Women and Football

I am a huge football fan. I cheer for my home team... The Baltimore Ravens. Growing up, my Dad was a high school football coach. I didn't take advantage of truly learning the game when I was younger. It wasn't until I was out of college and back in Baltimore that I really got into the sport and specifically the Ravens. At that point they had one Super Bowl under their belts and were on the search for another title. My Dad was able to teach me the basics and I learned even more by watching the games and listening to the commentators.

So as I was driving home from watching my Ravens beat Miami on Sunday, I was listening to sports radio. I like to hear what the announcers have to say about the Ravens game as well as the other games of the day. A woman called into the show to offer her comments on the Ravens game. She obviously knew what she was talking about and the radio host commented that he was impressed with her knowledge. Well with that, the phones and computers went crazy... men from all over the area were calling in wanting to meet this woman who actually knew what she was talking about when it came to football. Men were asking the host for the woman's phone number... like he was actually going to hand that out.

Lots of women that I know have vast knowledge about the game of football. Many times it is a group of girls that I meet up with on game day to watch the game... either at a local bar or at someone's house like we did on Sunday. And while there is some gossip and girl talk that goes along with these meetings, we really are there to watch the game. If the Ravens win, we go out and celebrate and if they lose, we hang our heads in disgust and head on home. So in 2009 is it really so crazy to think that women know and watch football? My Mom goes to the home games each week and sits in front of the television to watch the away games. My sister can always be found by the television for games. Is this strange? It's certainly what I'm used to. Now I realize that not every woman is into football and sports but I don't think it's so uncommon that men are falling over a woman who calls into a radio show.

Maybe I'm wrong... Maybe I hang out with a unique group of women but we're into it. And we're certainly ready for the big game on Saturday afternoon... Ravens vs. Titans. Purple jerseys and t-shirts will be worn, beer and snacks will be consumed, and we'll be pacing and yelling at the tv to try and cheer the guys on or to let out some frustration. Hopefully it will be just like our Super Bowl run and we'll walk into that stadium and come out with a win!

Go Ravens!