To our foreign posters... If you don't like American football, tell me why...

[RedBlackAttack]

This has always been a topic of interest to me. Let me first explain that I was born and bred in Ohio, the absolute cradle of American football. The city I grew up in (Steubenville) has a population of 17,000. When our high school football team plays, we get upwards of 10,000 spectators at each game, regardless of the opponent. Big playoff games can draw 20,000+.

The biggest playoff games in the state draw over 50,000 people... and I am talking about high school football.

Ohio State gets 110,000 people at each home game and there is literally a backlist of people in line to get season tickets. They could easily sell 200,000 tickets for every game, even against completely outclassed opposition.

In short, football is religion in Ohio and I cannot imagine a life without it.

This isn't just a phenomena in Ohio. Football has undoubtedly become America's favorite sports pastime. It has overtaken baseball for that title. Basically, America is football crazy.

However, I've noticed an attitude out of a lot of foreigners that gives the impression that they have a general disdain toward the game. There was a regular season game played in London last year and I believe there was a very large, enthusiastic crowd, but from reading some other message boards, a lot of non-Americans just 'don't get' American football.

I know that this board has a relatively heavy population of foreign posters, so I was just curious as to the consensus between them. If you don't like or understand the passion with which Americans follow football, let's have a conversation about why.

I'm not trying to cause an argument, just a discussion on a topic that I find interesting.

[Meticode]

My guess is familiarity. In America soccer is not nearly as widely broadcast as football, baseball and basketball or even hockey. Hell golf is probably televised more than soccer games in the US. In Europe soccer is the most watched sport on TV bar none. I mean why would you like a sport or be interested in it if it's not broadcasted a lot to where you can watch it?

I'm sure there is a complexity to you further than this, but I think this is one of the many things that effect it about forgeiners.

[DeuceWallaces]

I'm obviously not foreign, but the over-specialization turns me off. Third down backs, goal line backs, nickel/dime CB's, pass/run block lineman...Something about it turns me off.

[Meticode]

I'm obviously not foreign, but the over-specialization turns me off. Third down backs, goal line backs, nickel/dime CB's, pass/run block lineman...Something about it turns me off.

I like football, but the time between plays is annoying sometimes. Especially on flags.

[DeuceWallaces]

Yeah, that drives me nuts. That's one of the things that bugs me the most.

[bigkingsfan]

People tend to watch sports that they enjoy playing. At least that's how it is with me with the NFL and NBA.

[Meticode]

Yeah, that drives me nuts. That's one of the things that bugs me the most.

Or those crazy plays where you're like "OMG, I can't believe he caught that." and the ref is like "Flag on the play, holding on number 57." When Number 57 wouldn't of affected how play went anyway possible even if he wasn't holding. LOL

[RedBlackAttack]

My guess is familiarity. In America soccer is not nearly as widely broadcast as football, baseball and basketball or even hockey. Hell golf is probably televised more than soccer games in the US. In Europe soccer is the most watched sport on TV bar none. I mean why would you like a sport or be interested in it if it's not broadcasted a lot to where you can watch it?

I'm sure there is a complexity to you further than this, but I think this is one of the many things that effect it.
Yes, yes... I understand that. But, I'm not talking about a lack of interest due to lack of exposure. I'm talking about outright disdain.

Like... for instance... I have seen foreign posters on other sites take great offense to the fact that it is referred to as 'football' and their 'football' is referred to as 'soccer' in the states.

This whole thing seems deeper than exposure. There is an underlying sense of... almost nationalism when it comes to putting down American football for foreign sports fans.


I'm obviously not foreign, but the over-specialization turns me off. Third down backs, goal line backs, nickel/dime CB's, pass/run block lineman...Something about it turns me off.

See... but those are the intricacies that make it such an interesting game, imo. While no sporting event is anything like war (and I don't want to give off the impression that I think anything compares to that), the strategy involved with American football is so complex, that it can be compared to offensives/counter offensives in a wartime environment.

You have to have the right guys on the field to do the job in certain situations to defend your goal line. Football has become so advanced that if a coach makes one tiny mistake and has the wrong personnel in the wrong position at the wrong time, the opposition will notice it and exploit it.

It has become a very complex game. As simple as it seems (10 yards for a new set of downs... trying to get the ball into the opponents' goal), it is anything but simple when it comes to execution.

Maybe that is why is hasn't caught on in Europe or Asia... :confusedshrug:

[crisoner]

LOL

Ive been to England and Aussie land/New Zealand...........

