Choosing a favorite team: NFL

[MoneyGuy]

Packeeerrrrrrrs! I want to go to Lambeau for a game.

[icarus]

For what it's worth, I've been a Cincinatti Bengals fan for as long as I can remember. I don't know why but I think it was an arbitrary decision based on a toy helmet that I got out of one of those quarter vending machines at the entrance to Eaton's when I was a kid.

[Jimmy Stang]

Although I don't follow NFL very much, I do watch a few "world" sports. My adopted teams are basically ones that I have seen live while abroad (Canterbury Crusaders from NZ in Rugby), or at least been to their city (Sydney Swans in Aussie Rules). Because I have never been to India, I picked the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL Cricket because they had a cool, menacing logo (which they have since changed).

Interestingly, the Swans and the Knight Riders won their respective championships this past season. On the risk of sounding like a hipster, I was in before the glory.

If I am close enough to potentially attend a game every year or two, that would also be a deciding factor. In MLS I like the Vancouver Whitecaps because I'm only an hour-long flight away to catch a game (I saw two last season). Some people don't like the idea of using proximity as a guide, but it does make a difference to me because I can actually go there on a whim to see a game. Obviously, this doesn't matter as much if you're as far away as Sweden.

Would picking an Eastern team be easier to watch in Sweden? With three hours difference between the East and West in North America, it could mean the difference between watching a few games live or having to record them.

[Robbob]

I picked the Detroit Lions back in 91 because because that is the team I used in Techmo Superbowl (because of Sanders). They became my team going forward in the real world. Sure the last decade has been oileresque but being able to watch Barry Sanders run (live in person in one occasion) made it worth it.

[arsenal]

I picked the Dolphins because Dan Marino and I share the same birthday (not the same year). Also this was the time that Miami Vice first started, and the Hurricanes where tearing up the NCAA.

[North East Goon]

Really punish yourself and become a Browns fan like me!

[M*A*S*H 4077]

Become a Jets fan. A bad team with infinite off the field distractions

[Jimmy Stang]

Originally Posted by North East Goon

Really punish yourself and become a Browns fan like me!

Well, according to the list that icarus posted, the Browns are the only NFL team to have employed TWO Swedes! Not at the same time, granted, and the last was over 25 years ago. But still - two!

[rubecube]

As much as I hate them because they're in my division, I'd probably be a Redskins fan right now if I was a new NFL fan. That is if Griffin can come back and still be the same player he was and not shred his knee again.

[valo403]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

The Dolphins because they are lame.

As a lifelong Dolphins fan I can tell you (the OP) a few things. One, the above is 100% true. They are incredibly lame. They have a logo that appeals to 8 year olds (Guess when I became a fan?), they have a fan base that is largely indifferent and they have been either mediocre or outright terrible for almost 20 years. The owner is a real estate tycoon who thinks that bringing in B list celebrities as part owners will somehow benefit the team or line his pockets. In general there isn't much to love.

BUT

They play in Miami, and more importantly they play just a short cab ride from a friendly little place known as Tootsie's cabaret. One visit and you'll know why it's good to be a Phins fan. Also, if they ever actually win (HA) you can say you were a fan before they were good. It's not as good as being able to say you were a fan when they singed a guy off of his UPS delivery truck to play running back (this actually happened), or when they decided that Daunte sippin' on syzurp Culpepper was the answer at QB, but you don't want to know the shame of having to admit you were a fan of that team.

[troutman]

The Browns. Best uniforms. Best fans. They will return to glory one day.

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by troutman

The Browns. Best uniforms. Best fans. They will return to glory one day.

Hipster.

[Hemi-Cuda]

after watching the NFL for years but not cheering for any singular team, i think i'm becoming a 49ers fan. watching Kaepernick in the playoffs was a blast, and it's nice to see a storied franchise that was so bad for quite awhile start seeing success again

[gargamel]

Originally Posted by valo403

They play in Miami, and more importantly they play just a short cab ride from a friendly little place known as Tootsie's cabaret. One visit and you'll know why it's good to be a Phins fan.

Picking your favorite football team based on its proximity to a strip club would be the most manly way to do it. If you go that route, I have to second valo's recommendation. I've already booked a trip to see my Philadelphia Phillies in Miami in April just because I need an excuse to get back to Tootsie's.

[Weirdness]

Should be the Raiders, since I always played them in Tecmo Super Bowl on the NES, but that was only because of Bo Jackson, I had no attachment to the team.

First NFL game I seriously sat down and watched was in 2004, Patriots vs Jetson, both 5–0 until that game. I chose the Patriots to win, they did, and I've been a fan ever since.

I also like the Bears, became a fan the season where Devon Hester broke out and just couldn't be stopped on kickoff and punt returns. It was also the season where Dennis Green had his "The Bears are who we thought they were" rant. A shame Rex Grossman remembered he was a mediocre quarterback in the Super Bowl that year...

[Travis Munroe]

Originally Posted by Hemi-Cuda

after watching the NFL for years but not cheering for any singular team, i think i'm becoming a 49ers fan. watching Kaepernick in the playoffs was a blast, and it's nice to see a storied franchise that was so bad for quite awhile start seeing success again

I dont know why and really dont have a reason but I cant stand Kaepernick.
Might be 10% feeling bad for Alex Smith and 90% something I cant explain.

[Bobblehead]

Originally Posted by Realtor 1

I have to agree with the above in Minnesota. Some real exciting talent there as well.
I became a Seahawks fan the moment they gave T.O. A tryout and stuck with them even after he was cut. There jerseys are top notch, stadium is one of the loudest, somewhat known as Canada "wests" team, have a exciting coach, play incredibly aggressive and feature Browner (ex Calgary Stampeder).

Wait...why!?

Because they gave Terrell Owens a tryout? Are you a huge T.O. fan?

[valo403]

Originally Posted by gargamel

Picking your favorite football team based on its proximity to a strip club would be the most manly way to do it. If you go that route, I have to second valo's recommendation. I've already booked a trip to see my Philadelphia Phillies in Miami in April just because I need an excuse to get back to Tootsie's.

It really makes the trek out to the middle of nowhere for a game worth it. The fact that you're heading out there despite the Marlins playing downtown now is impressive. My hat's off to you.

[nik-]

Don't be like me, don't be a Bills fan.

It's the worst #### ever.

[Travis Munroe]

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

Wait...why!?

Because they gave Terrell Owens a tryout? Are you a huge T.O. fan?

I am a big T.O. fan. No doubt he has made some mistakes and crossed lines but following him with Jerry Rice was where it all started.

I still believe he could play and be competitive today. Im hopeful another team gives him. The seahawks claimed that he could have played but they wanted to go with youth (nothing to do with skill). Fingers crossed.