unsteady allegiances

When I worked at Gillette in the early 80's. someone started a football pool.  By the end of the season, I pretty much knew the spreads between any two teams, though I never watched the games.

Even during the Brady-era, I never really followed football. Growing up in Massachusetts, and living in NY, I split my affections between the Giants and the Patriots. But even then, I only watched either team play if one (or both) were in the Super Bowl.

Then, a few years ago, for no apparent reason, I fall into a one-sided love affair with Parick Mahomes. I begin watching any game he is in. I see the Netflix show Quarterback when he is one of the QB's featured. And I even still love him after his wife comes out as a Trump supporter.

I become better schooled in the game. I am amazed by the responsibility and intelligence needed to be a good QB. But even with this new-found passion, any observations I may make come almost solely from the expert commentators, post-game interviews, or analyses made by the sports media.  I have no original thoughts.

Conversely, my son is kind of a football savant, though he rarely watches a game. Still, he seems to know every rule, every statistic, and every NFL player who ever played. He humors me when I make a comment, knowing that I am simply parroting some expert.

A few months ago, I mistakenly referred to Joe Burrow as Joe Burrows. Now when Alexander refers to any NFL player or coach, he either adds an S (if none exists) or subtracts an S (if there is one). So there is Bradys, Allens, Mahome, etc. I sometimes do the same.

Here's part of an exchange between us yesterday

While I still love Mahomes, I also now love Josh Allen. And seeing him assume all the blame in Saturday's loss to the Broncos in OT (even after a very questionable call that may have led to a Bills win) ..., well, it just made me love him even more.

He deserves a win. Seven consecutive seasons in the playoffs and not one Super Bowl appearance. I know there's no need to feel sorry for someone who is revered by his team, makes a trillion dollars a year, has a gorgeous-movie star wife, is about to have his first child, and is only 29. But still. Heartbreak is heartbreak.

Next year I will be rooting again for KC, but with the quiet hope that Josh Allen and the Bills make it to the Super Bowl and win.

Although ...

With Harbaugh at the helm, the Giants may be deserving of a bit of love too.