They look at us Americans using all this protective gear as p*ssys.
And after watching a live game of Aussie rules Rugby................I see why. LOL

[RedBlackAttack]

Yeah, that drives me nuts. That's one of the things that bugs me the most.
I can understand that, but for true football fans, the time in between plays is spent discussing strategies with friends and then seeing if the coach took the same route as you had predicted.

We have to remember that there are 11 guys on the field, all with specific jobs that change after each play. It takes time to get everyone in order and knowing what they are supposed to be doing.

[RedBlackAttack]

LOL

Ive been to England and Aussie land/New Zealand...........

They look at us Americans using all this protective gear as p*ssys.
And after watching a live game of Aussie rules Rugby................I see why. LOL
At the same time, you don't see any rugby players that are 6'7", 280 pounds of pure muscle that can run a 4.5-4.6 40-yard dash.

If football players did not wear protective gear, there would be multiple deaths every week. I'm not even joking. As it is, guys are constantly being knocked out of the league for severe concussions.

Put Julius Peppers in a rugby match and see how many of those guys make it out alive.

http://www.delawareonline.com/blogs/uploaded_images/julius-776261.jpg

[qrich]

Reason I think its dislikes it is because its pretty boring. Sure, the game is 60 minutes long, but when it can take 25 minutes to run 2 minutes of actual game time, most people who are exposed to footie, which is non-stop for 45+ minutes in two halves, won't be interested. I mean, you see a 15 second play, if that, then sit and wait for 20+ seconds to see another.

[Meticode]

Like... for instance... I have seen foreign posters on other sites take great offense to the fact that it is referred to as 'football' and their 'football' is referred to as 'soccer' in the states.

This whole thing seems deeper than exposure. There is an underlying sense of... almost nationalism when it comes to putting down American football for foreign sports fans.

Maybe they just hate America.

[RedBlackAttack]

Reason I think its dislikes it is because its pretty boring. Sure, the game is 60 minutes long, but when it can take 25 minutes to run 2 minutes of actual game time, most people who are exposed to footie, which is non-stop for 45+ minutes in two halves, won't be interested. I mean, you see a 15 second play, if that, then sit and wait for 20+ seconds to see another.
At the same time, you may sit and watch a soccer game and not see a single goal. There are huge stretches in soccer matches in which teams don't even come close to scoring and don't even have a chance to attack.

...and I LIKE soccer. I'm just saying, I don't think that is the best argument. Huge plays are broken all the time in football. In soccer, you may watch an entire game without seeing one.

[sawyersauce]

LOL

Ive been to England and Aussie land/New Zealand...........

They look at us Americans using all this protective gear as p*ssys.
And after watching a live game of Aussie rules Rugby................I see why. LOL

Yeah thats definately a running joke here in Australia. But i think most of us still respect the athletic ability of the Gridiron players. I personally enjoy watching it now and then, although i havent taken the time to fully understand the game.
Aussie rules football and rugby are two different sports. Rugby isn't exclusively 'aussie rules'. Both are brutal and full contact without pads though.

[LakersDynasty]

The time between plays is only annoying if you watch the game by yourself. If you're watching it with a group of friends it's actually entertaining cause you can discuss the previous play and what's going to happen next in between the plays.

The way foreigners view football is how I view Baseball, absolutely don't get it, beyond me how someone can sit down and watch that shit, but I'm going off topic here...

And yeah, they do hate the fact that we call it football.

[The Machine]

Main reason why? I having a few. One there too many stops of America football play. So boring watching every 5 seconds stop clock. Next, every 5 minutes they stop game-TO SHOW F-ING COMMERCIALS? That is not sport it advertisement. Second, they have so much pad but it is rugby is much more brutal game and I not even like the rugby. American always say "America football player so much big and fast and more strong than rugby player that why they need pads". It's not truth at all. So big dumb stoppage of play so much, that is main reason that sport is so boring to follow-

[The Machine]

At the same time, you don't see any rugby players that are 6'7", 280 pounds of pure muscle that can run a 4.5-4.6 40-yard dash.

If football players did not wear protective gear, there would be multiple deaths every week. I'm not even joking. As it is, guys are constantly being knocked out of the league for severe concussions.

Put Julius Peppers in a rugby match and see how many of those guys make it out alive.

http://www.delawareonline.com/blogs/uploaded_images/julius-776261.jpg
Julius Peppers would not be able to survive 90 minute match running back and fourth of big rugby field. Weak, weak argument.

