It’s been an interesting football season. My first non fantasy football season since the turn of the century has given me a new perspective on professional football. With my Cleveland Browns struggling through another long season and no reason to analyze stats, I find myself rooting for multiple teams to do well. While I have found it common for fans to have rooting interests in multiple college teams, I always felt that a ‘professional’ fan could only have allegiance to one franchise. Team loyalty at the highest level required such a mindset. However, I’m starting to rethink that position. I’m enjoying one of the best seasons I’ve seen in a very long time. (Possibly because I didn’t have to face LaDainian Tomlinson or Larry Johnson in any fantasy league.)

Rookies are having a tremendous impact. From Marques Colston to Vince Young, the immediate contribution these rookies have made will undoubtedly raise the expectations for the 2007 Draft Class. Colston is starting to make a lot of scouts, GMs, and coaches look bad for passing on him 7 times . I knew that Vince Young would be a very good player in this league, but not this soon. The USC contingent has held its own as well. Reggie Bush continues to do what he does best, which is anything they need him to do. Matt Leinart has managed to beat perennial AFC West powerhouses (St. Louis Rams & Seattle Seahawks) in back to back weeks. Even the Denver Broncos have placed their playoff hopes in the hands of the former Commodores star, Jay Cutler.

While the young guns have brought back excitement to struggling franchises, many veterans are bringing stability and hope to their new cities. Drew Brees is showing that his success in San Diego was not an aberration. Terrell Owens may remain a controversial figure off the field, but I can see why Jerry Jones worked hard to bring him to Dallas. Due to the acquisition of Terrell Owens, the transition from Drew Bledsoe to the undrafted Tony Romo has been extremely smooth. Teams are no longer able to simply key in on Terry Glenn to stifle the Cowboys offense. Short travel has proven beneficial as well. The move up north for Julian Peterson has returned him to his All-Pro form. Even Steve McNair may be able to get one last shot at the inches he left back at the Georgia Dome. Each week the list of feel good stories seems to grow. As a result, I have found myself rooting for the Bears, Saints, Ravens (it pains me to say it), Colts, Giants, and the Falcons.

As the closing weeks of the regular season approach my rooting interests lean heavily towards Tiki Barber and the New Orleans Saints. As Tiki’s career comes to an end, I try to watch Tiki Barber’s every last carry. Even though he never won a MVP award, he has clearly been a valuable asset to the NY Giants and NFL. The work ethic and positive vibe of Tiki is matched by the resilience of the people of New Orleans. The last year and a half has been a very trying one for the Saints organization and its fans. The uncertainty of last season has been replaced by a return to a festive atmosphere filled with hope and pride. How could anyone not root for New Orleans.

As we head into January, I feel confident that another memorable season of escape from the struggles of our daily lives. Even when our teams don’t perform to expectations, we can at least say: There’s always next season.

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