Thanks to all of you for providing background on your favorite teams.
I've always struggled to find one team to root for. No one was into NFL football in my family or even friends, so I just went channel-surfing.
When you root for a team on account of following your Dad's footsteps, it makes it very easy to sustain your allegiance. But, when you're a vagabond fan like me ...
I've attended one NFL game many years ago in Foxborough, watched the Patriots play the Bills. Went with my several friends and we did a double-whammy Boston week-end, attending a Bruins game at the old Boston Gardens and the Patriot game on the Sunday. One of our friends bailed on the Patriot game, lol. I tried to sell off the ticket for him near the stadium but unfortunately, I was issued a summons to appear in Court for "hawking". I still ended up attending the football game and all I remember is how far away I was from the field, the players looked so small and I couldn't believe how many fans fit into that place.
You feel like a speck of dust in a sea of humanity. And seating was pretty tight and there were fans constantly screaming, swearing, swinging their beers about and invading the little space I had. And most of them were sporting Patriot colors, I felt out of place just wearing regular clothes. I remember the roar of the crowd, how impressive it looked to me that so many people could all co-exist in one place.
I also remember lots of tailgates in the parking area adjacent to the stadium and people having a great time well before game time.
Following the game, I returned home. And then got a court date for my summons. My friends made the trip back with me to attend court, as we took turns driving. I was able to negotiate a deal with the prosecutor which involved paying a fine and they withdrew the charge.
And here I am several years later, still channel surfing and without a team. Hence, I continue to be intrigued about what triggers someone to become a lifelong fan of a team that is not playing in the city they live in.