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Robin Renay and her husband that “49er Fan”.

By Robin Renay

Football fans, I have two words that relate to football, that on their own are able to elicit many feelings by men and women alike. They are very simple, yet very powerful words, and they are capable of producing almost every emotion known to mankind! (Well…maybe not every emotion, but I’m thinking pretty darn close!)

Excitement is an emotion that is felt concerning the two words that I have yet to tell you.  Every time the quarterback throws the ball and the receiver is able to gain some yardage, certain people will be very excited to be able to add some points to their score.

Frustration is an emotion that at times may surface due to the mystery words that I am writing about. At times a man or woman may notice their significant other pulling out their smart phones or tablets way to often, in order to check on their scores, and how well certain football players are performing for their team. The result of said behavior could be frustration over how much time is given to football, rather the special person in their life.

If you have not yet guessed what two words I keep referring to, then let me enlighten you! Drum roll please…. the two words are none other than…FANTASY FOOTBALL!!

Yes! Fantasy Football is a huge part of the football season. Men and women alike are taking part in this mainstream phenomenon. I truly believe there is good reason why one should consider becoming a part of the fantasy football world.

Fantasy football is a way to increase your knowledge about the sport. If you are like me, and wish to involve yourself with the sport of football, in order to gain more time with you’re loved one on game day; fantasy football is the way to go! When you play the game, before you know it, you will start to know all of the teams in the NFL, you will begin to learn which players are considered good or not so good, which ones are injured for the week, and even the different positions and their names. All of this will be gained by the need to follow the players that you have picked for your fantasy team.

Fantasy football can be a way to make new friends or keep up with your old friends too. For example, some good friends of mine have a neighborhood fantasy football party around Labor Day. Those who wish to participate, spend their time drafting their players, while those who care less about the sport (mainly the little ones and a few others) splash around in the pool, or gossip about what is happening around the neighborhood. It ends up being a great time for all, whether or not fantasy football was their focus.

Lastly, fantasy football can be a way for you to include your significant other with the sport that you love so much. A date night out to a sports bar, where you can get good food and spend time watching the games together, keeping track of your players, would be a great date night. If staying in is your choice for the evening, than gather some snacks, your favorite drinks, and hunker down in front of the television to enjoy watching some Monday night football. You might be surprised at how much fun both of you can have by just playing the one game that has so many people feeling about every emotion you can imagine. This one game can bring about excitement, worry, happiness, frustration, anger, contentment, but most of all love. Not only love for the game, but increased love in your relationship. With that, I’ll stop and leave the mushy feelings for you and your significant other!

Join me next week, my football friends, when I tackle Fantasy Football basics…until then, onward to week 8 of the NFL! Enjoy the games!

Robin Renay is a freelance writer living in Michigan, a life long San Francisco Giants fan, and a firm believer in all things Tim Lincecum (even when he’s being paid 35-million over the next two years).