NationStates Jolt Archive

What is wrong with American football? How isnt it a more popular worldwide sport? One of the main things in soccer is the atmosphere of being with 70,000 other fans. At many football games there are 100,000 fans. Just what exactly is stopping football from being a worldwide sport? Are there any major reasons im biased to?

I just like the Carolina Panthers, everyone else can go screw themselves. :p

I just like the Carolina Panthers, everyone else can go screw themselves. :p

*mumbles
go titans
Boomer Sooner! Damn we'd better beat UAB!

Well the Panthers are off to a great start this season with a perfect Pre-season. I think their real test will be with the Atlanta Falcon game.

Football is an American sport....just the way we Americans like sports. Big men slamming into each other while playing with balls. No subtle messages implied. ;)


Of course, everyone loves dem Eagles.

:D

*nibbles fingers
that was to close Smunkee!

Although as a Brit it is practically my patriotic duty to denounce American 'football' as Rugby with kevlar body armour, without the intellect, I shall not.

Frankly I think the real reason is that football spread to Europe because it was a simple game, light on equipment (one only requires a ball and a small area to kick it around) and Europe, including Britain, then simply thrust it on their colonial assets, along with christianity, european languages and capitalism. Hurray for us. Football only came into its current form at the turn of the century I believe, so the US, neither close to Europe or a colonial asset developed its own form of football out of the precursor to football from which came Association Football ('European' football) and Rugby Football.

What is wrong with American football? How isnt it a more popular worldwide sport? One of the main things in soccer is the atmosphere of being with 70,000 other fans. At many football games there are 100,000 fans. Just what exactly is stopping football from being a worldwide sport? Are there any major reasons im biased to?Actually, many football games have less than 18,000 fans.

Actually, many football games have less than 18,000 fans.

Yeah, but those are either totally shitty small college or small high school teams. Even my town's high school (around 5,000 total students, AAAAA) has around 30,000 people attending every game, and the school's stadium is hardly the largest in the metropolitan area (Cypress - Fairbanks' stadium can hold around 50,000, and it resembles Ohio State's "Horseshoe").

It's true that a good amount of the big university Football games attract over a hundred thousand fans... But still, that pales in comparison to the 200,000+ that some Soccer games attract. That being said, Soccer is a far more accessible game than our version of Football (which is insanely technical), which makes it clear as to why so many people watch it all over the world.

Although, when you grow up on a game like American Football, games like Soccer just don't seem to get your attention so easily. It's a truly multi-layered game, and once you learn it, you'll love it.

Actually, many football games have less than 18,000 fans.

Not at an Ohio State game. :)

Not at an Ohio State game. :)

Nor a Penn State game... Nor a Tennessee game... Nor a Southern Cal game... Nor a Michigan game... Nor a Texas game... Nor an Oklahoma game...

:p

Yeah, but those are either totally shitty small college or small high school teams. Even my town's high school (around 5,000 total students, AAAAA) has around 30,000 people attending every game, and the school's stadium is hardly the largest in the metropolitan area (Cypress - Fairbanks' stadium can hold around 50,000, and it resembles Ohio State's "Horseshoe").

It's true that a good amount of the big university Football games attract over a hundred thousand fans... But still, that pales in comparison to the 200,000+ that some Soccer games attract. That being said, Soccer is a far more accessible game than our version of Football (which is insanely technical), which makes it clear as to why so many people watch it all over the world.

Although, when you grow up on a game like American Football, games like Soccer just don't seem to get your attention so easily. It's a truly multi-layered game, and once you learn it, you'll love it.Actually, no. I'm talking about NFL Europe. The average amount of people watching a game was less than 18,000.

I'd also like to point out that one of the main reasons why soccer games will only have about 70,000 people watching in a stadium is because the stadiums can only hold that many people. Besides, 100,000 people watching football in a stadium in America has little to no value when discussing why football hasn't become a world sport.

Actually, no. I'm talking about NFL Europe. The average amount of people watching a game was less than 18,000.

Ah, I forgot about NFL Europe.

But, those stadiums only hold around 30,000 people at the most, anyway. And even still, the NFL Europe players are hardly the calibre of our professional ones (though some do make the transition very well, like Kurt Warner and Marc Bulger, though they were superb college players to begin with).

Actually, no. I'm talking about NFL Europe. The average amount of people watching a game was less than 18,000.

No one cares about "NFL Europe".

No one cares about "NFL Europe".Exactly my point. It's because of the "F" in the "NFL" :p

Exactly my point. It's because of the "F" in the "NFL" :p

Well, the fact that NFL Europe is mostly populated by college duds probably has the most to do with it.

Take into account that over a billion people worldwide watch the Superbowl every year.

Exactly my point. It's because of the "F" in the "NFL" :p

Bah, the NFL sucks anyway. College football is so much better.

Or perhaps I'm just a wee bit high on our victory against mighty Idaho...

Bah, the NFL sucks anyway. College football is so much better.

Or perhaps I'm just a wee bit high on our victory against mighty Idaho...Go Hoos!

No one cares about "NFL Europe".

What about "NFL Canada"?

What about "NFL Canada"?

NFL Kanada just sounds weird.

What is wrong with American football?
It's boring and complicated.

How isnt it a more popular worldwide sport?
Because there are already popular sports that hold people's interests. Why take the time to learn the intracies of the nickel offense when they can go watch rugby or soccer.

One of the main things in soccer is the atmosphere of being with 70,000 other fans. At many football games there are 100,000 fans.
That's sad. How much do people waste to watch a game in person when you can see it at home for free? I understand what it's like to be there in person, but I've never paid to go see a game.

(snip) Are there any major reasons im biased to?
No, I don't think so.

It's boring and complicated.

Complicated? Not really. And soccer is much more boring then american football.

That's sad. How much do people waste to watch a game in person when you can see it at home for free? I understand what it's like to be there in person, but I've never paid to go see a game.


It's much, much different to see a game in person compared to just watching it on TV.

Complicated? Not really. And soccer is much more boring then american football.

I'm not saying one is more or less boring than the other. They're both boring. But American football is a lot more complicated.

It's much, much different to see a game in person compared to just watching it on TV.

I agree. I've been to a couple of games. But I've never paid and would never pay to see a sport in person. I value my money a lot more than three hours of group emotion.

I'm not saying one is more or less boring than the other. They're both boring. But American football is a lot more complicated.