[The Machine]

At the same time, you may sit and watch a soccer game and not see a single goal. There are huge stretches in soccer matches in which teams don't even come close to scoring and don't even have a chance to attack.

...and I LIKE soccer. I'm just saying, I don't think that is the best argument. Huge plays are broken all the time in football. In soccer, you may watch an entire game without seeing one.
In 'soccer' you can see game of 0-1 but still so exciting and end to end action with good attack play even though no goals result. You have porbably only watching MLS which no offenses, is very boring example of the sport.

[loot]

LOL

Ive been to England and Aussie land/New Zealand...........

They look at us Americans using all this protective gear as p*ssys.
And after watching a live game of Aussie rules Rugby................I see why. LOL
that and there are too many dead moments in american football.

[G-train]

At the same time, you don't see any rugby players that are 6'7", 280 pounds of pure muscle that can run a 4.5-4.6 40-yard dash.

If football players did not wear protective gear, there would be multiple deaths every week. I'm not even joking. As it is, guys are constantly being knocked out of the league for severe concussions.

Put Julius Peppers in a rugby match and see how many of those guys make it out alive.



there are number of Australian football players around 6'6 and 230 pounds. Peppers wouldnt have the running endurance to last an AFL game at that weight (about 270 I presume), not even close.

And rugby players (popular in UK, NZ and South Africa also) are routinely around 6'4 to 6'8 and 250 punds plus, and they just ram straight into each other. So I doubt there would be deaths, but probably major injuries, just like what happens in AFL and rugby.

But to answer your question, I enjoy watching Americn football, as I play Madden quite a bit.

http://www.droppunt.com/images/sampi3.jpg


http://www.droppunt.com/images/moorcroft.jpg

http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/6/6d/Dale_thomas_160.jpg

[The Machine]

I argue that it takes greater athletics to do what the rugby and aussie rules player do for such long game than it is for 'super athlete' like Julius Peppers to do what he do for at just 35% of a 60 minute game.

[RedBlackAttack]

Main reason why? I having a few. One there too many stops of America football play. So boring watching every 5 seconds stop clock.
Like I stated previously, you cannot have continual play in football because strategy is really the difference between winning and losing. Also, while soccer has non-stop playing, not everyone on the field is going all-out at all times. In football, EVERYONE on the field HAS to go 100% on every play, or they get burned.

I think you would understand why the stoppages are necessary if you took the time to study the game a little closer. There are different offensive/defensive packages sent in and out of the game on virtually every play. That means different personnel are coming in and out of the game.

It is like a game of chess, while rugby is like checkers. They are two completely different animals. American football is more about strategy than anything else.


Next, every 5 minutes they stop game-TO SHOW F-ING COMMERCIALS? That is not sport it advertisement.
The breaks come when there is a turnover, score, or timeout. Again... you have to understand that guys are going in and out of the game at all times based on the situation. Football couldn't work properly if it was played non-stop. The whole idea of strategy would be virtually thrown out the window.


Second, they have so much pad but it is rugby is much more brutal game and I not even like the rugby. American always say "America football player so much big and fast and more strong than rugby player that why they need pads". It's not truth at all. So big dumb stoppage of play so much, that is main reason that sport is so boring to follow-

Are you really saying that the average rugby player is as big and athletic as the average football player? Surely, we can find this information out for sure. While I've watched rugby and the guys are certainly tough mofos, they ARE NOT 6'7" 280 pound masses of muscle. Heck, the NFL's smallest guys are probably bigger than the average rugby player. I'm not talking about weight in terms of fat, either. These are athletes that are in supreme condition (save for the offensive line and some defensive tackles).

It is just a completely different game.


Julius Peppers would not be able to survive 90 minute match running back and fourth of big rugby field. Weak, weak argument.

Do you honestly believe that? If Peppers, with his insane size and athletic ability, trained to play rugby, it would be scary. Like I said... they are two completely different games.

But, getting hit by that monstrosity with no padding would result in serious injury or death... and he is one of MANY.

[The Machine]

Like I stated previously, you cannot have continual play in football because strategy is really the difference between winning and losing. Also, while soccer has non-stop playing, not everyone on the field is going all-out at all times. In football, EVERYONE on the field HAS to go 100% on every play, or they get burned.

I think you would understand why the stoppages are necessary if you took the time to study the game a little closer. There are different offensive/defensive packages sent in and out of the game on virtually every play. That means different personnel are coming in and out of the game.

It is like a game of chess, while rugby is like checkers. They are two completely different animals. American football is more about strategy than anything else.


