Why is football such a community event? Fans dread the post season when there is nothing to cheer about. There is so much hype in football. Team colors, Fan Fest, food, fantasy drafts; it is all so exciting isn’t it? The anticipation to kick off, the plays, the action; these are things we look forward to. What is it about football that makes people want to cheer for their favorite sport in the blazing heat or the frigid cold?

The NFL was founded in 1920 – that’s 97 years and the tradition keeps going. People love a good game. People love suspense. Everyone loves to win. Above all else, people long to be part of a group, a team. When you belong you feel confident and strong. You have ownership and take pride in your “team.” TEAM: There is no “I” in Team. It isn’t about oneself. It is about a group coming together for a common goal in which they set out to meet that goal with practice, endurance and, sweat.

I have played Fantasy Football for 5 years now with the same group of 8 Moms who love football but didn’t necessarily didn’t know a lot about it. We thought we would “play” so that our boys could play with us. Turns out we don’t need our boys to play because we have been doing just fine!

Football is more than a game. It is a way of life. It is tradition. It brings people together in community. Winning is more fun than losing, and win or lose we all love our team. We love our communities. Through thick or thin,  season after season. Who is your community? Your team? Wear your colors with pride and stand up and cheer. The most wonderful time of year has arrived!

Here is a quick delicious recipe for your Sunday tailgate!

Make ahead Easy Homemade Cheese Ball

• 2 pkgs of cream cheese (I like to use regular or do one reg and one ½ the fat)
• 1 green pepper diced and seeded
• 1 small onion diced
• 1 small can of crushed pineapple drained
• 1 tsp of any seasoning salt; I like Lawry’s add more if desired
• Mix all ingredients together, form into a ball and refrigerate overnight in a container with a lid
• Roll cheese ball in your choice of crushed nuts; I prefer walnuts
• The next day re form into a ball if needed and serve with crackers