Well I guess I can't fix the boring part immediately but the game itself is simple enough once you watch a couple of games. The hand signs the ref does may take a bit longer but still the general idea should become clear. :)

What is wrong with American football? How isnt it a more popular worldwide sport? One of the main things in soccer is the atmosphere of being with 70,000 other fans. At many football games there are 100,000 fans. Just what exactly is stopping football from being a worldwide sport? Are there any major reasons im biased to?


You need a special ball to play.
It's more difficult to play a pick up game and play anything that resembles a real game.
The positions are HIGHLY specialised.
It's an expensive game to equip.
If you don't already know the game, it's not clear what is happening and why.

Americans have exported Basketball much more successfully.

Well, I guess I'm partial because I think all sports are boring to watch. I'd so much rather be playing than watching, but other sports to varying degrees.

To me:
... playing football is less boring than watching.
... playing soccer is FAR less boring than watching.
... playing basketball is equally as boring as watching.
... playing baseball is far MORE boring than watching.
... playing racquetball is infinitely less boring than watching.

I think it's because of the many stoppages. Plays are often very short, a lot of the winning is done in the head, before the ball is actually in play.

That's what makes it boring for me, anyways.

On the other hand, the attraction of 'soccer' is that you need no equipment to play it. Everyone can, anywhere, any time. Just ask those kids in Africa who make a ball out of plastic bags and have the time of their lives.
I suppose it's possible to play a match of NFL without the equipment...but you'd probably either have to back off or get hurt.

I suppose it's possible to play a match of NFL without the equipment...but you'd probably either have to back off or get hurt.

More like get killed...

More like get killed...
Is the tackling technique actually any different to Rugby? Are there dangerous tackles in NFL (ie picking a guy up at the legs and smashing his head/neck on the ground)?

More like get killed...

They play rugby with no protection.

Is the tackling technique actually any different to Rugby? Are there dangerous tackles in NFL (ie picking a guy up at the legs and smashing his head/neck on the ground)?

Many injuries are the result of dangerous tackles. Though usually not the spectacular, limb-twisting, body-mangling tackles, they're just as brutal.

I'm talking about full-motion bull charges, head-on collisions, helmet-to-helmet crunches, and so forth. There was a time in the early part of the 20th century when there were no illegal tackles, so everything went... And this was with minimal leather padding and leather helmets (which were very similar to pilots' helmets from WWI). The sport was almost banned because so many people were dying while playing it.

And don't think I'm speaking of this as a good side of the sport. It's very dangerous, which is why it requires the massive amount of protective gear.

They play rugby with no protection.

True, but the tackling technique is far more regulated, usually just to wrap-up tackles.

Bull charges, body slams, and so forth in these sports without wearing pads can permanently disable players, and even kill them.

What is wrong with American football? How isnt it a more popular worldwide sport? One of the main things in soccer is the atmosphere of being with 70,000 other fans. At many football games there are 100,000 fans. Just what exactly is stopping football from being a worldwide sport? Are there any major reasons im biased to?

Expense.

You need a special ball to play.

Same with rugby.

It's more difficult to play a pick up game and play anything that resembles a real game.

Touch and flag football? (For the non-Americans, the first is similar to touch rugby, and the second is played

The positions are HIGHLY specialised.

Again, the same with rugby, and more or less the same with most sports.

It's an expensive game to equip.

And here we have the $64,000 answer.

If you don't already know the game, it's not clear what is happening and why.

Rugby is the same.

Is the tackling technique actually any different to Rugby? Are there dangerous tackles in NFL (ie picking a guy up at the legs and smashing his head/neck on the ground)?

Yes, absolutely. Tackles are quite a bit rougher. However, more importantly, offensive players are allowed to "block" defensive players trying to tackle the ball carrier,m which would be illegal obstruction in rugby. The play revolving around the blocking is actually the more dangerous part of the game.

They play rugby with no protection.

Yea! This again. Everytime this comes up, somebody seems to forget every time that it's been pointed out exactly why gridiron players wear that padding, and try and insist Americans are just so wimpy, as you're alluding to here.

Yes, because the rules and manner of play are different, as outlined above and below.

Many injuries are the result of dangerous tackles. Though usually not the spectacular, limb-twisting, body-mangling tackles, they're just as brutal.

I'm talking about full-motion bull charges, head-on collisions, helmet-to-helmet crunches, and so forth. There was a time in the early part of the 20th century when there were no illegal tackles, so everything went... And this was with minimal leather padding and leather helmets (which were very similar to pilots' helmets from WWI). The sport was almost banned because so many people were dying while playing it.

And don't think I'm speaking of this as a good side of the sport. It's very dangerous, which is why it requires the massive amount of protective gear.

And, just to add, early play involved extraordinarily dangerous tactics such as the flying wedge and other interlocked plays.

Early play was so brutally dangerous "that even the legendary heavyweight boxing champion John L. Sullivan once declared: 'Football! There's murder in that game. Sparring! It doesn't compare in roughness or danger with football.'"

When a champion bare knuckle boxer of that time period (he was the winner of the last major London Prize Ring rules fight) complains about a sport being murderously brutal, one might ougt to re-consider suggesting it is "wimpy".

(Anyone who doubts the need for padding and the other rules reforms that came along with that padding, should read the article When Men Were Men and Football Was Brutal (http://www.yalealumnimagazine.com/issues/2004_11/football.html), the source for the above quote.)

No one cares about "NFL Europe".

I went to a Galaxy game once in 2002. Both teams were crap. I forget who they played, I think the Scottish Claymores or something.

I watched my university (Central Michigan University, a smallish school) play on ESPN2 the other day, and realized that one of the WRs sat next to me in French class, and he dropped the ball 5 or 6 times during the game. I thought about picking on him the next day, but he already looked like someone had kicked his puppy, so I decided to be nice.

Boomer Sooner

Are you Smunkeepuppet?

Is the tackling technique actually any different to Rugby? Are there dangerous tackles in NFL (ie picking a guy up at the legs and smashing his head/neck on the ground)?

Here's (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zD_UqSY5vZA) a video of some rather harsh NFL tackles. I really cringed when that guy landed on his head.

Its better that Europe doesnt "get" football. They'd only ruin it.

I went to a Galaxy game once in 2002. Both teams were crap. I forget who they played, I think the Scottish Claymores or something.

I'm guessing it was somewhat like Japan's X league (http://www.businessweek.com/2001/01_06/b3718193.htm) or college games? I remember reading a fun little article about 15 years ago about one of the top Japanese college teams. They had a training camp with one of the big US college teams, but their insurance company forbade scrimaging with the US team because of the huge difference in skill levels.

