Top 10 Reasons We Love Sports

As I sat watching the Yankees falter to the Rangers in the ALCS once again, I was wondering with all the frustration of watching your team fall short, the reasons that people love sports.  Whether we root for the reigning champions or the cellar dwellers we keep watching.  Then I realized it's the little moments and memories that keep us tuned in.  Here are 10 reasons why we keep tailgating, cheering and rooting for our beloved sports teams.

The Players

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LAS VEGAS - OCTOBER 13: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands on the court during a preseason game against the Sacramento Kings at the Thomas & Mack Center October 13, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and ag

The players. The athletes that make us say "Wow."  All sports have them.  The superstar faces that amaze us week after week.  Whether it's them lighting it up from three-point land or running wild on a tough SEC defense. The players keep us tuning in, waiting to see what they will do next.

The Player Stories

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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 02: Quarterback Chad Pennington #10 of the Miami Dolphins walks off the field against the Dallas Cowboys during a preseason game at Cowboys Stadium on September 2, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Imag

Kind of a continuation of the last slide, but these are the players that just when you think they are finished, they come back better than ever.  

How about the guys no one ever heard of going from grocery bagger, to NFL MVP?  Guys like Chad Pennington, who suffered a slew of injuries over his career, but somehow comes back time after time to show he still has it.  

Guys like Kurt Warner, bagging groceries one minute, to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy the next.  These guys are not only fun to watch but kind of inspiring. 

The Upset

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BOULDER, CO - SEPTEMBER 06: Colorado State fans rush the field to celebrate with the Colorado State Rams after they defeated the Colorado Buffaloes 23-17 at Folsom Field on September 6, 2009 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The moment you feel a top-ranked team going down.  After the final second ticks away and you realize your team has pulled off the impossible.  The sea of students swarming the field celebrating with the players.  It is pure electricity on the field.  

On the flip side, if your the team who just got knocked off, you might be a little down.  All the more motivation for revenge next time.  

The Rivalry

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BOSTON - JULY 24: Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees gets into a fight with catcher Jason Varitek #33 of the Boston Red Sox after Rodriguez was hit by a pitch in the third inning on July 24, 2004 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo b

The other team that you love to hate.  Whether it be Yankees/Red Sox, Ohio State/Michigan, Duke/UNC, or any number of bitter rivalries these are the games we live for.  There is nothing better than watching you squad rub it in against that other team.  

Or how about the feeling when you dash your rivals championship dreams on the last game of the season...much like Pitt did to WVU in 2007.  No matter what team you like, there is one that you hate just as much.

The Entertainers

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CINCINNATI - DECEMBER 27: Chad Ochocinco #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates his touchdown catch by holding up the number 15 in memory of Chris Henry against the Kansas City Chiefs in their NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium December 27, 2009 in Cincinn

No, not the halftime show.  The characters on the field that give you not only great athleticism, but those funny little moments.  Think Chad Ochocinco, T.O., anything Ozzie Guillen has to say.  All make you love or hate the guy, but they can always steal the show...even if it costs them some money. 

The Walk-Off

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CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 28: Jay Bruce #32 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrates a walk off home run against the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park on September 28, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Reds won 3-2 to clinch the NL Central Division title.

Getting sport specific hear.  Anyone remember Aaron Boone in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS?  I'm sure Red Sox fans do.  I know Yankees fans do.  The hometown guy with two outs in the ninth steps up, and unleashes a blast that turn a nervous, silent stadium into a mosh pit of joy.  

The Records

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 30: Fans hold up the numer 422 representing the record number of touchdowns Brett Favre of the Green Bay Packers has thrown in his career during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome on September 30, 2007 in

We love to see guys make history.  Whether it be throwing a perfect game or breaking a long-standing record. These are the times when you witness history.  

You will always remember where you were when Brett Favre threw that record-breaking...interception  (YES, I got my shot in on Brett Favre and no I won't take it back).

The Buzzer-Beater

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SYRACUSE, NY - MARCH 27: Da'Sean Butler #1 of the West Virginia Mountaineers attempts a technical free throw against the Kentucky Wildcats during the east regional final of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Carrier Dome on March 27, 2010 i

That clutch moment when during college basketball's postseason when one guy becomes a legend.  Da'Sean Butler mastered this art last season fro WVU, hitting two game-winning shots to propel the Mountaineers to their first Big East title and a trip to the Final Four.  

Fans hold their breath when the shot goes up and when it snaps the net, it's pure jubilation.

The Play

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 01: Wide receiver Drisan James #11 of the Boise State Broncos scores a 49-yard touchdown in the first quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Tostito's Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 1, 2007 in Glendale

It comes out of nowhere.  The play that turns the tide, and takes your breath away all at once.  (Sometimes back-to-back plays: see Boise State beating Oklahoma).  Whether it be a hook and lateral or just some tough running or an awesome catch, these plays are what sports fans live to see.

The Moment

Marshall beats Xavier in first home game after plane crash

Sounds like an upset or a play, but somehow it's different.  

Just being in a moment that will never be forgotten in history.  Marshall has one in 1971 when they beat Xavier almost a year after the plane crash that took the lives of 75 people, including the 1970 team.  

The Miracle on Ice is a moment no one can ever forget (notice a theme that they will typically make a movie out of it?) How about Babe Ruth calling his shot?  People still refer to it to this day.

Just the times that offer those inspiring, unforgettable moments.  This is why we love sports.