American football is yet to hit the world stage, but it could be argued that the US has a national obsession for the sport. The NFL is worth a staggering $9 billion, without including college football and revenues that come from gambling and other legal aspects of the industry. On top of that, the big leagues are on a mission to expand their reach to other regions. But why is American football so popular in the US?
It’s Like Simulated War
A football game mimics an ancient battlefield. You know, the ones with hand-to-hand combat that existed for centuries, way before man invented the gun. The coaches are generals, the quarterback is the man-in-charge of field operations, and players are soldiers tasked with holding their ground. The “general” can take risks, both tactical and strategical, which results in gaining or losing territory. However, teams can lose a battle but win the war by strategizing to suit their strength, speed, and scheme.
Rivalries
There are over 30 pro football teams in America alone. And that has created rivalries along the way. Just like how baseball has the Yankees and Red Sox, Football has Packers vs. Bears, Raiders vs. Steelers, and others. Nothing is more exciting than watching a game between two rivals. Emotions run high, and players bring their A-game. That’s more than any sport can offer up.
The Super Bowl
One thing is real: the Super Bowl brings more people together than any other event or holiday. In fact, Americans take more food during Bowl events than thanksgiving. What’s more, this event needs about two weeks of media coverage to gather everything needed to inform the public. And the viewership is at an all-time high with the last Super Bowl XLV’s game between the Saints and Packers drawing 111 million viewers nationwide. That makes it the most-watched television show in America’s history.