American football is a huge sport. It’s massive in America with tens of millions tuning in to watch the big games, and it is also growing all over the world. Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium even has an American football field that can be installed easily over the soccer field so that they can play host to some games.
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What’s so appealing about the sport? Why are so many people starting to watch it elsewhere in the world and what are the things that have made so many Americans love the game for generations?
The Gambling Options
There are many ways to gamble on the NFL. Whether you are in America or in the UK, or any other location where gambling is legal and regulated, there are opportunities to place a bet on the sport and add a little thrill in the process.
At the start of the season, you can bet outright on things such as who will be the top quarterback, who will get the most rushing yards and more. You can also bet on teams to reach the playoffs, for instance.
The Draft Can Be A Great Leveler
The draft system has its critics. It is very different from soccer in the UK where they rely on trading and Bosman rule free transfers.
In the NFL, the draft system is the method teams use to recruit from the college system, and it basically means that the next generation of talent could end up playing for any of the teams. If you use your draft picks well, you’ve always got the chance to spot someone that can take the team forward to the next level.
In other sports, things can get a bit predictable. Sometimes, you may feel like you know who is going to win before you even get into the season. Ask fans of soccer in Germany, who have seen the same league winners every season for a decade now.
Trades Are Exciting
In addition to the draft system, there is the potential for teams to trade their players for other players from teams within the league. Sometimes, these happen quickly, and it can be very exciting for the fans, which is why there is pretty much always something going on, and people tune into sports news almost every day in the US to see what their team is getting up to.
Trades can be exciting or even explosive, and there are always options for teams to make a change to their roster. With such big squads of players involved in each team, it makes sense that they would constantly be looking at which players are best. American football teams have a lot of reserves.
There’s Always Fantasy Football
Undeniably, one of the big driving factors behind the growth of American football and the fact that people stay so involved all the time is fantasy football. You can choose your own fantasy roster of players and play against friends and family members in this virtual version of the sport, which is determined by how your chosen players perform in the games they play.
Fantasy football is absolutely huge, and this means that there is often a chance to play and get involved against your friends. There are even fantasy football methods of gambling which have a similar premise, allowing you to bet on players you think will perform well and gaining points based on what they do in their games.
A Spectacle Outside Of The Game
We have our share of funny events and spectacles in other sports, of course. Check out this goalkeeper getting sent off before a game even got underway. Let’s face it, in America they really know how to put on a show. This includes famous half-time shows and events that go along with the games, such as tailgate parties.
Of course, all of this culminates in the famous Superbowl half-time show, which is known for having some of the biggest names in the music world performing at halftime.
Summary
American football can be quite a stop and start sort of game, and that means that lovers of other sports may have some adapting to do. However, once you fully understand the game and what is happening, and all the tactics involved, it is much more exciting and enjoyable to watch. The spectacle is growing all over the globe too, so don’t be surprised to see football grow further.