I think it's because of the many stoppages. Plays are often very short, a lot of the winning is done in the head, before the ball is actually in play.

even worse, it usually comes down to lawyering once the 6 seconds of play is done. when your sport mainly involves measuring tape and technical arguments about the minutiae of obscure regulations something is wrong.

I'm guessing it was somewhat like Japan's X league (http://www.businessweek.com/2001/01_06/b3718193.htm) or college games? I remember reading a fun little article about 15 years ago about one of the top Japanese college teams. They had a training camp with one of the big US college teams, but their insurance company forbade scrimaging with the US team because of the huge difference in skill levels.

The skill level is about halfway between the MAC and Big Ten, I'd say. I think they would win against Central Michigan, but would get seriously thrashed by University of Michigan.

The skill level is about halfway between the MAC and Big Ten, I'd say. I think they would win against Central Michigan, but would get seriously thrashed by University of Michigan.

Ah. I'd put the X League around the level of decent high school or lower level college play.

even worse, it usually comes down to lawyering once the 6 seconds of play is done. when your sport mainly involves measuring tape and technical arguments about the minutiae of obscure regulations something is wrong.

If we didn't have the obscure regulations, then the game would be a free for all, which would really suck. Also, we have those "measuring tapes" because in order for it to be a first down it has to be 10 yards or over. I actually find the game fun to watch and play.

If we didn't have the obscure regulations, then the game would be a free for all, which would really suck.

no, it just would be a different game. probably one more conducive to pickup games.

I just like the Carolina Panthers, everyone else can go screw themselves. :p

I've been a panthers fan since they first came out. They always do good at preason, they're 4/0 right now. But when the season starts they start to do some sliding. 49ers are really good this year as well.

I would love to see an international competition. USA vs Japan :P or USA vs ethiopia :P

I keed I keed, but seriously it should happen. Football is the only game I can watch and not get bored. I don't know about China being allowed to play, they'd probably cheat. But yeah football is quite a brutal sport, takes speed, strength, eye coordination, and alot of talent. Sort of like tennis except without people trying to tackle you.

Yes, absolutely. Tackles are quite a bit rougher.

i bet a significant part of that has to do with the fact that the nature of the game promotes the use of 350+ pound dudes

no, it just would be a different game. probably one more conducive to pickup games.

Pickup games work fine around here.

I would love to see an international competition. USA vs Japan :P or USA vs ethiopia :P

I keed I keed, but seriously it should happen.

This years
The All Star Junior Championship (http://www.usafootball.com/articles/19-press-box/95-featured-articles/329-2006-global-junior-championship.php), back in January, had teams from Canada, Germany, Japan, Mexico and the US.

i bet a significant part of that has to do with the fact that the nature of the game promotes the use of 350+ pound dudes

No, not really, you have it backwards. The manner of play is what promotes the monsterous players, not the otherway around.

And Not Bad's right - living in the US yourself (is it Wisconson or Idaho, I forget), you should know pick up play's pretty common. And I understand that, statistically speaking, pick up play is more dangerous (ie leads to a greater number of injuries) than organised play, which also supports what I was saying about the manner of play.

1. It's a retarded imitation.
2. It doesn't involve feet much.
3. The ball has one of the most retarded shapes.
4. The idea and concept is stupid.
5. It requires too much equipment.
6. It's really boring and unexciting.

I have had very limited interest in it once a few years ago, but even then I really didn't care for it. Now I abhor it. :) We Americans should ditch it for the real Football and ditch baseball while were at it.

1. It's a retarded imitation.
2. It doesn't involve feet much.
3. The ball has one of the most retarded shapes.
4. The idea and concept is stupid.
5. It requires too much equipment.
6. It's really boring and unexciting.

I have had very limited interest in it once a few years ago, but even then I really didn't care for it. Now I abhor it. :) We Americans should ditch it for the real Football and ditch baseball while were at it.

:rolleyes: Why don't you go be stupid elsewhere.

:rolleyes: Why don't you go be stupid elsewhere.

I don't watch a stupid sport.

What is wrong with American football? How isnt it a more popular worldwide sport? One of the main things in soccer is the atmosphere of being with 70,000 other fans. At many football games there are 100,000 fans. Just what exactly is stopping football from being a worldwide sport? Are there any major reasons im biased to?

There would be no sport in it!

Seriously: can you imagine the Koreans or French playing American Football? They'd get CRUSHED.

It's the same reason why US Soccer is second rate: the culture of the country just doesn't suit it athletically. Each nation tends towards sports that they are good at/fits in with their temperment.

This is why Austria wins more Winter Olympic medals than Summer ones... or why Kenyans are great runners, but not so much for the Ice Hockey.

1. It's a retarded imitation.
2. It doesn't involve feet much.
3. The ball has one of the most retarded shapes.
4. The idea and concept is stupid.
5. It requires too much equipment.
6. It's really boring and unexciting.

I have had very limited interest in it once a few years ago, but even then I really didn't care for it. Now I abhor it. :) We Americans should ditch it for the real Football and ditch baseball while were at it.

1. Opinion. BTW, it's been around as long as Soccer: both are 19th century games.
2. True. So? Where is the Rug in Rugby?
3. Opinion. I assume you hate Gaelic, Aussie and Rugby too?
4. So are all sports, by that definition.
5. Have you ever watched Hockey? How about Fencing?
6. Opinion.

There is no "real football".

Histories of the various footballs: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football#Medi.C3.A6val_football

What is wrong with American football? How isnt it a more popular worldwide sport? One of the main things in soccer is the atmosphere of being with 70,000 other fans. At many football games there are 100,000 fans. Just what exactly is stopping football from being a worldwide sport? Are there any major reasons im biased to?
1) Too much violence.
2) too much scoring.
3) too much standing still.
4) Why is it called football if the foot almost never touches the ball
5) The ball's shape makes it look really stupid.

Also usually the reason for there beingmore spectaors is that the stadium is larger.

1. Opinion. BTW, it's been around as long as Soccer: both are 19th century games.
wrongo. football (soccer) has been around for much longer than that.

wrongo. football (soccer) has been around for much longer than that.

Um, no. Go read the link I posted.

Um, no. Go read the link I posted.just because the modern rules were written later, does not mean the sport was invented then.

Its better that Europe doesnt "get" football. They'd only ruin it.

You take that back. We've taken plenty of things and made them better. Just let me think of one.

Several days later

Nothing off the top of my head

just because the modern rules were written later, does not mean the sport was invented then.

