In 1966, the Atlanta Falcons joined the NFL as a brand-new franchise. My stepfather immediately bought season tickets.
Over the next few years, while I was growing up in Atlanta, we saw many Falcons games together, and I became a fan. My attention waxed and waned over the decades, but I always kept up with the team. In the past 10 years, my attention became a passion, and I watched every game and read every article.
I no longer watch or read about the Falcons. At all. And my life is immeasurably better.
Shawn RyanI stopped caring about the team after the 2017 Super Bowl, when they had a 28-3 lead in the second half and still found a way to lose. I decided they were like a financial investment I bought 50 years ago, but it had never paid off, not once. I’d have kicked that investment to the curb years ago, so that’s what I did with the Falcons.
On the heels of that, I stopped watching baseball’s Atlanta Braves. Someone told me they’re in the playoffs this year. I had no idea. I don’t even know who’s on the team anymore. But good luck to them.
I don’t want come off as somehow better than those who still watch sports. Having spent my whole life in the football-crazed South, I’m well-versed in the adoration (some would say worship) of college teams.
Nor do I want to disparage anyone who watches their favorite team religiously. I did that myself. Part of my identity for years was: I’m a Falcons and Braves fan. (Never watched the Hawks. I’m not a basketball fan and, even in my extremely limited notice, they seem to have been pretty wretched forever.)
Without the Falcons, Sundays are no longer a day of morning nervousness that either turns to joy or disappointment in the afternoon or evening. I don’t waste time during the week searching out stories about the last game or the next one coming up. I don’t fret about standings.
Instead, I’ve gotten a lot of fixer-upper tasks done around my house. My wife and I go to brunch, or shopping, see movies or just hang out. Who knew there was life out there?
I don’t wish either the Falcons or the Braves or their fans any ill will. I hope they win the Super Bowl and the World Series. But I’ve discovered a world out there that doesn’t include watching sports. And I like it.
Contact Shawn Ryan at mshawnryan@gmail.com.