The breaks come when there is a turnover, score, or timeout. Again... you have to understand that guys are going in and out of the game at all times based on the situation. Football couldn't work properly if it was played non-stop. The whole idea of strategy would be virtually thrown out the window.



Are you really saying that the average rugby player is as big and athletic as the average football player? Surely, we can find this information out for sure. While I've watched rugby and the guys are certainly tough mofos, they ARE NOT 6'7" 280 pound masses of muscle. Heck, the NFL's smallest guys are probably bigger than the average rugby player. I'm not talking about weight in terms of fat, either. These are athletes that are in supreme condition (save for the offensive line and some defensive tackles).

It is just a completely different game.



Do you honestly believe that? If Peppers, with his insane size and athletic ability, trained to play rugby, it would be scary. Like I said... they are two completely different games.

But, getting hit by that monstrosity with no padding would result in serious injury or death... and he is one of MANY.
YYou strike me as one of those type who believe that American have the top most athlete in world and no other countries have athletes that are compare. Watch Aussie Rules or even international rugby and get back to me. Julius Peppers could not lasting 90 minutes of constantly running back and forth. You are a bias and mistaken because of the fact that at Ohio I don

[gigantes]

first of all i can understand foreigners not caring for the game. it's a game heavy on procedure and delays and can't be played as easily as many other sports at the nearest park. it's also not unique in that there are already other similar games like rugby or aussie rules football.

as an american, i used to love playing intramural football and watching the game, but the thing that really killed it for me is that it's hard on the body, meaning you wake up the next day black and blue, and because the player turnover rate in pro football is very high. a lot of players can't give more than a few years before injuries or wear-and-tear bring them down.

i fell in love with the old buddy ryan defensive teams from '87-92 and before long they were nothing but a memory because of the high turnover. in fact the starting strong safety from that team commit suicide a couple years ago because of brain damage he had taken administering punishing hits.

life is short enough already, so i see no reason to make it any shorter or sadder by playing or watching football.

[The Machine]

there are number of Australian football players around 6'6 and 230 pounds. Peppers wouldnt have the running endurance to last an AFL game at that weight (about 270 I presume), not even close.

And rugby players (popular in UK, NZ and South Africa also) are routinely around 6'4 to 6'8 and 250 punds plus, and they just ram straight into each other. So I doubt there would be deaths, but probably major injuries, just like what happens in AFL and rugby.

But to answer your question, I enjoy watching Americn football, as I play Madden quite a bit.

http://www.droppunt.com/images/sampi3.jpg


http://www.droppunt.com/images/moorcroft.jpg

http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/6/6d/Dale_thomas_160.jpg
Better athlete than NFL because NFL just sit fat ass on sidelines half of game:applause:

[RedBlackAttack]

there are number of Australian football players around 6'6 and 230 pounds. Peppers wouldnt have the running endurance to last an AFL game at that weight (about 270 I presume), not even close.

And rugby players (popular in UK, NZ and South Africa also) are routinely around 6'4 to 6'8 and 250 punds plus, and they just ram straight into each other. So I doubt there would be deaths, but probably major injuries, just like what happens in AFL and rugby.

But to answer your question, I enjoy watching Americn football, as I play Madden quite a bit.

http://www.droppunt.com/images/sampi3.jpg


http://www.droppunt.com/images/moorcroft.jpg

http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/6/6d/Dale_thomas_160.jpg
From what I've read, rugby players are nowhere near the size of NFL players.


Depends by Position.
Front Rows (Props and Hooker) are generally shorter with large, powerful legs. Usually, in the area of 5'8, 220lbs.
Second Rows (Locks) tend to be the most well built players in terms of overall size. They have long, muscular legs along with great upper body strength. Usually from about 6'0 to 6'6, and once again, in the area of 220lbs. Most locks are about 6'1-6'2 however.
Flankers are generally shorter, but well built with great lower body strength. In the area of 5'8-5'10 usually, with a weight of 200lbs.
Number 8 (Back Row) is usually the tallest player, standing at LEAST 6'1, most are around 6'4-6'6, and weigh in at about 210lbs, though some may be heavier depending on their build.

Backs are pretty similar,
Centres and Wings are shorter and leaner, at 5'6 to 6'0, weighing in anywhere from 150 to 180lbs. Fullbacks, Scrumhalf and Flyhalf are generally a bit larger (but shorter), at 5'5 to 5'9, weighing in from 160 to 190lbs.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070711143924AA7FbM0

Those are the size of the kickers and maybe a few cornerbacks in the NFL. I'm not saying you are wrong... just that I have read different... and those guys in those pictures DO NOT look nearly as big as NFL linebackers, defensive linemen, running backs, etc. Not even close....