We want to compare Soccer to American Football, right?
The fact of the matter is that ALL modern football games (American Football, Canadian Football, Rugby, Gaelic, Australian Rules, and Soccer) are from about the same time period -- the 1820-60s or so.

That there may have been predecessor games is immaterial -- I can't go around saying that the rifle was invented in 1300 just because there were matchlock muskets. Or, perhaps a better example: the 747 didn't exist in Revolutionary France just because they had hot air balloons.

These predecessor games also had widely different rules -- some had different balls, rules for hands, etc.

There was no Soccer/Football in the FIFA sense at any time before American Football existed. QED.

Why take the time to learn the intracies of the nickel offense when they can go watch rugby or soccer...

Um, that's the nickel Defense. Which is simple to understand. You have one more d-back because you expect a passing play.

What about offsides? Who the hell can explain what that bullshit is about?

I've had it explained to me 20 times and I still think it's a stupid ass rule. Of course, I had to have someone explain it to me in hockey terms because I kept getting this glazed-over-just-kill-me-now-bored-out-of-my-ass look when they tried in terms of European football.

Offsides in football (American), I can get though.

What about offsides? Who the hell can explain what that bullshit is about?
Well, it's about preventing the forwards from just standing in front of the goal for 90 minutes without moving. I know that happens, because usually schoolyard football is played without offside.

The rule itself, I never thought was that complicated: There has to be at least one defense player closer to the end of the field than the forward, at the time the ball is played.

There are a few more aspects to it, but they're not really required to get it.

Its better that Europe doesnt "get" football. They'd only ruin it.Wasn't our idea, actually. NFL Europe is an American league in Europe.

5.How about Fencing?

My God is that expensive. At Nationals, I needed a new piece of equipment that failed the weapons check. $300, I shit you not.

Then again, if fencers knew who I bought it from, they'd understand :p.


And Rugby has as many technical problems as football. So :p

What about "NFL Canada"?

Sorry, we've got the CFL, and our balls are bigger.

My God is that expensive. At Nationals, I needed a new piece of equipment that failed the weapons check. $300, I shit you not.

Then again, if fencers knew who I bought it from, they'd understand :p.

And Rugby has as many technical problems as football. So :p

I know. My first set of electical sabre gear was $300. That was in 1993! :eek:
And prices to day are just as bad...

I'm assuming not Tripplette? :D

Yep! For that matter, most any team sport does.

Things wrong with American Football:

1. Theres 5secs of action for every 30sec- 1min of standing around talking about what to do next or replaying something to see if the ref got it wrong.

2. Too many breaks and commercials.

3. Why is called football if they don't use your feet?

4. Even during the 5sec of action its unexciting action.

5. Too many sweaty fat men rubbing on each other.

To sum it up it is mind numbly boring and isn't even nice to look at.

What is wrong with American football? How isnt it a more popular worldwide sport? Just what exactly is stopping football from being a worldwide sport?
Because it's fucking boring.
4 or 5 hours to finish a game where there's only 80 minutes of actual playing time. Most people have more important things to do than sit around watching that.

What is wrong with American football? How isnt it a more popular worldwide sport? One of the main things in soccer is the atmosphere of being with 70,000 other fans. At many football games there are 100,000 fans. Just what exactly is stopping football from being a worldwide sport? Are there any major reasons im biased to?

It's boring. It's the perfect alagory for modern war (like most ball sports are supposed to be). Long periods of boredom followed by short periods of death.

In soccer, even when there isn't a lot happening, just kicking back and forth, there's still something happening. In football it's a bunch of guys in pounds and pounds of plastic standing around talking while you wait to see who talked the best.

It's like someone added a kung-fu scene to "The Bridges of Madison County," and tried to bill it as an action movie.

To reply to the question as to why American Football is not popular outside of a limited set of markets.

1. Sport in Schools.
Which sports you play is determined, to a large degree, by the sports that are offered to you while you are at school. This in turn depends upon the sports that are already popular in that area, the knowledge of the sports staff at the school and the availability of the appropriate space and equipment. Hence, here in Brazil, the popular sports are -Association Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Handball and Tennis. There is absolutely no reason why Rugby or Baseball, for example, could not be popular here, beyond a lack of grass roots interest. Nobody teaches these sports, no schools have the pitches or diamonds, no one wants to learn. The same applies to American Fotball.

2. TV Exposure
The local sports channels simply do not broadcast any American Football. Why not? Because there is no interest in the sport - hence no audience - hence no advertising revenue - hence no broadcast - hence no interest and onwards in ever decreasing circles. If the NFL provided their games coverage free of charge to 'developing markets' then this cycle could be broken, but they don't. So American Football is not popular elsewhere in part because the NFL is too stupid to allow it to become so.

3. Cost
Yes flag and touch football can be inexpensive, but why play part of a sport when you can play all of a different one (Soccer, volleyball etc.) for the same cost. The cost of kitting out two complete teams (the minimum to start with) is too much for a local group of enthusiasts to do, particularly if you have to import the kit. I know as I tried to do this in the UK in the early 80s. Eventually we managed to get a couple of local teams up and running, but it took three years even with the help of the NFL being televised. It has no chance of being done here, with the exchange gradient being so steep.

Sufficient for you?

What is wrong with American football? How isnt it a more popular worldwide sport? One of the main things in soccer is the atmosphere of being with 70,000 other fans. At many football games there are 100,000 fans. Just what exactly is stopping football from being a worldwide sport? Are there any major reasons im biased to?

Why isn't soccer more popular in the US? Maybe the rest of the world feels that American football is stupid and the players are a bunch of overpaid, pompus, jerks. :eek:

Well, it's about preventing the forwards from just standing in front of the goal for 90 minutes without moving. I know that happens, because usually schoolyard football is played without offside.

The rule itself, I never thought was that complicated: There has to be at least one defense player closer to the end of the field than the forward, at the time the ball is played.

There are a few more aspects to it, but they're not really required to get it.

I'll have to take your word for it on the 'standing by the goal for 90 minutes' thing, because I have never seen it, even in the soccer games little kids play here. Now, eliminating this action may have been the original intent behind the rule, but what I have always seen as the result of your offsides penalty: it eliminates the fast break. That's it.

It's like playing in a prevent defense all the time. One of the things American society seems to like is the sudden, triumphant strike. The fast break and dunk. The deep pass. The long ball. The knockout punch. The big bomb that makes the opponent yell for mercy. And the rules of your sport are specifically designed to prevent that. Which is why we think it is lame.

