The NFL is up and running, recently finishing week two and welcoming the start of week three. To some, this return means extraordinarily little, affecting no part of their weekly schedule. For others, this return has been long awaited, with people being eager to cheer on their favorite team. Fan interaction can look different for everyone. For the more casual fan ,it could mean checking the score and catching a few games throughout the season. However, there are occasions where a fan will make the game a part of their day, scheduling everything around it.
Whether a casual fan, or a more “involved” fan, there is one thing that most fans will take part in at least once: fantasy football. Fantasy football allows fans to put together leagues of their own, composing their teams of players across the 32 NFL teams. The goal is to have your selected players outscore your opponent’s team, as you go up against different league participants every week.
Fantasy football leagues can be found all over Northwestern college campus. The men of Hospers Hall choose to continue their tradition of having an in-dorm league. Senior data science and statistics major, and Hospers resident, Josiah Bonestroo stepped up to run the league after former commissioner Cole Ford graduated last year. The league has 18 participants, with each floor and class being represented. When asked what he enjoyed about playing fantasy football, Bonestroo said, “It’s also a great way to have friendly competition with other guys in the dorm and just have a good time. Draft day is always fun to see everyone’s reactions to their rosters and early predictions for the year.”
In Colenbrander Hall, sophomore business education major, and basement ra, Nate Koole chose to start fresh and create a league of his own. Koole said, “I personally haven’t heard of a fantasy football league tradition in Coly, but this year every single guy on my wing is participating in our league except for one. A 95% turnout for a wing event seems pretty solid, so hopefully the fantasy football Coly basement league is just the start for years to come!”
Fantasy football, whether you are a superfan or not, is a way to get involved with people around you and connect in a unique way. If you are not currently playing and wish to, do not be scared to reach out and get involved or perhaps, start a league of your own.