Let me reiterate... I completely respect rugby players. But, I highly doubt they are anywhere near the size of NFL players... and, as you know, these aren't big and slow guys in the NFL... they can absolutely fly.

[The Machine]

From what I've read, rugby players are nowhere near the size of NFL players.



http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070711143924AA7FbM0

Those are the size of the kickers and maybe a few cornerbacks in the NFL. I'm not saying you are wrong... just that I have read different... and those guys in those pictures DO NOT look nearly as big as NFL linebackers, defensive linemen, running backs, etc. Not even close....
Let me reiterate... I completely respect rugby players. But, I highly doubt they are anywhere near the size of NFL players... and, as you know, these aren't big and slow guys in the NFL... they can absolutely fly.
Because they don

[RedBlackAttack]

Better athlete than NFL because NFL just sit fat ass on sidelines half of game:applause:
Do some research... there is nothing fat about the NFL players at skill positions. This post pretty much shows the disdain that I was talking about in my first post.

No... I don't think America has a monopoly on great athletes. However, I do think the size and athletic ability of NFL players is awesome. Most foreigners have this idea that NFL players are fat and it is absolutely not true. Even offensive linemen and defensive tackles, who may SEEM out of shape, are anything but. They need to be huge to perform their duties.

[G-train]

But, getting hit by that monstrosity with no padding would result in serious injury or death... and he is one of MANY.

No, because players are conditioned to take the hits. Serious injuries are rare. Trust me, I play it every week. I play ruck, where I charge at the other ruckman and contest a thrown up ball.
I am 6'6 and 220 pounds, which is because I played bball for 15 years prior to this. Thats a good bball build, but slightly slim for footy.
But I routinely play on players 6'8 and 250+ pounds. I'm a wreck after the game, but I am not dead or seriously injured.

http://media.foxsports.com.au/images/naitanui180.jpg

[fiad06]

A prime Zach Thomas would kill a few people in rugby:D


http://www.beloblog.com/ProJo_Blogs/PatsBlog/archives/dillon_1.jpg

[chains5000]

I like football, but the time between plays is annoying sometimes. Especially on flags.
Agreed, what's the ratio between playing time and total time?

People tend to watch sports that they enjoy playing. At least that's how it is with me with the NFL and NBA.
:applause: It becomes easier to enjoy when you've played the game, when you watch anybody doing something you can't you appreciate it more.
Also, if you don't grow up watching a sport, it becomes more difficult to be interested in it. Your friends liking it also helps, watching a sport alone <<< watching it with your friends and some beers.:cheers:

Maybe they just hate America.
:confusedshrug:

[RedBlackAttack]

[QUOTE=The Machine]Because they don

[G-train]

I cant speak much for rugby, but the ones I have met are over 6 feet and massively muscular.

But there are heaps of AFL players around 6'4 - 6'8 and strong builds. But they cant carry too much weight as they run 10km+ a match.

[gts]

I work with some english guys and i can tell you their remarks from when we watched a playoff game together a couple years ago

it's hard to understand and pick up the strategy, we (americans have watched it our whole lives, many of us have played it on some level in an organized system and almost every american male has played it in his neighbors backyard in some form...

we know the ins and outs of the game, it's slow and complex broken up by 20 seconds of what would appear to be organized chaos to somebody who has never experienced the sport...

the emglish guys i watched the game with were like huh? why? who? huh? what happened? lol but by the end of the game they had a new appreciation of the game once they started to sort it out...

it's not unlike any sport, i can't stand watching soccer, seeing guys run back and forth for 45 minutes non stop and scoring a couple points bores me to tears, but those raised on the sport who have played it and know the strategy love it

[G-train]

I know there are some really big guys in the NFL. There are two ex AFL players there who are kickers that are about 6'5 230... Ben Graham and Sav Rocca. But the really big dudes would unlikely have the endurance... they are 2 really different games.

[qrich]

Another thing I greatly dislike about the NFL is how fantasy football actually has some hoping a player gets injured, or something along those lines. I remember when Priest Holmes had that major injury a few years back, almost everyone I know that had Larry Johnson[was that his name?] was actually HAPPY that Priest got hurt, so it was like what the hell to me.

