Argomenti trattati
In earlier years, I viewed sports enthusiasts with skepticism, often labeling them as unintelligent and lacking depth. My upbringing did not involve much athletic activity, leading me to find the prospect of watching sports tedious. I struggled to comprehend the significance of the games, perceiving them as merely grown individuals chasing after a ball, devoid of real purpose.
My father, a long-time supporter of the Buffalo Bills, seemed to lose interest in the team after a series of disappointing Super Bowl appearances from 1990 to 1993, followed by a lengthy playoff drought. While he remained a fan, the relentless losses made it challenging for him to justify dedicating his time to watching games, especially with a family to nurture.
The turning point: discovering football through gaming
Both my brother Loren and I shared a similar indifference toward sports, often discussing how pointless they appeared compared to the immersive world of video games. However, everything changed when Loren decided to play Madden 16, a renowned football video game featuring the incredible Odell Beckham Jr. on its cover.
Initially, I had no interest in the game, dismissing the idea of engaging with football through a digital format. Yet Loren quickly became enthralled, playing incessantly with friends and online. His enthusiasm, fueled by our uncles and his own curiosity, led him to become a passionate follower of the sport. I felt a sense of loss as I watched my brother dive into a world I had previously dismissed.
Unexpected engagement: embracing the game
Surprisingly, I eventually found myself drawn to the sport as well. During a season where Tyrod Taylor played as the Bills’ quarterback, the team had an average performance, yet I couldn’t look away from the screen. There was an inexplicable allure to the game that captured my attention, revealing something I had never anticipated.
When the Bills drafted Josh Allen, my brother hoped for a different player, but I enjoyed the evolving experience of watching the games. As Allen emerged as a remarkable talent, my enthusiasm for the sport grew, transforming my relationship with football from a mere pastime to something more profound.
Finding tradition and meaning
By the time I enrolled at Biola, I had developed a new perspective on the sport. Through my studies in the Torrey Honors College, I explored concepts of human nature, tradition, and meaning. Many of my peers expressed a newfound appreciation for Anglican traditions, which emphasized the significance of structure and reverence—qualities often overlooked in some Evangelical contexts.
Reflecting on the traditions that shaped my upbringing—family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and weekly church services—I recognized that football was an integral part of these experiences as well. Although Sunday football may not hold the same theological significance as sacred rituals, it embodies the essence of tradition in its own right.
The connections we forge through sports
Participating in the communal experience of watching football mirrors the Christian truth that rituals, repetition, and shared experiences cultivate our passions. Engaging in family traditions—wearing jerseys, celebrating touchdowns with the Bills’ Shout Song, and sharing laughter or tears—transcends mere habits. These moments forge connections across generations and foster a sense of belonging within the community.
Sports often reflect core Christian virtues such as discipline, perseverance, and celebration. While football may not be a sacrament, the communal experience it generates allows individuals to gather and create shared memories. We don special attire, chant familiar anthems, and experience the highs and lows together—actions that resonate deeply, echoing the communal nature of the Church.
My father, a long-time supporter of the Buffalo Bills, seemed to lose interest in the team after a series of disappointing Super Bowl appearances from 1990 to 1993, followed by a lengthy playoff drought. While he remained a fan, the relentless losses made it challenging for him to justify dedicating his time to watching games, especially with a family to nurture.0