I'll have to take your word for it on the 'standing by the goal for 90 minutes' thing, because I have never seen it, even in the soccer games little kids play here. Now, eliminating this action may have been the original intent behind the rule, but what I have always seen as the result of your offsides penalty: it eliminates the fast break. That's it.

It's like playing in a prevent defense all the time. One of the things American society seems to like is the sudden, triumphant strike. The fast break and dunk. The deep pass. The long ball. The knockout punch. The big bomb that makes the opponent yell for mercy. And the rules of your sport are specifically designed to prevent that. Which is why we think it is lame.

It doesn't eliminate fast breaks. It stops the opposing team from hoofing the ball up the pitch as soon as they get it.

It's like playing in a prevent defense all the time. One of the things American society seems to like is the sudden, triumphant strike. The fast break and dunk. The deep pass. The long ball. The knockout punch. The big bomb that makes the opponent yell for mercy. And the rules of your sport are specifically designed to prevent that. Which is why we think it is lame.

No.

Is a fast Wideout prevented from catching that long bomb by the NFL offside rules? The fast striker in football is not prevented from scoring on a fast break any more than the WR is. He just has to be quicker than the defender and start from an onside position - the same as the WR.

You just don't understand it - it seems. The rule serves the same purpose as the offside and false start rules in American football - to prevent the offense from gaining an unfair advantage due to their position on the pitch.

Now if you want confusing rules, try pass interference or holding. Offside in soccer is clear and although it does depend on the assistant refs judgement it is nothing like as subjective as pass interference. When was the last time you saw a top WR called for offensive pass interference? (And don't try to claim it never happens - it is just never called.)

No, not really, you have it backwards. The manner of play is what promotes the monsterous players, not the otherway around.

i'm not sure if we're disagreeing there. what i mean is that because the game is based mainly around extremely short intense bursts of action rather than constant running up and down the field, the best way to take advantage of the rules regarding tackling and blocking and such is to have a giant walking refrigerator of a man on your team (especially if he's capable of doing the superbowl shuffle). which kind of ups the ante on roughness within the game just based on physics alone.

And Not Bad's right - living in the US yourself (is it Wisconson or Idaho, I forget), you should know pick up play's pretty common. And I understand that, statistically speaking, pick up play is more dangerous (ie leads to a greater number of injuries) than organised play, which also supports what I was saying about the manner of play.

idaho again as of a couple weeks ago

yeah, pick up play is fairly common. though everywhere i've lived it hasn't been as common as futbol - probably because of the high immigrant populations in chicago and the parts of wisconsin i've lived in. it might not be so out here, but the only footbal-playing sized flat surfaces are a bit out of my way so i don't pass them often and nobody has been playing anything when i have gone by.

but all of the pick up games of football i've played in eventually wound up getting into some minutes long debates about the fine points of the rules at least a couple times. when your pick up games frequently make you wish you had a pick up ref, i'd say something is wrong with your rule set. of course, my experience is that american football fans actually enjoy the rule arguments, or at least are quite passionate about them, particularly when it's possible to advance their team's position through them (or just feel justified while yelling at the tv).

i'm not sure if we're disagreeing there. what i mean is that because the game is based mainly around extremely short intense bursts of action rather than constant running up and down the field, the best way to take advantage of the rules regarding tackling and blocking and such is to have a giant walking refrigerator of a man on your team (especially if he's capable of doing the superbowl shuffle). which kind of ups the ante on roughness within the game just based on physics alone.

You know, my first impulse (and probably the better) was to point out that it's pretty much a chicken and egg kind of question.

idaho again as of a couple weeks ago

As long as you don't have Keannu attempting to act and you keep away from the wrong sort of skinheads, cool. ;)

yeah, pick up play is fairly common. though everywhere i've lived it hasn't been as common as futbol - probably because of the high immigrant populations in chicago and the parts of wisconsin i've lived in. it might not be so out here, but the only footbal-playing sized flat surfaces are a bit out of my way so i don't pass them often and nobody has been playing anything when i have gone by.

but all of the pick up games of football i've played in eventually wound up getting into some minutes long debates about the fine points of the rules at least a couple times. when your pick up games frequently make you wish you had a pick up ref, i'd say something is wrong with your rule set. of course, my experience is that american football fans actually enjoy the rule arguments, or at least are quite passionate about them, particularly when it's possible to advance their team's position through them (or just feel justified while yelling at the tv).

YMMV :D

here in Brazil, the popular sports are...Handball...

really? that's awesome. assuming you mean the same thing by handball as i do, anyway. or is it now the case that both football and handball refer to drastically different games in the US and the rest of the americas?

really? that's awesome. assuming you mean the same thing by handball as i do, anyway. or is it now the case that both football and handball refer to drastically different games in the US and the rest of the americas?


I suspect AB's on about team handball, a sport that's something of a cross between soccer football and basketball, and not the US court sport by the same name that's the precursor to racquetball. Either way, both are cool.

Anyone know anywhere (preferably on the web) I can see pro (or uni as I hear it's better) American Football in the UK?

Not local teams (basically, they suck according to everyone I know who's ever seen high-level US-based matches).

Anyone know anywhere (preferably on the web) I can see pro (or uni as I hear it's better) American Football in the UK?

Not local teams (basically, they suck according to everyone I know who's ever seen high-level US-based matches).You'd need to travel back in time for the pro.

I suspect AB's on about team handball, a sport that's something of a cross between soccer football and basketball, and not the US court sport by the same name that's the precursor to racquetball. Either way, both are cool.

i think i might have seen team handball once, i'm not sure.

ah, handball. i played a lot when i was young. they actually held the 2000 world championships at the y i played/worked at, but i was away for college, so i didn't get a chance to watch. and i had a hell of a time trying to find equipment in wisconsin when i found out that my school actually had a 'racquetball court' hidden away in some obscure corner of the big gym building.

American football sucks and I hate it.

American football sucks and I hate it.

could be worse. it could be cricket

i think i might have seen team handball once, i'm not sure.

ah, handball. i played a lot when i was young. they actually held the 2000 world championships at the y i played/worked at, but i was away for college, so i didn't get a chance to watch. and i had a hell of a time trying to find equipment in wisconsin when i found out that my school actually had a 'racquetball court' hidden away in some obscure corner of the big gym building.

Handball here is a team game, played on an indoor court that is about the same size as a basketball court.