I know that this may not be the situation with everyone, hell, probably isn't for most people, but it sickened me due to how serious Priests injury was.

[RedBlackAttack]

Another thing I greatly dislike about the NFL is how fantasy football actually has some hoping a player gets injured, or something along those lines. I remember when Priest Holmes had that major injury a few years back, almost everyone I know that had Larry Johnson[was that his name?] was actually HAPPY that Priest got hurt, so it was like what the hell to me.

I know that this may not be the situation with everyone, hell, probably isn't for most people, but it sickened me due to how serious Priests injury was.
Fantasy football is frowned upon by a lot of people for this specific reason (and yes... it was Larry Johnson).

Also, fans will actually hope that their fantasy players do well against their favorite teams... it goes against the entire spirit of the game.

[chains5000]

You have to get through your thick skull that rugby and American football are two completely different games. If NFL players trained to play rugby, I'm sure they could pull off running for an entire game, especially running backs, linebackers, defensive backs, safeties, and wide receivers.

Agreed.
That's why you can't compare which ones are better athletes.

[RedBlackAttack]

Agreed.
That's why you can't compare which ones are better athletes.
Right... and that's also why you can't rag on NFL players for wearing padding, that is absolutely essential to their survival in the league.

[chains5000]

Right... and that's also why you can't rag on NFL players for wearing padding, that is absolutely essential to their survival in the league.
Agreed, hospitals would be full of NFL players if they didn't wear protection.

[chains5000]

Question, how many people watch the Superbowl outside the US?

[statman32]

Fantasy football is frowned upon by a lot of people for this specific reason (and yes... it was Larry Johnson).

Also, fans will actually hope that their fantasy players do well against their favorite teams... it goes against the entire spirit of the game.
A lot of people frown upon fantasy football? Never knew that.

If I have one of my fantasy players playing against the Cards, I will still root for the Cards. Only thing that could kind of change that is a blow-out either way and then I just want stats.

[statman32]

Question, how many people watch the Superbowl outside the US?
This is all I could find.


But the NFL doesn't know how many people outside the United States actually watch the game, nor has the league ever "provided the media a figure of total worldwide viewership," said Brian McCarthy, an NFL spokesman.

"We do know U.S. viewership because Nielsen tells us," McCarthy added.

Nielsen cannot pinpoint how many people watch the game beyond American borders because "we are only able to track national numbers," said Brandi Preston, a spokeswoman for Nielsen Media Research.
The closest anyone has come to gauging global Super Bowl ratings is a tracking system devised by the New York-based media research firm Initiative, which collects data from 54 of the major TV markets from around the world. According to Initiative's most recent measurement, Super Bowl XL posted an average audience of 98 million, with 151 million tuning in at some point.

[G-train]

Right... and that's also why you can't rag on NFL players for wearing padding, that is absolutely essential to their survival in the league.

I'm not so sure about the bolded. I dont see how its rougher than rugby league, and the are players just as big. I think its smart that they do, but the tackles are no harder than Rugby and AFL, and the players are often as large. There are obviously some really big guys in the NFL though that dont have to run very far.

here is some examples of big NRL guys - Willie Mason
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_Mason

Israel Folau
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Falou

Wendell Sailor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendell_Sailor

I feel that you need to watch a full Rugby League game and a full Australian Rules game to appreciate the hits that occur. Its a tough gig.

In rugby league they literally lineup and smash into each other front on. And they are big guys. Really big guys.

S

[ukballer]

Well to be fair I've only properly sat down about twice to watch a full game in my whole life, but I guess what put me off it is the lack of continuity. What I mean saying that is there are so many stoppages during the game, leading to loads of television adverts, I just can't get into it really. I don't really know whats going on half the time either. When I watch it I rarely see a play that lasts longer than 10 seconds. I know thats probably part of the game and you have all accepted it, but I just seem to prefer something that has more non-stop action.

I'm not saying it's bad at all (trust me I'm not dissing your game at all), it's just the few times I do encounter it, I can't get into it at all.

[RedBlackAttack]

I'm not so sure about the bolded. I dont see how its rougher than rugby league, and the are players just as big. I think its smart that they do, but the tackles are no harder than Rugby and AFL, and the players are often as large. There are obviously some really big guys in the NFL though that dont have to run very far.

here is some examples of big NRL guys - Willie Mason
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_Mason

Israel Folau
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Falou

Wendell Sailor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendell_Sailor

I feel that you need to watch a full Rugby League game and a full Australian Rules game to appreciate the hits that occur. Its a tough gig.

