Like all Canadians, I have grown up in several feet of snow.
It's cold. Grass dies. Water freezes.
Naturally, since hockey is a game played on ice, I grew up playing and watching hockey.
Things haven’t changed. I am still living in Canada, and more than ever, I'm still very much an avid hockey fan.
But, as I’ve grown older I’ve realized there's more out there than just snow, ice, and brightly-coloured money.
Following the NFL in Canada is different than in America. We don’t have a team. We can't spend an afternoon tailgating. Only a select few can even make the trip to Buffalo, and fewer still actually do.
Luckily we can watch some games on TV which gives us Canadians some choice. We can choose to follow any team we want, without any pressure to root for a particular franchise. We can jump on bandwagons, have multiple favourites—all guilt free.
Basically, what this means is we are either a fan of the New England Patriots or the Indianapolis Colts. But for good reason.
As Canadians we have grown accustomed to being second-place to the United States. Growing up, Canadians are always told how great it is in the U.S., how the people are smarter, and richer... Our simpleminded way-of-life turns into our driving force, and it becomes second nature for us to choose the best to compensate for our circumstances.
The Patriots are the best. They have been for a few years now, second to the Colts only on occasion. We want to share in their success, and thus, choose the best so we don’t feel like the little brother watching our big bro have all the fun.
Thanks for reading. TL.
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10 months ago
Good point. I'm an American living in New England, and I truly appreciate the fact that I can sleep easy at night knowing that I have the choice of either rooting for the Winnepeg Blue Bombers or the Hamilton Tiger Cats, and can do so absolutely guilt-free. Sometimes you wacky Canadians confuse me with your use of the word "Defence" rather than "Defense," but despite the language barriers, I am still able to follow the game. And while I can't tailgate outside the Rogers "Centre," I can still enjoy a 15 pack of Moosehead Dry, eh.
10 months ago
Well Matt the CFL is a whole other story. 2 weeks ago the Toronto Argonauts and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. It was a playoff game and since I'm from Toronto I took interest and I watched.
As the afternoon turned into evening some NFL games started. I found myself switching back and forth... but briefly. The difference in play is leaps and bounds. I am ashamed that Canadians take this sport so seriously. Compared to the NFL it's a joke.
What cracks me up is the players in their interviews, and how they say the same things as the players in the NFL...
I only continued watching the CFL for a few minutes, but the major difference I noticed (other than the rules) is the ability, in every aspect, of the recievers. It's like men and boys.
Thanks Matt. TL.
10 months ago
My complete and utter hatred of the Patriots is only equalied by my extreme jealousy. In '04 the Red Sox won the Series and the Pats won the super bowl.
it's gonna happen again. it's just not fair. lol
10 months ago
Haha, yeah Jack I know exactly what you mean --- I'm a Jays fan. Aren't you also jealous of Canadians? Like I said we can pick and choose guilt free! Ha!
Thanks for your time. TL.
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