The International Handball Federation (http://www.ihf.info/front_content.php?idcat=52)

It appears that once again the US has decided to give the name of an international (Olympic) sport to a different sport. Duh!

What is wrong with American football? How isnt it a more popular worldwide sport? One of the main things in soccer is the atmosphere of being with 70,000 other fans. At many football games there are 100,000 fans. Just what exactly is stopping football from being a worldwide sport? Are there any major reasons im biased to?

Yeah. You're American.

American football is too esoteric to be easily accessible, and too intermittent and technical to excite all those not born to the sport. Football, by contrast, can be appraised and understood relatively easily, and regularly had fluent, thrilling and attractive matches.

could be worse. it could be cricket

Fuck you. Cricket, if you take the time to understand it, is excellent fun. Engaging, thought provoking and, periodically exciting.

American Football is not a global game for three reasons...

1 - Its rubbish

2 - Its rubbish

3 - Its rubbish

It also has no grounding in working class culture nor any connection on an intellectual level.

Sure there are fans around the world....but there just is no connection. Same with baseball.

Basketball...yes there is...same with hockey.

I think there is a clear distinction....football and baseball are slow games...the others are fast paced with little breaks....

Fuck you. Cricket, if you take the time to understand it, is excellent fun. Engaging, thought provoking and, periodically exciting.

exactly

exactly

And bloody funny with Inzy around. I did enjoy him falling on his stumps.....

yea, those it had got to be said, our ODI team is shit

i like Monty though, hes a legend already

yea, those it had got to be said, our ODI team is shit

i like Monty though, hes a legend already

We do have poor luck though.Harmison, Jones, Flintoff and Anderson would have changed that match. But nooooo...... we had ; Darren Gough, Jon Lewis, Dalrymple, Clarke, and, the rather promising Broad.

Because it stops every five seconds and you have no idea whats going on, and you all wear massive protection (pussies ;) ) They don't in rugby.

Oh and some "soccer" stadiums seat up to 150,000.

We do have poor luck though.Harmison, Jones, Flintoff and Anderson would have changed that match. But nooooo...... we had ; Darren Gough, Jon Lewis, Dalrymple, Clarke, and, the rather promising Broad.

yea, Jones has been exceedingly unlucky with injuries, if he never wrecked his knee the first time he would be one of the best fast bowlers in the world (and has welsh which doesnt hurt him at all) and Broad does look good.

Because it stops every five seconds and you have no idea whats going on
Well if you don't know the rules or how the game works then you're obviously not going to like it.

yea, Jones has been exceedingly unlucky with injuries, if he never wrecked his knee the first time he would be one of the best fast bowlers in the world (and has welsh which doesnt hurt him at all) and Broad does look good.

But how can we be taken seriously with "Graham Onions" in the team?:(

I mean, couldn't they rename him "Streak Blazes"?

But how can we be taken seriously with "Graham Onions" in the team?:(

I mean, couldn't they rename him "Streak Blazes"?

yea, but at least it isnt sidebottom :eek:

American Football is not a global game for three reasons...

1 - Its rubbish

2 - Its rubbish

3 - Its rubbish

It also has no grounding in working class culture nor any connection on an intellectual level.

Sure there are fans around the world....but there just is no connection. Same with baseball.

Basketball...yes there is...same with hockey.

I think there is a clear distinction....football and baseball are slow games...the others are fast paced with little breaks....

My, what a fascinating insight into the myopic mind. :rolleyes:

(BTW: Working class culture? WTF. You've obviously never been in a bar with people watching American Football. I recommend you start talking about Soccer in a sports bar in Pittsburgh when the Steelers are playing. You'll discover whole new insights as to what is and is not working class!!)

Because it stops every five seconds and you have no idea whats going on, and you all wear massive protection (pussies ;) ) They don't in rugby.

Oh and some "soccer" stadiums seat up to 150,000.

Actually, Strahov in Prague seats 250,000!! :eek:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strahov_Stadium
http://worldstadia.com/stadium/czech%20republic/strahov_stadium/1365.php

Fuck you. Cricket, if you take the time to understand it, is excellent fun. Engaging, thought provoking and, periodically exciting.

It's baseball with a weird bat, no mitts and games last for days. I don't see that as much as an improvement, though I do enjoy saying "Silly Mid-off".

American Football is not a global game for three reasons...

1 - Its rubbish

2 - Its rubbish

3 - Its rubbish

It also has no grounding in working class culture nor any connection on an intellectual level.

Sure there are fans around the world....but there just is no connection. Same with baseball.

Basketball...yes there is...same with hockey.

I think there is a clear distinction....football and baseball are slow games...the others are fast paced with little breaks....

So its like reading books as compared to watching flicks for you...too complex and not enough action, takes too long and the working class prefer the ease and beauty of movies.

Watched three sports today.

Argentina vs. Brazil in football.

Texas Longhorns vs. North Texas in American College football.

Cork vs. Kilkenny in the Hurling All Ireland.

The American football was the least entertaining. Scrappy, long periods of camera panning and stats with no activity. Then a 5 sec burst, then more mins of waiting. Little to keep me entertained or enthusiastic.

The Brazil match was... entertaining enough, but wasn't enthralling.

Even though I was a neutral today, this was the most riveting thing I have seen in a long time. Amateurs (i.e the don't get paid) playing for the sheer passion and love of the sport in front of 80,000+ people and on television/radio. My sentiments.
http://dynimg.rte.ie/0000280f0c1m.jpg

Watched three sports today.

Argentina vs. Brazil in football.

Texas Longhorns vs. North Texas in American College football.

Cork vs. Kilkenny in the Hurling All Ireland.

The American football was the least entertaining. Scrappy, long periods of camera panning and stats with no activity. Then a 5 sec burst, then more mins of waiting. Little to keep me entertained or enthusiastic.

The Brazil match was... entertaining enough, but wasn't enthralling.

Even though I was a neutral today, this was the most riveting thing I have seen in a long time. Amateurs (i.e the don't get paid) playing for the sheer passion and love of the sport in front of 80,000+ people and on television/radio. My sentiments.
http://dynimg.rte.ie/0000280f0c1m.jpg

Not too surpising that a 56-7 tune up game of the Longhorns VS North Texas sucked though.

At least it isn't Cricket! A-HAHAHA!

At least it isn't Cricket! A-HAHAHA!

Cricket is good though. You get two days to get drunk whilst watching it.

None of this really matters anyway, since the NHL season starts soon.

None of this really matters anyway, since the NHL season starts soon.

