The more time you spend in the United States, the more you may notice that American football 🏈 is more than just a sport—it's a culture within the American culture that has evolved into a national obsession. When my family lived in Denver, I became a Broncos fan. I still remember watching quarterbacks like John Elway win 2 Superbowls back-to-back in the 90s.

Football fans across the nation have a passionate involvement in the sport and experience a wide range of emotions during the season, much like the disappointment fans felt over India losing the cricket World Cup. 😫

Ok, ok, sorry I brought it up. 😬

Understanding football's significance can help in connecting with colleagues and acquaintances on a deeper level. Just like cricket, football fosters a sense of community. It extends beyond the game itself—it's a way to bring people together that may not see eye to eye on other things in life. Game days are marked by rituals like tailgating, where fans gather before matches for barbecues and fun. Sometimes tailgaters don't even have tickets to the game, but watch on a TV strapped to the back of a vehicle in the stadium parking lot. These pre-game gatherings bring excitement and camaraderie, showcasing the social aspect of football culture in America.

To appreciate the game, here are the basic concepts of the game and key players to deepen your engagement while watching games.

Game Structure:

Quarters: A standard football game consists of four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes in professional play (12 minutes in college). At the end of the second quarter, there's halftime, providing a break between the halves.

Downs: A team has four downs (attempts) to advance the ball 10 yards. If they succeed, they get another set of downs. If not, the possession goes to the opposing team.

Scoring:

• Touchdown (6 points): Occurs when a player carries the ball into the opponent's end zone or catches a pass in the end zone.
• Extra Point (1 or 2 points): After a touchdown, the team can kick the ball through the goalposts for one point or try to score another touchdown from a shorter distance for two points.
• Field Goal (3 points): Kicking the ball through the goalposts from anywhere on the field during regular play, usually attempted on fourth down when close enough to score but not sure about getting a touchdown.

Key Positions and Player Roles:

Offense:

1. Quarterback (QB): The leader of the team, responsible for passing the ball, handing it off to runners, and making play decisions.
2. Running Back (RB): Typically receives handoffs from the quarterback or catches short passes and runs with the ball, aiming to advance.
3. Wide Receiver (WR): Catches passes from the quarterback and is known for speed and agility.
4. Tight End (TE): A versatile player who blocks, catches passes, and can be used for both running and passing plays.
5. Offensive Line (OL): Consists of five players: two tackles, two guards, and a center. They protect the quarterback, create openings for runners, and block defensive players.

Defense:

1. Defensive Line (DL): Comprised of defensive ends and tackles, they aim to stop the run and put pressure on the quarterback.
2. Linebacker (LB): Plays a versatile role, defending against both the run and pass. They cover wide areas of the field.
3. Cornerback (CB): Guards against wide receivers and prevents them from catching passes.
4. Safety (S): Positioned behind the rest of the defense, safeties defend against long passes and provide support in tackling.

Understanding these basics can help you follow the flow of the game, appreciate the strategies involved, and engage in conversations about specific plays and player performances during football matches.

Football spans various levels, from grassroots peewee leagues to high school, college, and the professional NFL (National Football League). Embracing football traditions like Fantasy Football, tailgating, and joining watch parties can immerse you in the excitement of the season.

The thrill of competition, coupled with the sense of belonging and identity tied to hometowns, alma maters, and NFL team affiliations fuels the passion for football. It's not merely a sport - it's an emotional investment.

So that you can talk with your co-workers and friends, it's important to know some of the leading teams. In the NFL, the top teams right now are the Philadelphia Eagles (10-1), Baltimore Ravens (9-3), Miami Dolphins (8-3), Jacksonville Jaguars (8-3), Kansas City Chiefs (8-3), Detroit Lions (8-3), and the San Francisco 49ers (8-3).

In college football the top teams right now are Georgia (12-0), Michigan (12-0), Washington (12-0), Florida State (12-0), and Oregon (11-1).

All of these teams are favorites for either the Superbowl (NFL) or the National Championship (College) so keep your eye out for how they perform!

I know, it's a lot to keep track of especially since there are so many games happening all at the same time. If you wanted to, you could watch football 5 nights a week - NFL on Thursday night, high school on Friday nights, college all day on Saturday, NFL all day on Sunday, and NFL on Monday night - it's a lot!

Beyond the game, football has permeated American pop culture culminating in the NFL Super Bowl phenomenon, a cultural extravaganza! The Super Bowl is the final NFL game played by the two best NFL teams each year. Much of the American population tunes in to watch, even if they have no interest in football, because it is the point at which pop culture and sports intersect with an over-the-top halftime show performed by a pop culture icon, and creative commercials that everyone can appreciate.

While you may be wondering if it is worth engaging with football, know that it can be more than a leisure pursuit—it's a networking opportunity. Attending live games, connecting with local communities, and exploring narratives beyond the field can facilitate connections and conversations that transcend sports.

I encourage you to seize the opportunity to engage with American football. Attend a game, join watch parties, and explore the rich stories and traditions woven into this beloved sport. Start by exploring movies like "Remember the Titans," "Friday Night Lights," or "Rudy."

Also, if you'd like to learn more about football's rules and how to play, check out these tutorials:

• ​How To Play American Football​
• ​Guide To American Football​
• ​How To PROPERLY CATCH a Football for Beginners​
• ​How To Throw The Perfect Football Spiral​

Embrace football not just as a game but as a way to connect, learn, and thrive in your journey in the United States!