Like many other queer men, I’ve found myself unable to muster any enthusiasm for watching sports on television. The mere thought of sitting through a football game fills me with a sense of dread and disinterest. I vividly recall the times when friends would gather at my place to watch the big game, their eyes glued to the screen, while I sat there, feeling like an outsider in my own home. Family football parties were no different; there were events I attended out of obligation rather than genuine interest. My attention was always drawn more to the tantalizing spread of food than to the game itself. The array of snacks laid out on the table was a feast for the senses: pigs in a blanket, with their savory sausage wrapped in flaky pastry; gooey, cheesy nachos that promised a delightful mess with every bite; crispy, spicy chicken wings that left a lingering heat on the tongue; and juicy cheeseburgers that were a meal in themselves. These culinary delights still hold a cherished place in my heart, far more than any touchdown or field goal ever could. But everything has changed this year…

I am glad to be one of the many who comprise of this years unprecedented U.S. Television Growth. Driven by the matches taking place across North American time zones, broadcasting viewership numbers have shattered every existing soccer record in the United States: [1, 2]

Data from  Yahoo Sports +1

Through my enthusiastic support of my siblings' children and their involvement in various sports, I have gradually developed a genuine appreciation for soccer. Attending their games and cheering them on from the sidelines has allowed me to witness the excitement and skill involved in the sport, ultimately transforming me into a dedicated soccer fan.

Follow up next week after the final team has won.