Football.
Specifically, College Football. Between early September and early January my attentions turn distinctly to watching and enjoying college football. I'm specifically a fan of the University of Michigan, but that's equally paired with a simple love of the game. Sure, I root against Michigan State and Ohio State when they play the Wolverines, but I root FOR those same teams when they are playing other people.
Let's specify first that I don't like professional football. I don't watch the NFL, I don't root for the Detroit Lions, and I only watch the Super Bowl for the commercials. I've asked myself on many occasions why that is, and I think I've come down to two specific reasons. Amateurism, and the temporary nature of any good team in College. For amateurism, I just love the fact that these guys aren't getting paid millions of dollars to go out and play a game. If they don't make a particular play, there's no part of me wondering if they pulled back because of the possible loss of money. Let's face it, if a player gets injured in the pros it might cost him millions of dollars on his next contract negotiation. At the college level, these guys are putting everything on the line every time the play for the possibility of joining that millionaire's club. If they don't take that risk and make that play, they might not get drafted. And most of the players at this level know they won't be professional athletes. They're going to be business men, journalists, car salesmen, doctors. They're playing more for the love of the game than for even the possibility of money.
