Are You Ready for Some Football?!

I love football season! There’s something about the opening games that’s always exciting, the energy, the traditions, and of course, the thrill of building my fantasy football team.

This year marks my sixth season, and I’m no longer the nervous novice player. I now find myself right in the middle of our group: not a beginner, but not quite a mentor either. Did I ever think I’d play for more than one season? Absolutely not. But I’m lucky to be part of a league that’s more than just competition, it’s a learning community.

Over time, I’ve grown not only in skill but in confidence. A huge part of that is thanks to my brother, who is basically a walking sports encyclopedia. Long before AI tools like ChatGPT existed, he would build massive Excel sheets filled with players, stats, draft scenarios, and strategies. Every year, he makes a new one, and we spend weeks before our draft hashing out plans. That’s one of my favorite traditions of fantasy football.

I’ll never forget my first draft. I was invited to the league just two days before draft day. My spot was sixth,right in the middle (and for some reason, I’m always sixth or eighth, and always drafting after my brother). As the first few players I recognized disappeared off the board, panic set in. My heart was pounding, my hands were sweaty, and suddenly two minutes felt like the fastest countdown ever. That’s when my brother’s guidance really mattered. His encouragement helped me stick with it instead of feeling overwhelmed.

Looking back now, I see how much that experience connects to my Ph.D. research in gaming. I studied Wenger & Lave’s communities of practice, the idea that newcomers learn through participation alongside more experienced members. I witnessed this during my research on Magic: The Gathering at local game stores, where veteran players mentored new novice gamers, explained strategies, and made sure they felt welcome. That’s exactly what happens in my fantasy league: people teaching, encouraging, and strengthening the community so the game continues to thrive.

Many of us started as complete novices, and now some compete in larger, tournament-style leagues. That’s the beauty of fantasy football, it’s not just about strategy or stats. It really is the community and the people that are part of that community. It builds traditions, strengthens bonds, and keeps you engaged because you’re part of something bigger.

For me, I’m not a hardcore “strategy gamer.” I play to connect, to belong, and to share the experience. But don’t get me wrong, when playoffs roll around, my game face comes on. A few years back, I even won my league. And now, stepping into season six, I’m coming for my crown again. Notice I didn’t say what my draft plan is this year, you never reveal your secrets. 😉

Win or lose, what matters most is the community this game creates. That’s the real victory.

My the odds forever be in your favor!

Dr. Natalie