Amen! (Just don't tell anybody back in Texas I prefer Ice Hockey to football. I'd be lynched.)

Because it stops every five seconds and you have no idea whats going on, and you all wear massive protection (pussies ;) ) They don't in rugby.

See the explanations above. American football without padding would be a murderous blood sport which would have you calling for it's being banned due to excessive fatalities.

Handball here is a team game, played on an indoor court that is about the same size as a basketball court.

Beat ya too it. ;)

It appears that once again the US has decided to give the name of an international (Olympic) sport to a different sport. Duh!

Err... nope. That would be the Irish, who developed the modern game (played by bouncing a ball against a wall much like raquetball) well before modern team handball (1700s vs 1890s).

http://www.ushandball.org/entertain/completehistory.html
http://www.hickoksports.com/history/teamhand.shtml

Here's (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zD_UqSY5vZA) a video of some rather harsh NFL tackles. I really cringed when that guy landed on his head.

Whoever made that video hates Joe Montana. There had to be at least 5 times in that video where they showed him getting sacked

Lot of good defenders in that video though. Butkus, LT, etc.

American Football is not a global game for three reasons...

1 - Its rubbish

2 - Its rubbish

3 - Its rubbish
Those are some reasons:rolleyes:

It also has no grounding in working class culture nor any connection on an intellectual level.
What do you mean? Most of the players seem to be coming out of poor areas and the intercity.

You do need a great mind to play the game. Just take a look at a playbook. On a Pop Warner team (10-12 year olds) we had to memorzie a 50+ page playbook for offense alone. On top of that, we had to memorize several different audibles that could be called by the QB before the snap. As you progress to different levels, the complexity and number of plays increases.

The QB and WR have to be able to make quick reads on the coverage and defense during a play. The D has to do the same for the offense and memorize various defensive sets they use in certain situations. Believe me, a moron can't last in football.

I find (American) football to be very similar to Soccer(football in most of the world):
Most people would fall into one of two groups:
Those who understand it(surprising since Americans are often portrayed as idiots yet one of our favorite sports, football aka unoffical favorite American passtime, requires strategy and memorization for victory, unless your opponents are idiots or ignorant)
Those who don't
"it's only difference from Rugby is that the pussies have to take breaks and wear armor"
"It's a stupid game because, uh, it's stupid"

While I dispice watching it, I do quite enjoy playing it. Not as braindead or safe as you would beieve.

Those are some reasons:rolleyes:

What do you mean? Most of the players seem to be coming out of poor areas and the intercity.

You do need a great mind to play the game. Just take a look at a playbook. On a Pop Warner team (10-12 year olds) we had to memorzie a 50+ page playbook for offense alone. On top of that, we had to memorize several different audibles that could be called by the QB before the snap. As you progress to different levels, the complexity and number of plays increases.

The QB and WR have to be able to make quick reads on the coverage and defense during a play. The D has to do the same for the offense and memorize various defensive sets they use in certain situations. Believe me, a moron can't last in football.

They are my reasons and as far as I am concerned....are more than suffiecent.

I should have made it clearer regarding working class culture....it does not have a grounding in that culture outside of the US.

Intellectual...I think you prove my point...no independent thought while still operating as a team.

I did play in High School btw...so I have a little understanding of the game...and it was still rubbish.

From what little I've seen it simply lacks the flow of Football and Rugby. In both of those games, the rules are there to keep the game moving and keep anyone from getting hurt too badly.

In American Football the pace is something closer to cricket - periods of boredom, a few seconds of frenetic action, rinse and repeat for 5 days (or hours). I've nothing against cricket, It's a good sport to watch while you're doing somethingelse (like getting drunk) but it's not a game you can focus on for 2 hours of pure attention.

Both Football and Rugby also seem to reward individual improvisation more whereas American Football needs the entire squad to follow the plan for it to work. You don't seem to have the equivalent of the goalkeeper coming forward in a last-gasp attack (OK so that's rare in Football, last time I saw was Luton-Liverpool but that was a hell of a game).

These are just my perceptions and I'll admit to not having seen much American Football beyond what occasionally gets shown at ungodly hours on Channel Five.

From what little I've seen it simply lacks the flow of Football and Rugby. In both of those games, the rules are there to keep the game moving and keep anyone from getting hurt too badly.

That's quite an interesting way to look at it, I like that. It almost reminds me of the difference between sumo wrestling and boxing, short frenetic violence versus sustained, flowing violence, cool.

I've watched and played both American Football and Rugby, and enjoyed both a lot; a stronger emotional attchment to rugby, but I'm really looking forward to Friday and the opening match of the 06 NFL season.

From my little experience, rugby does allow a player individual expression as well as teamwide plays and committment; everyone on the team is a potential ball carrier and try scorer (I was a prop/flanker, have happy memories of surprising the backs and the pack by running fast bent over to knee height through a maul!). Best of both worlds as a player, certainly, and the equal in spectacle to the mad plays of the modern QBs.

I laugh every time someone comments about the "constant action" in soccer. This is how Americans see it...

http://grouper.com/video/MediaDetails.aspx?id=970397

Well the field goal kicks are more piss easy than most if not all that are in Rugby.

i would never watch a whole game of American Football, but i would watch highlights simply because it cuts out all the crap and leaves you with a running back(?) runing 80m to score which is, ill admit, a bit exciting

i would never watch a whole game of American Football, but i would watch highlights simply because it cuts out all the crap and leaves you with a running back(?) runing 80m to score which is, ill admit, a bit exciting

No American running back has ever run 80 meters. 87.49 yards? Sure. But never 80 meters.

Though odds are he knows exactly how much a kilogram is and how large 9mm is. :D

I tried to watch the Superbowl once but was put off by 17 referees throwing yellow hankies to the floor everytime anything happened. And the adverts...then endless adverts.....

I tried to watch the Superbowl once but was put off by 17 referees throwing yellow hankies to the floor everytime anything happened. And the adverts...then endless adverts.....

Dude, I WATCH the Superbowl for the commericals!

PS: 4 refs.

No American running back has ever run 80 meters. 87.49 yards? Sure. But never 80 meters.

Though odds are he knows exactly how much a kilogram is and how large 9mm is. :D

And all US soldiers know how far a "klick" is.

And all US soldiers know how far a "klick" is.

Sure. But very, very few of them are in the NFL.
(The ones that do the reverse seem to get killed... :( )

No American running back has ever run 80 meters. 87.49 yards? Sure. But never 80 meters.

