Fanhood to Manhood

Shock Therapy for the Recovering Sports Fanatic

By: Tommy Knoxville

Narrated by: Justin Straight

Fanhood has an understandable allure. It can be a welcome distraction, a way to connect with a tribe, an outlet that won’t get you fired, jailed, or divorced (usually). But when cheering for a team causes more anxiety than joy, when it affects how we show up for those we love, when our obsession with a team’s journey comes at the expense of our own - that’s when an innocent hobby has turned toxic.

Once upon a time, this was me. My mood, my esteem, and my testosterone levels depended on the athletic performance of strangers. I’d celebrate when they won and pout when they lost, sometimes for weeks at a time (sound familiar?). Today, five years clean, whether my old team wins or loses is of little concern. I do my own thing and am happier for it.

Fanhood may have served you at one time. But deep down, you know it’s a sissified waste, and that life’s too short to spend it a glorified cheerleader. So, put down the pom-poms and embrace your manhood (there's probably a better way to say that...). Fanhood to manhood. Let's go.

©2019 J. Matt Deaton (P)2021 J. Matt Deaton