Has Your Fandom in Sports Grown or Dropped as you Age???
This is more for the older crowd here 35+. I have found in the last handful of years that while I love the hell out of my teams and cheer them on as vigerously as I always have that I just don't have the highs and lows of Fandom.
When we lost to MSU last year I was pissed as could be for an hour or so. Then I realized the outcome had nothing to do with my life. I didn't play the game. Sure OSU fans here in C-town would make a smart comment as they saw me in my M gear, but I just didn't care.
I recall as a younger man having losses effect my week or year. Does anyone else have this same feeling as they have gotten older?
Maybe this topic isn't board worthy, but I was curious to see how I slotted with my fellow MgoFamily on Fanaticism.
BYE weeks are a struggle!!!!
October 11th, 2016 at 11:28 AM ^
Primarily because of having kids. Other stuff is just a higher priority and I don't have nearly the time I once had to sit around and watch games or Sportscenter. Its kind of pathetic but that's the life.
October 11th, 2016 at 11:32 AM ^
I watch the majority of the games that are important to me on delay when the family goes to bed, and pick and choose the few really important ones to watch live. I still try to go to games in person -- get to Ann Arbor at least once a year -- but even for local teams, it's far less frequent than it was 20 years ago.
October 11th, 2016 at 11:39 AM ^
I don't watch many sporting events live, I'd rather DVR, zip through the commericals, and not waste time. Definitely not waste time on losing games, like the Lions (I hate them). I love BTN 60 in 60 because you don't even have to deal with the time in between plays. I most often have sporting events on in the background while I workout.
October 11th, 2016 at 11:44 AM ^
Especially since I now have MLB Network. I'll watch games where I don't care about the outcome. I've become more of a fan of the sport, not just one team.
Regarding Michigan, I have become numb over the last decade. Too many losses to count. Now that we looks like we will consistently win, I will be more emotionally involved with the outcomes.
October 11th, 2016 at 1:07 PM ^
October 11th, 2016 at 1:12 PM ^
My fandom of Michigan never changed but the angst I feel when something goes wrong has changed both with age/priorities of a family (you figure out that some things mean more) and after the horror of the Rodriguez/Hoke eras. I'm still as loyal as ever but as a 45 year old who wasn't really big into Michigan sports as an out-of-stater until middle/high school in the 80's, I had never really seen Michigan go through what they did in the last decade. I distinctly remember feeling the lowest during my senior year when we played Colorado State in a bowl game and thinking that was the worst I'd ever see the team. Then I felt that way again that 7-5 season and still thinking it was just a hiccup and we'd recover. The suck of the last decade definitely both made me a little more numb to losing as well as more appreciative when we have seasons like last season and this season.
October 11th, 2016 at 11:33 AM ^
I second this. I haven't watched an entire sporting event since my older daughter was born. I also spend a lot of time on projects around the house.We don't even have TV or internet in the house currently, if that tells you anything about where sports fall on my importance scale. I follow scores on my phone, but that's even limited most of the time. Luckily I'm able to read this blog at work!
October 11th, 2016 at 12:56 PM ^
October 11th, 2016 at 11:58 AM ^
My Michigan fandom hasn't changed, but the other sports have dropped a lot, I am a Vikings fan, and eventhough they are undefeated I don't spend anytime reading about them or rewatching anything. Basically I am a Vikes fan for 3-1/2 hours on Sunday or Monday, and it doesn't change my life with what happens. Saturdays are a different story.
October 11th, 2016 at 12:41 PM ^
I'm still a huge Michigan fan, but I've definitely dropped off other sports, like my Atlanta teams (Falcons, Braves, Hawks). For pro sports, I'm more of a once-in-a-while or postseason fan. Being in Chicago, for instance, I've been following the Cubs, although I'm not really a fan - just have an affinity for them since living here.
I don't follow everything like I used to. I still know probably more about college football than any other sport, but I couldn't even tell my wife last night the four teams in the ALDS. Back when I was playing fantasy everything, I could've told you each of their starting rotations and at least a few players from each starting lineup. I'm no longer glued to espn.com and sportscenter, no longer going through my daily reading of CFB, NFL, MLB, NBA, CBB, etc. news (I was never really a hockey guy - sorry). How I fit all that in with the reading on mountain biking and cars is beyond me.
Also, I will make efforts to watch all the games, but I'm not torn up if I'm missing it because of a family outing or other commitment. That's what DVR and WatchESPN/BTN replays are for.
Finally, I no longer let wins and losses no longer affect me so much. In my younger years (i.e., 20s), I'd get really angry if Michigan lost and be moody for at least a day or three (depending on the outcome). I'm more even-keeled about it now. There are things more important, and as much as I hate losing, I'm not the one on the sidelines or in the booth or equipment room, etc. If the team can move on to the next one, so can I.
October 11th, 2016 at 12:48 PM ^
Primarily because of marrying and having kids.