Though odds are he knows exactly how much a kilogram is and how large 9mm is. :D

pedant

pedant

Dim sylweddolhwyliau?

(Note: I'm guessing!)

I tried to watch the Superbowl once but was put off by 17 referees throwing yellow hankies to the floor everytime anything happened. And the adverts...then endless adverts.....

Yeah, like the World Cup was so much better, huh? I don't think I've ever seen so much yellow.

They are my reasons and as far as I am concerned....are more than suffiecent.

I should have made it clearer regarding working class culture....it does not have a grounding in that culture outside of the US.

Intellectual...I think you prove my point...no independent thought while still operating as a team.

I did play in High School btw...so I have a little understanding of the game...and it was still rubbish.

I only ever played once. Being a Rugby winger, I took offence to be tackled without the ball, and floored the bloke.

Amen! (Just don't tell anybody back in Texas I prefer Ice Hockey to football. I'd be lynched.)


No shame in that, you've got the Dallas Stars, who've been contenders for the last decade.

Dim sylweddolhwyliau?

(Note: I'm guessing!)

dwi ddim yn siarad cymreag

It may help if American had a national team and let other nations play against them.
It would also help the profile of American sport in general if other countries (or teams from other countries) could enter the World Series in baseball.

It may help if American had a national team and let other nations play against them.
It would also help the profile of American sport in general if other countries (or teams from other countries) could enter the World Series in baseball.

Canada's got the Blue Jays.
And now there's the World Baseball Classic, so it's got its international avenue.

It may help if American had a national team and let other nations play against them.
It would also help the profile of American sport in general if other countries (or teams from other countries) could enter the World Series in baseball.

Thats true, a world series with only one country entering, some world series there

Thats true, a world series with only one country entering, some world series there

Perhaps we could do that with the World Cup?:D

Perhaps we could do that with the World Cup?:D

yea, we could win something at last, ciome on Wales :D

Perhaps we could do that with the World Cup?:D

We would still knock ourselves out in the quarters on penalties:(

yea, we could win something at last, ciome on Wales :D

:D

I don't know..... England aren't bad right now......:)

dwi ddim yn siarad cymreag

dwi ddim yn siarad cymraeg?

Me? Nope. I just hate people saying I'm showing off. :p

It may help if American had a national team and let other nations play against them.
It would also help the profile of American sport in general if other countries (or teams from other countries) could enter the World Series in baseball.

No, "World Series" may be a misnomer, but it's still a game that determines the MLB champion. The World Baseball Classic was formed by MLB to do exactly what you suggest. They picked the wrong time of year and didn't get much participation from the MLB players, but it's a start.

The Super Bowl is the same thing. A championship game to determine the NFL champ. Maybe the NFL needs to create a World Football Classic, but that hasn't happened.

No American running back has ever run 80 meters. 87.49 yards? Sure. But never 80 meters.

Though odds are he knows exactly how much a kilogram is and how large 9mm is. :D
lol:D


I tried to watch the Superbowl once but was put off by 17 referees throwing yellow hankies to the floor everytime anything happened. And the adverts...then endless adverts.....
Dude, I WATCH the Superbowl for the commericals!

PS: 4 refs.
Heh, i missed the 1st Quarter of last Seasons Superbowl, was having too much funny at a local Fortress intended to beat off the Japs in WWII.
The Rolling Stones were less than exciting.

:D

I don't know..... England aren't bad right now......:)

when we beat Brazil 4-0 then you will cower in fear of Giggsy and co bwahahaha cough cough, i mean, well give you come special lasagne before the match...

dwi ddim yn siarad cymraeg?

Me? Nope. I just hate people saying I'm showing off. :p

only one spelling mistake in a language i done know, thats pretty good isnt it?

No, "World Series" may be a misnomer, but it's still a game that determines the MLB champion. The World Baseball Classic was formed by MLB to do exactly what you suggest. They picked the wrong time of year and didn't get much participation from the MLB players, but it's a start.

The Super Bowl is the same thing. A championship game to determine the NFL champ. Maybe the NFL needs to create a World Football Classic, but that hasn't happened.

whats with the name? how can you have an international tournament and call it "classic" before the tournament begins??? Anyway, i didnt know that classic thingy existed, and now it does your going to have to find inernational teams for this rounders with gloves game...

only one spelling mistake in a language i done know, thats pretty good isnt it?

only one spelling mistake in a language I don't know, thats pretty good isnt it?

whats with the name? how can you have an international tournament and call it "classic" before the tournament begins??? Anyway, i didnt know that classic thingy existed, and now it does your going to have to find inernational teams for this rounders with gloves game...

It's probably a Wall Street ad agency that named the darned thing. But it's already happened. Japan won.

The Super Bowl is the same thing. A championship game to determine the NFL champ. Maybe the NFL needs to create a World Football Classic, but that hasn't happened.Oh, but it has. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_bowl)

Oh, but it has. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_bowl)

Sort of. It seems more like the World Series than the WBC, in that it is the NFL Europe championship, rather than a truly international contest. I don't think American-style football has quite the worldwide popularity that baseball does.

Complicated? Not really. And soccer is much more boring then american football.

A FRICKIN MEN

What is wrong with American football? How isnt it a more popular worldwide sport? One of the main things in soccer is the atmosphere of being with 70,000 other fans. At many football games there are 100,000 fans. Just what exactly is stopping football from being a worldwide sport? Are there any major reasons im biased to?
Ffs the answer is that it's bloody BOOOORRING.

They might be a lot of scoring, but matches are about 23 hours long or something...

Plus - there are like 4 (6?) teams playing... why not just have two that are fit enough to play for a whole match?

Also - all of this armour and such is rubbish. Bunch of girly lads running around with armour plating and helmets and kneepads and such on... oh the joys...

Men jumping on each other (or women jumping on each other) in an attempt to get a ball from one pole to another does not interest me in the slightest. I had to sit through four years of games for marching band, and I still fail to see how anyone could consider that entertaining. :confused:

Ffs the answer is that it's bloody BOOOORRING.

They might be a lot of scoring, but matches are about 23 hours long or something...

Plus - there are like 4 (6?) teams playing... why not just have two that are fit enough to play for a whole match?

Also - all of this armour and such is rubbish. Bunch of girly lads running around with armour plating and helmets and kneepads and such on... oh the joys...

the games are like 3 hours at the most
2 teams playing
the pads dont even offer that much protection, especially in the NFl. those guys loose 5 yewars of their life from all the pounding on their bodies

2 teams playing

He meant offense, defense, and special teams.