saturday morning knowing that my team was already out of it, I'm going to do more productive things. 

uncle leo

July 29th, 2017 at 2:09 PM ^

With your comment and the initial thread.

Unknown vs the known. Fandom or not, there's always a chance to win the championship going into the season, whether or not the team is projected to be 1st or 300th.

This question takes all of that out of the equation. 

Mr Miggle

July 29th, 2017 at 2:25 PM ^

You said you wouldn't watch a game knowing your team was already out of it. Sadly, that comes up most every year at some point. I don't stop watching. 

Of course the hypothetical was literally impossible. But elements of reality fit it fairly well. While I am always hoping Michigan wins a championship, (while that's still possible), it's never the reason I watch or root for them.

You're quite welcome to feel differently, but wrong to think everyone is like you.

The Man Down T…

July 29th, 2017 at 1:41 PM ^

They know they will never win a championship but every home game, winning record or not, they pack the stands and have the times of their lives.  Many many ECU fans tailgate and scream for their team every bit as much as we do for ours.  They know the likelyhood of winning any kind of championship is less than winning the lottery twice while being struck by lightning.  They still show up and are as passionate as anyone else

Couzen Rick's

July 29th, 2017 at 12:14 PM ^

It depends. I honestly don't really care for pro sports. I keep up with the standings and headlines from time to time but I won't really watch games until the playoffs. I will watch NFL now and then because there's not much else on TV on Sundays during the season.

For Michigan though, it's totally different. Being an alum, my affinity for the Wolverines is an extension of my love for my University, and so I get far more invested and even watch other college games too, to see how it would affect Michigan's standing. Even if Michigan went had a losing record every year for the next decade I have no doubt that I would still watch every game. Hell even now I turn on BTN for the off chance that they're broadcasting an M tennis or volleyball game or something.

OwenGoBlue

July 29th, 2017 at 12:24 PM ^

If I knew Michigan would never win because I was a time traveller who attempted to revise history/deliver a national title and instead ended the world, then no I would no longer root for Michigan. 

Other than that, I'm in

jackw8542

July 29th, 2017 at 12:26 PM ^

Michigan is my school, and just like I remain a Detroiter (even though I last lived there in 1966), who roots for all of Detroit's teams (the Lions have made it hard), I would always want Michigan to win and take pride in the quality of the effort regardless of the result. Although winning is more gratifying, it is also gratifying to watch a team play that is continuing to compete until the clock reads 00:00.

somewittyname

July 29th, 2017 at 12:35 PM ^

I mean Michigan State knows they will never win a championship and they still have fans.

darkstar

July 29th, 2017 at 12:53 PM ^

when I was 9 and old enough to make a conscious choice of my own. So after this year my answer will always be unequivocally - Hell yeah I'm a fan til death!!! 

It's not the accumulation of titles that matters. It's being a part of the collective fandom with all its ups & downs.  

Also a Lions fan but half-heartedly since I couldn't double up what with the Cubs masochism.

dipshit moron

July 29th, 2017 at 12:55 PM ^

you already dont know if they will ever win in your lifetime, isnt that what makes it exciting?

Human Torpedo

July 29th, 2017 at 1:03 PM ^

But it's getting outright annoying hearing the OSU and MSU fans (OSU in particular because all their recent national titles are validated poll titles) use the "one half national title in 70 years" rhetoric against us with impunity. One of these days a blueblood program such as us can't just settle for consistency and stability and we have to breakthrough. And what better way to honor the 20th anniversary The Champions then to give them company on that lonely pedestal in the era of colored TV

dipshit moron

July 29th, 2017 at 2:41 PM ^

think of all the other schools you could have been a fan of. schools with no chance of hell of ever winning anything. all i know is the first game i ever remember watching was the 1965 rosebowl, michigan vs oregon state. i have been hooked every since.

ThePonyConquerer

July 29th, 2017 at 1:00 PM ^

Michigan fan from here until I die.



Or until I get tired of football and leave the college football fandom.

MIGHTYMOJO91

July 29th, 2017 at 1:08 PM ^

I would still be a fan IF(a very big IF and never happening) Mork Dorito, Urbz, or Satan were to be the next coach...God forbib. 

Some things will never be bigger  than MICHIGAN!!!

GO BLUE FOREVER!!!!!