My (in the process of becoming ex-) wife is a grad. But she really isn't interested in sports beyond the occasional tailgate and home game. So the deal during our marriage was basically that M football was more or less sacred, but other sports got deprioritized in favor of marital activities. Honestly, giving up watching the Lions didn't hurt a bit. I watched the Stanley Cup playoffs, watched the MLB playoffs, and watched M hoops on DVR when I had time.
Then kids happened. And when they were babies even watching M football live on Saturdays became an "if I can squeeze it in between family obligations and kids extracurriculars" kind of thing.
Then my kids got a little older and we moved from CA back to Ann Arbor area (Saline, actually), and my two older boys both like to attend football games. So, starting in 2014 or so, I found my fandom growing again as I got to watch my boys gain an appreciation for Michigan football Saturdays, tailgating, and the Big House.
Then my wife and I split, and now, on weekends I don't have the kids, I can again fully embrace and appreciate M football. And I feel gratitude that my kids are growing up with it.
However, I definitely don't have the level of fixation I used to. Losses sting for an hour or a day, not a week. It doesn't interfere with my life's enjoyment, because my perspective as a father has changed. I care more about the experience with my kids than I ever could have imagined, but the final score, while it matters a lot, isn't as important as it used to be.
And I also no longer can spend an entire weekend watching sports. I watch M football, maybe a bit of another game, but I don't follow the rest of college football closely.
October 11th, 2016 at 1:06 PM ^
October 11th, 2016 at 2:08 PM ^
October 11th, 2016 at 11:30 AM ^
I really only watch a few sports these days. College Football is my favorite, as a Lions fan the NFL has never been fun to watch and I just don't watch anymore except on Thanksgiving.
I love hockey, pro and college so I will watch those when I can. My son is now in bantams so I take him to all his practices/games and really enjoy those.
I have enjoyed watching my daughter in Volleyball and Tennis, but don't really watch them on TV.
I just have much less time to watch other sports or even care much about them anymore.
October 11th, 2016 at 11:30 AM ^
My Michigan fandom hasn't changed - it's still extremely strong - though I don't follow the entire world of college football/basketball like I used to. I couldn't name many college basketball players outside the Big Ten, for instance.
My pro sports fandom has dropped off a cliff. If I watch the pros it's just for entertainment purposes now. I felt a little residual twinge of disappointment over the Tigers missing the playoffs but was over it within minutes.
October 11th, 2016 at 11:31 AM ^
October 11th, 2016 at 11:34 AM ^
I second this. Because of my ties to the community my college sports fandom has risen in my late 20s and early 30s as I feel connected. I was a HUGE Colts and Pacers fan when I was a kid but since leaving Indianapolis a decade ago I barely watch either team ever. Pandering aside this blog is probably a huge reason why my Michigan fandom has risen. I genuinely feel like I learn things about football, the NCAA, the B1G, and the University by being connected here.
The only reason I'll watch pro/club sports now is for a transcendent game or gambling.
October 11th, 2016 at 12:04 PM ^
I grew up a huge Cubs fan, and now won't even stay up late to watch an NLDS game.
My overall fandom hasn't waned so much as gotten more specific - Michigan football and hockey, and that's about it. I don't give a hoot about the NFL, NBA, MLB in general, and even my rabid Red Wings obsession has faded.
At some point in the past decade I just decided I loved college football more than everything else combined. I watch every single game that I can.
October 11th, 2016 at 12:09 PM ^
Your point about this blog, I think, is very true. I feel even more invested in Michigan because I know so much more about them.
I used to watch college and pro sports (football, basketball, hockey, baseball). Now I primarily watch Michigan (football, basketball, hockey, softball).
The only pro sport I still watch on a fairly regular basis is MLB and that's because my local team is on 162 evenings a year mainly when Michigan is not playing.
I still watch a lot of college football on Saturday, but I will also be working around the house or playing with my kid at the same time, until Michigan comes on, then it's every one sit and be quiet or leave for the next 3.5 hours.
October 11th, 2016 at 11:34 AM ^
October 11th, 2016 at 12:17 PM ^
With two kids, I have limited time, so I am 100% obsessed with M football, and everything else has falled aside. We still watch a few Islander games, NYCFC (MLS soccer) and Michigan bball games, bc my 9-year-old son is also a fan of those teams, but we are only casual fans of those teams.
October 11th, 2016 at 11:40 AM ^
Given all the problems with the NFL these days, I almost feel dirty watching the NFL. Not to mention the fact that the pace and strategy of the game almost seems like it's tailor-made for a TV product, not a sport. It's almost mechanical, totally soulless, and devoid of any feeling of pride or attachment to a given team.
If I didn't play fantasy football (which I'm finding increasingly problematic in some ways, when you think about what it really means), I'd never watch it.
October 11th, 2016 at 11:57 AM ^
I was just getting on to say this. If I didn't play fantasy or do a NoFunLeague pick'em, I would not watch the NFL at all! However, I can watch college football all day long.