In rugby league they literally lineup and smash into each other front on. And they are big guys. Really big guys.
I've watched rugby games and I actually found some statistics on the sizes of average rugby players and, while they are big guys, they are nowhere near the size of average NFL players.

However, the risk of injury in the NFL is only, in part, related to the size/athleticism of the players. Like I've stated numerous times, it is a completely different game.

While rugby players are almost constantly running, draining energy, NFL players prepare for 5-10 seconds of incredibly intense hitting and then there is a break. This means that football players have their energy pent up and they unleash it, at its absolute maximum, on every play.

Also, there aren't the kind of blind hits in rugby that you get in the NFL. When a wide receiver is awaiting a pass across the middle and, if that pass is a little high, the player is absolutely unprotected against a hit.

Again... there is no sense in comparing them because the two sports are far too different.

My point for making this thread was that I have seen a lot of conversations on this topic over the years that led me to believe that a lot of people foreign to the US almost see it as a point of pride to put down the NFL and won't watch it to the point where it seems like spite.

It is a great game and I feel like a great majority of the world population is missing out on it. It is completely different from rugby or soccer.

I guess I just don't understand why a larger foreign audience don't give it a chance.

[RedBlackAttack]

A lot of people frown upon fantasy football? Never knew that.

If I have one of my fantasy players playing against the Cards, I will still root for the Cards. Only thing that could kind of change that is a blow-out either way and then I just want stats.
The older generations, from my experiences, absolutely hate fantasy football. I love it, personally. I never root against my team.

But, people in their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, etc. just don't understand why the need for individual statistics to constantly be displayed at the bottom of the screen on every player in every game. They see it as promoting the individual over the team.

Like I said... I love ff, but I can see why some don't.

[RedBlackAttack]

For instance... imagine these hits with no padding...

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/6631/1tg6.gif

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g94/Milan_06/17.gif

http://img204c.imageshack.us/img204/6022/johnlynchhitsdantehallgh1.gif

[chains5000]

For instance... imagine these hits with no padding...

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/6631/1tg6.gif

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g94/Milan_06/17.gif

http://img204c.imageshack.us/img204/6022/johnlynchhitsdantehallgh1.gif
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0c/Wheelchair_symbol.svg/483px-Wheelchair_symbol.svg.png
Again, rugby and football can't be compared.

[Darsh]

These threads always turn out to be a big testosterone filled debate over which sport is the toughest.

Give up, they're all pretty dam rough.

[chains5000]

IMO there isn't a more physically demanding sport then Rugby League.
Cycling

[InspiredLebowski]

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp93/thankyoudonnie/ReidonHenry2.gif

[jamal99]

american football is not popular in Serbia, we have our league, but it's not that good, and no televison is broadcasting NFL... And cause I never watched AF regularly (watched only few NFL games) it's not very interesting for me...

[InspiredLebowski]

american football is not popular in Serbia, we have our league, but it's not that good, and no televison is broadcasting NFL... And cause I never watched AF regularly (watched only few NFL games) it's not very interesting for me...

Serbia has an American football league?

[JtotheIzzo]

great sport, but many nuances that foreign fans might not get, and a lot of stoppages in play, so I can understand people being turned off.

That and the fact that the Super Bowl (the game most people will watch) more often than not under-delivers.

[RedBlackAttack]

Ive always wondered why USA always sucked at rugby with the amount of size you have at your disposal,it sure is baffling.

Maybe when they go to sign up they see NO HELMETS on the form,then they run:oldlol:
How would Australia do if you had to put together an American football team? Probably not very good.

From reading the majority of the posts from foreign posters on this site, it is pretty clear that there is not a lot of knowledge about the game of football outside of the US. Similarly, there isn't much known about rugby in the states, outside of a VERY small minority.

The whole idea that American football players would be scared to play rugby is absolutely laughable, though.

[Remix]

Not completely sure on this, it's something I read in the comment of a Youtube video where people were discussing this same topic, but someone said that in rugby you're not allowed to have your feet leave the ground when you hit....and all the big hits are when your feet leave the ground.

[kwajo]

For instance... imagine these hits with no padding...

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/6631/1tg6.gif

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g94/Milan_06/17.gif

http://img204c.imageshack.us/img204/6022/johnlynchhitsdantehallgh1.gif
I've seen tons of Rugby hits that hard, they happen all the time. If you want some examples, do a google of Jonah Lomu tackles.


