Why the NFL Offseason Is the Longest Drought on the Sports Calendar

To paraphrase an old saying, writing only requires opening a vein. The NFL fan is forced to do so every offseason to survive the football-less doldrums.

The time between meaningful games is excruciating. No other sport requires the sacrifice that the football faithful must offer. 

Fans feast on the NFL draft much the way a rabid dog devours scraps. A steak would be preferred, but beggars can't be choosers. 

From one fan to another, understand why your seasonal depression stretches from February to September.

You Can't Fast Forward Life

The NFL isn't just the king of all leagues, it also reigns over the longest offseason in temporal terms.

From the end of the Super Bowl to the kickoff of the season-opening game, there isn't stitch of meaningful football for seven full months. Football is the only sport that has a longer drought than season.

The MLB? They only take five months off. The October classic now extends right to the edge of November.

The NBA and NHL both rest from approximately the beginning of June until the end of October, with some variance between the sports. That's generally only four-and-a-half months. 

The NFL's expanse of time fuels scientists to continue work on the flux capacitor. 

The Trade Market Isn't the Same as the Other Leagues

The 2012 NFL draft had a ridiculous number of trades, but the vast majority of those only included draft picks. 

The NFL has so few team-altering trades that the mere rumor of one sparks endless fodder for commentary. The reality is that meaningful trades of brand-name players who genuinely make an impact are rare.

Brandon Marshall has a real chance to transform the Chicago Bears offense for some time.

Although considering the unpredictably of Roger Goodell's punishments, he could not. Hopefully, the story that Marshall maintains is the truth.

Other than him, what move will have a real impact on an organization? DeMeco Ryans could be helpful, yet there are legitimate concerns regarding his durability and ability.

Without legitimate distractions, time moves at a snail's pace.

Everyone Crushes on the NFL

 The NFL is the difference between being with a girl you like and one you tolerate.

Fans drop off the other sports and simply say goodbye.

With football, you're already counting the days until you get to see her again as she closes the door.

Even when you're enjoying your time with her, you are painfully aware that time is slipping away—much like conference championship Sunday.

According to Peter King, 39.6 million people watched the 2012 NFL draft. The fans just needed a glimpse of her.

The NFL forces people to deal with the unfortunate reality that life moves at its own pace. All we can do is wait.

The Critics of NFL Enthusiasm Are Extremely Prevalent

As previously discussed, NFL fans have difficulty enduring the lean times without the league.

The excitement that football engenders brings out plenty of critics. People just can't rain on a good parade.

People frequently call out writers for creating so many mock drafts because of their inaccuracy. They're right because so much of the speculation is proven moot.

That doesn't mean that the fans shouldn't have something to discuss until the draft is over.

The criticism of their excitement drains energy away from fans and reminds everyone that nothing matters until September.

There Aren't Distractions to the Vulnerabilities of the NFL's Long-Term Health

Bernard Pollard recently said that he doesn't believe there will be a NFL around 2030. 

He's not alone. 

The Junior Seau and Dave Duerson stories shine light on a rising issue that demands our attention.

In addition, there are approximately 1,700 former players suing the league over the damage that their careers inflicted.

The possible ramifications are limitless.

High school football has turned a phenomenal number of boys into men. However, are the consequences too much to bear?

I need a drink. And a game.