For me, it was particularly tough because I had had the same friends since kindergarten. How was I supposed to maintain these relationships while not overlooking life at Ohio University? I was worried that we’d gradually fade out of touch. Well, I now have the best answer for the conundrum: fantasy football.
Fantasy football transcends time and distance- it’s just something I have to do. My friends and I have an eight-team league that keeps us within our roots. In high school, we would talk trash about sports and get competitive over trivial differences. I loved it, and I hope my friends did too (sometimes I’m not sure because I tend to be unnecessarily ruthless in a sardonic way to the ones I love). The relationship we built lives on every NFL season. We get our competitive kick, and it’s just like the good old days when times were simpler.
I am 2-2 this year, but I’m looking to turn this season around. I have the most lethal toddler on the planet, Kyler Murray, at quarterback. At running back I took a risk with glass bones Christian McCaffrey, but I have DeAndre Swift beside him and famous woman respecter Tyreek Hill at wide receiver- that NFL players don’t have to be good people at all to get a roster spot. I reluctantly watched Ben Roethlisberger for 18 years. Ask a Browns fan how they are feeling about their quarterback these days. As humans, sometimes we have to give to get, even if it brings uncomfortable emotions every now and then. Regardless, I hope this team can bring me the forever elusive fantasy football championship that I have been craving for years.
I know I haven’t provided the in-depth fantasy football analysis that you might have expected upon reading this article, but my intent is not to do that. It’s to show that sports can be a great uniter amongst friends near and far. I look forward to every season because it’s when the group chat is the most active and lively, and it is simply a fun time.
If you want to connect with old friends and spark rivalries with stupid team names, this is the way to do it. Fight for your pride and do what’s right: play fantasy football. We’re all making new friends and living new lives, but we should never forget to appreciate the people who molded us into who we are today. I know that I’ll keep playing fantasy football beyond my college years, and if I had to go out on a limb, I’d confidently say that it will keep my Athens connections together the same way it has kept my high school friendships intact. And, like the great Forrest Gump once said, “that’s all I’ve got to say about that.”
Paul Nern is a junior studying communication studies at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Paul know by emailing him pn501919@ohio.edu.