Surviving the Football Off-season For Dummies

Cole Salmon by Correspondent Written on July 01, 2009

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LATROBE, PA - AUGUST 08:  Marcello Church #49 of the Pittsburgh Steelers gets a drink during training camp at St. Vincent College on August 8, 2007 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

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

FARMINGDALE, NY - JUNE 16:  Padraig Harrington of Ireland writes in his yardage book during the second day of previews to the 109th U.S. Open on the Black Course at Bethpage State Park on June 16, 2009 in Farmingdale, New York.  (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Ge

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!

18 Nov 1996:  Running back Herschel Walker of the Dallas Cowboys comes up short on this touchdown attempt from Troy Aikman during the first half of the game between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers game at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. Mandatory

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

FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - MAY 9: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons attempts a pass during minicamp at the Falcons Complex on May 9, 2009 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Paul Abell/Getty Images)

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

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 16: Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Limas Sweed and Chicago Bears wide receiver Earl Bennett attend the EA SPORTS Rookie Madden Bowl at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel as part of the NFL PLAYERS Rookie Premiere on May 16, 2008 i

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!

ATHENS, GA - OCTOBER 11:  Quarterback Matthew Stafford #7 of the Georgia Bulldogs looks on during the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Sanford Stadium on October 11, 2008 in Athens, Georgia.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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.

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written on July 01, 2009 Humor

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