October 11th, 2016 at 12:05 PM ^
October 11th, 2016 at 12:13 PM ^
I do miss some of the banter with friends, but I no longer watch an Eagles-Cardinals game on a sunday night hoping that Larry Fitzgerald fubmles or drops a pass...getting rid of fantasy made me realize how many games I watched rooting (for also) against people...I thought, "what is wrong with me" - I am watching a game I care nothing about and hoping Mason Crosby gets less than 7 points.
I watch all Michigan football games still, but other than that, dopnt watch too much sports anymore.
October 11th, 2016 at 4:49 PM ^
The NFL is so produced. I stopped watching when the league was literally making up calls after the fact in games. Tuck rule, process of the catch, grabbing a punt out of bounds, etc. If you're going to be pro wrestling, don't deny that you're pro wrestling.
October 11th, 2016 at 12:00 PM ^
I would say my fandom has become more focused. Instead of following every move of my favorite teams I've focused in on two (Michigan Football, Tigers) and simply pay attention to the other teams I like catching a game here and there if it happens to be on.
October 11th, 2016 at 1:35 PM ^
Same here. I used to watch two NFL games every Sunday. Now, I rarely watch one. Used to love Hockey Night in Canada; have not watched a full NHL game in decades. My focus is Michigan football and Indians baseball, which was my first love 50 years ago. I do, however, still get every bit as enraged about a loss to Ohio State as I ever did. Working on that, but it doesn't seem to be improving.
October 11th, 2016 at 2:05 PM ^
Yeah I would say my fandom has concentrated: I used to put a lot of energy into college football and basketball, MLB, NFL, and NBA. Since college my fandom has ratched up for Michigan football, thanks in no small part to the enjoyment I derive from reading MGoBlog. But while I'm still a fan of my lifelong teams (Orioles, Bullets/Wizards, Duke basketball no fuck YOU my mom went there), I don't follow them as avidly as I used to. And I've made the conscious decision to abandon the Washington NFL team until Snyder sells it or dies.
EDIT: I see now that others have reached the focusing point. Yup.
October 11th, 2016 at 11:31 AM ^
It's definitely grown over time. I don't get as distraught by the losses but I enjoy the game of football itself way more. I hope we beat ohio state and win the national championship, but even if we don't I'm having a blast watching an amazing team play amazing football in the Big House.
I also know way more about the sport and the players too, with so much amazing info online (like here on this blog).
October 11th, 2016 at 12:14 PM ^
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
October 11th, 2016 at 11:31 AM ^
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
October 11th, 2016 at 11:34 AM ^
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
October 11th, 2016 at 11:32 AM ^
Thank God I'm not one of that older crowd (I'm 32), but I would say my interest and level of involvement have increased. I've never been one to have a foul mood for more than 10-15 mins after a loss so I don't think that'll change.
October 11th, 2016 at 12:11 PM ^
October 11th, 2016 at 11:32 AM ^
Definitely dropped. I still love my teams and spend most of my free time watching sports but now my 2 kids have changed my priorities. My alcohol consumption has also decreased about 90% on gamedays.
October 11th, 2016 at 11:32 AM ^
My Fandom hasn't changed, but my Perspective has.
October 11th, 2016 at 11:33 AM ^
Mine has lessened. In the old days the wife and kids knew to leave me alone after a Mich loss. My focus has gone down too. I'm pretty much all college now.
October 11th, 2016 at 12:10 PM ^
HaHa Oh I recall where my wife would tell the kids to let dad alone for the day when Michigan lost. Now I am down to an hour or so. I had to inform my wife that the kids didn't have to leave me alne because anymore they can pull me out of the funk of a loss.
October 11th, 2016 at 11:41 AM ^
October 11th, 2016 at 11:47 AM ^
I plan on expanding this into a whole house some day.
Will call it my Mpire.
Family photo if you will before I mosey on back to college next week#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/Y4B8PHBOf6
— † Wolverine Devotee (@UMichWD) August 18, 2016
October 11th, 2016 at 11:53 AM ^
October 11th, 2016 at 12:07 PM ^
And I came up with that naming idea when I was about 15.
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
October 11th, 2016 at 12:25 PM ^
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
October 11th, 2016 at 1:48 PM ^
He's talking about Dave Brandon's house he named Ever After....
......
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
October 11th, 2016 at 12:13 PM ^
Up vote for Dedication. Though you are still young enough to be in that Fanatic Era. Trust me it will drop some....not for awhile but soon.
If you come across a nice lady that you are way into can you video the first time she sees all this and her reaction? I used to have a ton of sports stuff and I am now down to a shelf. Though once my kids are old enough the play room will become the Sports Room.
October 11th, 2016 at 1:50 PM ^
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
October 11th, 2016 at 11:44 AM ^
You're within a few years of the peak of your sports fandom though, which is why the OP asked more for the opinions of 35+ year olds. Not that your opinion doesn't matter, but when you get older, priorities just naturally shift. Enjoy it while you can though, I definitely did!
October 11th, 2016 at 11:34 AM ^