The Steelers: More Than Football

In many ways I love being a Steelers fan away from Pittsburgh. However there is a certain something missed when being a long-distance fan.

There is a certain joy to be had in wearing the black and gold away from Pittsburgh. Within the city limits being seen with a Steelers jersey on means absolutely nothing. Everyone in Pittsburgh supports the Steelers. While showing your allegiance is appreciated, it is more expected than anything.

Outside of the city it is a completely different story. Going to school at RIT puts me effectively in Bills country, so wearing my Steelers jersey sets me apart from most people on campus. I have come to love the second glances and questioning stares. Wearing my jersey has sparked up more conversations, heated or otherwise, with people that I do not know than anything else.

There is plenty to enjoy being the rare Steelers fan, but it also makes some things much harder. One of my roommates is also from Pittsburgh, so I typically have him to watch the games with me. This quarter he is working on a co-op though, which leaves me with a small handful of fans (read: one other guy) to join me for kickoff. If he is unavailable I find myself considering driving the 300+ miles back just for the afternoon.

Fortunately Mr.McBeam is not one of the friends who I watch the games with.

That leads to what I have learned from all this. The reason I love the Steelers and love to watch their games is much more than just the football. It is watching the game with friends and other fans that makes it so great. The game is even more important because I am enjoying it with others who want to see Pittsburgh win just as much as I do. We all can scream with a common goal and cheer more loudly every consecutive yard a player gains (the Parker Superbowl run got pretty thunderous). We can complain about questionable calls, and discuss the game through the ever-increasing number of commercials.

Nothing compares to being with a group of people who “just get” something. When I tried to explain to my non-football fan professor why I was wearing my jersey and carrying around a Terrible Towel, he did not get it. And he might never get it, regardless of what I tried to explain that day. Wearing a Steelers jersey says that someone gets it. They get what it means to root for the Steelers, and they recognize the responsibilities of being a fan (a select few listed below):

• Clear your schedule to make sure you can watch the game.
• Ensure that the area around the television is well-stocked with food during game time.
• Be sure that at least one Terrible Towel is in the room during each play.
• Cheer with your companions and victory, and comfort them in defeat.

The same sentiments could be applied to any sports team and a gathering of its fans. I am just familiar with the Steelers family because I grew up in that environment. I only ask that if you are reading this you join me in spirit for tonight’s game against Jacksonville, which I will unfortunately be watching solo. And yes, even in my situation the responsibilities still apply. Let’s go Steelers!

Can you identify with the importance of being with others during the game? Has a sports team ever been more than just a sport to you?