For the Love of Sports: Why people should stop gate-keeping sports

Gathered around the bright flat screen, anticipating the outcome of the game, I look down at the same red t-shirt I’ve worn since the Chiefs won the Super Bowl last spring. There’s nowhere I’d rather be each Sunday than surrounded by die-hard Chiefs fans and bugging my friends about which team made a fumble. 

There is always that one person who feels the need to gatekeep sports by asking you something like: “If you like football so much then name the Broncos’ running backs.” Your reasoning for watching sports shouldn’t have to be justified by how long you’ve been a football fan or whether you know exactly what an incomplete pass looks like. Whether it’s the snacks, social environment or the game itself, your reason for investing in an upcoming sports event shouldn’t be criticized and quite frankly shouldn’t concern anyone else.

Each legendary weekly Chiefs game comes with gatherings like watch parties and tailgates. There’s always that one group of girls that gets backlash for dressing head to toe in the sports team’s gear to watch the game together. You hear people say: “It’s just an excuse to dress up,” “I bet they can’t name more than three players,” “Do they even understand the sport?”

Little do they know, some of those girls might know more about the sport than them. Either way, these things shouldn’t concern anyone. Who cares? Sports games are a way to bring people together for fun. No matter if you’re a football fanatic or just there to wear a cute outfit for the Chiefs, you shouldn’t be judged. 

Last year was the first time I was consistent with watching football. It may have been because the Chiefs were doing exceptionally well and I wanted to be a part of all the action, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be a fan. Watching the boys in red forced me to understand the game a bit more, but there were still a plethora of plays I had to ask my friends to explain. I may only be able to name at max five players, but that doesn’t make me less of a fan than the people who can recite how many yards the quarterback ran in the previous game. 

The next time you’re at a watch party and you’re enjoying the snacks more than the actual play happening, just know you don’t have to explain yourself to anyone. You can be a fan and appreciate the three layered buffalo dip at the same time.