Surviving the Football Off-season For Dummies

As the clock slowly dwindles toward the first kickoff of both the collegiate and NFL seasons, us die-hard fans sit restlessly, keeping our eyes open for any piece of information concerning football.

As I sat watching bowling on ESPN, I realized that other than Major League Baseball, sports in the summer are downright boring.

In response to this epiphany, I have decided to make a list of things that we can do as football fanatics to make this off-season a little less painful. I hope you find these suggestions useful and humorous.

1. Bleacher Report

Any of you reading this have obviously figured out that Bleacher Report is the perfect source for football news.

Bleacher Report offers a wide variety of news on a wide variety of sports. However, for people like me, it is mainly a way of staying updated on things happening in the world of football.

I love reading other writers previews and predictions for the upcoming season, and leaving a controversial comment or two can always lead to some heated (yet satisfactory) debates.

So stop by Bleacher Report to receive a quick dose of football when you are going through withdrawal.

2. DVR DVR DVR!

If you don't have DVR and you are a football fan...I'll pray for you.

DVR comes in handy during the season when you don't want to miss a prime time game or you just want to reminisce on your team's victory that week.

However, during the off-season, DVR becomes much more valuable for the simple reason that you get to watch football when there is normally none to be found!

For example, I have the Georgia Spring Game on my DVR right now, and I can't tell you the number of times it's been watched.

You can also record any replays on sports channels that you may have. The good thing about this is that the games are normally classics so you won't be stuck watching any of the recent Rose Bowl games.

3. Backyard Football

Though it may be humid and blistering hot, there is no better time than the off-season to gather up the guys and play some backyard football.

Whether it be seven-on-seven or simply running a few routes, backyard football is a good way to get your mind off the fact that it isn't September yet.

Backyard football is good exercise and a lot of fun, and the great thing about summertime is that when you've had enough, there is always a pool or beach nearby that is calling your name.

4. Madden or NCAA Football

Over the years, I have found that playing Madden or NCAA Football is almost therapeutic during the off-season.

You get to watch your favorite team beat down the competition (if you're any good,) and try to lead them to the championship that might be out of reach in reality.

Live your fantasy through a video game when you could be doing something productive! If you play it enough, you almost forget that it isn't real! (Not really, but it helps if you do).

5. Visit the Stadium!

Get in your car and drive (or walk) to your team's stadium.

When you get there, stare at your team's stadium or walk around it. All you have to do is reflect on your team's previous season and dream of what could be in the upcoming season.

This can really get you pumped for football and get you planning for tailgating and/or parties that you may have for the big games.

Hope you enjoyed my tips for surviving the off-season, and I hope you find at least a couple that legitimately help you.