I look at the clock. Five seconds left. Sweat is bleeding down my forehead. I can even taste it in my mouth. Why was I so nervous? I had spent the last two weeks in preparation for this moment. The last four thinking about it. The clock begins ticking down as if in slow motion. 5. 4. I’m thinking about how this will affect me for the next three months. How one slip might lead me to misery and despair. I had to be perfect. 3. 2. My head is spinning, the sweat now pouring like a faucet, covering my face with a glistening hue. There is no time left to think, only act. Now was my time, and I was going to take advantage of it. 1. I had just picked Cooper Kupp with the sixth pick in the fantasy draft. 

There are few things that people look forward to as much as the start of a fantasy football season. But what makes it so enticing? Why is it that virtual points based on a player’s stats could appeal to millions around the world? Everyone has a different reason why they play. 

“Having bragging rights” according to Mr. Levin, history teacher, when asked what he enjoys most about fantasy is “over your buddies and embarrassing them week to week.” 

He continued to explain how the competitive nature is something that keeps him invested on a consistent basis. Winning in fantasy football is idolized among the members of the league, and by making trades and starting the right players, anyone has the ability to achieve that goal.

Other’s take on the sport for a different reason. 

 “The excitement of drafting and managing my own team” senior Luke Del Valle stated when asked what his favorite aspect of the sport is “reason to look forward to Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays.” 

Being in charge of having a team is a responsibility that people love. It gives them a reason to be updated on the injuries for their players, look to see at the matchups for the upcoming week, or even players they hope to obtain for their team. There’s a sense of pride when the team you specifically chose and drafted prevails over the opposing matchup, giving you the win. 

Fantasy football is also just a great way to connect with people in your community. People of all ages enjoy the game. 

“It’s just a natural thing” Principal Jon Baffico responded while discussing how it benefits, “conversation with people and I think that more people play than you would even know.” 

There is a common element that people share when participating in fantasy football, and whether you are in the faculty league at Saint Viator or a family league with you grandparents, there is always something to talk about. It also helps connect people who you usually do not talk to.

 Senior Jimmy Doherty shared while asking how it helps to create connections that, “I can bond with someone who I don’t know over our disappointment or victory each week.” The commonality that fantasy football brings is second to none.

Different members of the fantasy football community prepare differently for their draft. I spent weeks before studying videos online and taking several mock drafts in order to perfectly prepare for any situation that I would come across. It helps to ease the mind and allow for thoughtful decisions rather than last-second ones. However, some feel they perform better with a more aggressive approach. 

Senior Matthew Mansor, when asked about his drafting technique, has self-claimed himself as, “the G.O.A.T. drafter” and picks purely based on “how a player I’m interested in did last year.” Whether you are an over preparer or just go with the flow, fantasy football tailors to your custom style.

Even the amount of time you spend on the site differs from person to person. Mr. Levin estimates that he spends around twenty minutes a day throughout the week and then a majority of the time is done on Saturday, while Luke is on for about 45 minutes each day. Some people have little interest in adjusting their team and only do the required lineup management, and others enjoy the thrill of trades and taking risks on big names. No matter how you play fantasy, you can still enjoy it however you choose to.

Fantasy football is a season full of highs and lows. Injuries can derail a player’s season, or a highlight play can push you over the threshold of a win. The thrill of the game entices millions each year to enjoy the sport, and through it sparks a sense of competition, responsibility, and connection, and it continues to be a prominent aspect of the lives of players.