Sportsball

When I was in fourth grade, someone asked me who my favorite football team was and I froze. I told them I wasn't sure and on my next visit to our school's library, I looked for the books on football and settled on one with a purple spine and declared myself a Minnesota Viking's fan. They had a cool uniform, and they were "The Vikings". 10 year old me was sold. I mean, I didn't want to be just another Buffalo Bills fan in a sea of Bills fan, right?

Four years ago, after faithfully following the Vikings for almost 30 years, I had A change of heart about the Bills. To be honest, I had continued to follow them from my 20's on and even went to a game or two. Because I can go to a Bills game since the stadium is only a few hours away. So I did it, I proclaimed my allegiance to Buffalo and for Xmas that year, had to have a very hard talk with my brother about becoming a bills fan.

Me: I just want to support a team I can actually go see play.

Bro: But..the BILLS!?!?!?!?!

Me: Well I have always been a fan, I never really declared it...

Bro: But it's the BILLS!

Me: Bill, you just have to trust me. I think it's going to be ok...

Bro: WHYYYYY?!?!? I feel like I don't even know you anymore.

My brother is an Eagles fan. For years, neither of us ever wanted to root for a home state team in any sport. But he came around, and got me a pretty rad Bills cap for my birthday, followed by the worlds warmest Buffalo Bills winter hat. Thanks bro!

Thanks bro!

So now, 4 years after that dramatic conversation I wish I had video of, the Bills have snagged a wild card spot in the playoffs. Bills fans are going nuts. I found out on New Year's Eve while at a party and exclaimed "THE BILLS ARE IN THE PLAYOFFS!" to no response because I screamed it out loud in my mind. Then had more champagne.

They're playing in Jacksonville at 1pm today, which means the game has started, and I am far too nervous to watch, because I am also very superstitious that if I do watch, they might lose, which could be my fault and that's just too much pressure. So I'll just casually check how they're doing. I may have already checked 5 or 6 times since i started this post. I'm hoping for a win, but I know it won't be the end of the world if they lose because hey, its the Bills. We've gotten accustomed to losing, but we never give up. Getting to the playoffs is magical all by itself. Moving on to the next round would be excellent. I will still be too nervous to watch.