How to Be a Woman Who Appreciates NFL Football

Men love NFL football, but why? Football is aggressive and in some situations dangerous. It's tedious. It's monstrously complicated. Actually, while it is aggressive, it's quite simple and not at all tedious once you understand the basics. Pro football is, in simple terms, a tiny, skillfully organized and executed war, similar to a chess game. Each play of the game means something. To cultivate an appreciation for the game, you must get in touch with your masculine side and learn how it is played.

• 1

  Check your emotions. Generally speaking, men learn to express emotion through competitiveness and aggression. This is a natural and typically healthy process, especially when it's channeled into sports. Try to cultivate, at least during the NFL season, a tough emotional outlook. While you might never enjoy the violent aspect of the game, understanding what is happening on the field might allow you to appreciate the beauty that is inherent in the structure and athleticism of NFL competition.

• 2

  Sharpen your logic. Try thinking with facts only. This can be difficult, but is a good exercise in linear thinking that is considered "male." A man knows that to get from Point A to Point B, you must perform steps 1, 2 and 3. Emotion doesn't enter into it. This type of logic is demonstrated in every play of an NFL game.

• 3

  Study the basics of the game. Learn the specific duties of the offense, defense and special teams as well as at least an initially nebulous idea of the players' jobs. Learn the system of "downs" that the game is based on, the structure of the field and how to tell where the play is taking place. Learn the possible ways to score points. While the basic game is simple, many people devote their lives to learning everything there is to know. The more you learn, the more interesting NFL football becomes, but you can also appreciate it with only minimal understanding. The NFL website offers a comprehensive and understandable explanation of the game to help get you started. Visit nfl.com/rulebook/beginnersguidetofootball for more information.

• 4

  Choose a team. If you don't have a home team to cheer on, select one as your favorite. It might be the team your father follows, the team of a beloved city, the team with the most attractive quarterback or even the most pleasing team colors. Choosing a team allows you to become part of the game and gives you a reason to follow the action throughout the season.

• 5

  Focus on the game. In order to grow in your appreciation, devote three hours a week solely to watching your team's game. Spend this time watching and studying without trying to finish household chores or thinking about what's on tomorrow's agenda. This is your homework time, and every game will teach you something new. The season is short---only 16 games plus the playoffs. Dedicating three hours every week to the sport gives you ample opportunity to thoroughly learn and appreciate the game.