That's all I'm going to say, I don't feel like getting into a long thing here, but for me I'll always loath the slow, stop-and-go, play of American (or Canadian) football, and leave my heart with Rugby where it's always been.

[InspiredLebowski]

What're the differences between Aussie football and rugby?

[Knuck the Ficks]

Even though I am an Australian I am not a fan of Rugby League or Rugby Union.

But with that said ... there is no tougher sport than these two football codes.

The thing that makes them such difficult sports is their continuity. There is almost no time to have a rest and you have to play both offense and defense.

I played a bit of Rugby in high school ... the sport is insane.

[brantonli]

American Football is softer than Rugby.

[playtetris]

Google Sonny Bill Williams


:applause:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxP-lJC4b4Y

check out the hit @ :32

@ jeff lebowski - the two variations of rugby are basically sports in which you run the ball, attempting to put the ball down over the oppositions' line. you can't pass the ball forward in either game. in rugby league, you have 5 tackles before you give the ball up to the opposition. generally on the last tackle you kick the ball to try to gain territory. in rugby union, you have potentially unlimited phases unless you screw up possession and give the ball away.

in aussie rules, you are attempting to kick the ball through the goals, of which there are two sets (the main goals counting for 6 points, the minor goals counting for 1 point). rather than passing the ball as in rugby, you hand-pass or kick the ball to a member of your team. if your teammate catches the ball on the full, it is counted as a "mark", and there is a brief (like 10s) stoppage in play before you play on. the pictures in this thread of the dudes leaping high are great depictions of people taking marks.

the aim of all the games is to outscore the opponent. there you have it! a very abridged explanation of the three codes of football.

[El Kabong]

For me, I could never get into the NFL mostly because I really had no idea of the rules, and how the game was played. I actually watched the last Superbowl, where the announcers took the time to explain the rules, and when the umpire made a call, why he did so and what that meant, which actually made the game alot more enjoyable.

I do watch it sometimes on ESPN, but i'm not a hardcore convert or anything like that.

[berraco]

Nope.

They won the Olympic Gold medal in 1920 and 1924.:oldlol:

yeah i googled a bit right after posting. I never thought rubgy had been an olympic sport... :eek:

[sawyersauce]

Even though I am an Australian I am not a fan of Rugby League or Rugby Union.

But with that said ... there is no tougher sport than these two football codes.

The thing that makes them such difficult sports is their continuity. There is almost no time to have a rest and you have to play both offense and defense.

I played a bit of Rugby in high school ... the sport is insane.

Rugby its the sporting equivalent of hoplite warfare.
The 2 teams smash against each other until theres a break in the lines for either side. When you get hit hard in rugby you have to pick yourself up, run half the field then do it again and again and again. The only stops are lineouts and scrums, and the latter isnt easy work.
That said, i dont doubt the hits in NFL are harder, its based on explosive athleticism while rugby is based on endurance and strength.
I dont really see the point in arguing whether one is tougher than the other, they're just different.

[DoubleTech]

i just don't like the speed of the game...

there will be a stoppage of play, then the camera will zoom in on the coach's face, then the face of some players, then they'll do a scan of the crowd, then the next play will happen, last about 3 to 10 seconds, and then they zoom back in on the coach's face while he covers his mouth with a sheet while talking into a microphone, then they zoom in on some players talking on the sideline, now they give a view of the place from the blimp above... then a play happens.

TOO SLOOOW

i read somewhere that the average 3 hour football game has about 9 minutes of actual action in it... that's a lot of commercials and close up's of coaches.

[RainierBeachPoet]

i grew up in seattle but here are a few scattered thoughts regarding the topic:


sports are a highly emotional activity: we have a "feeling" toward certain sports because of our background/personal experience. i read an article once that the sports that we love at age nine is what we love as adults-- i think there is some truth to that statement
people outside the usa have a limited exposure to american football, thus no emotional connection. american football is a culturally specific sport to the usa. t.v. shows what is popular to the viewers of that country
the pads and helmets enables football to be a type of "anonymous" sport. whereas we can see the faces of athletes in other sports, it is harder to identify and therefore relate to football players on the field. hoops is just the opposite, we can get right up to the court and see the players faces
the complexity of the rules and the constant changing of rules hinders non-fans from learning the game even if they want to
there are fewer games during the year to watch, therefore fewer opportunities to be exposed to the sport
while the pull for us in the usa is the violence of the game, many people do not like this aspect of the sport-- again a cultural difference
side question regarding rules: as more players have longer hair that does not fit under their helmets, is it legal to tackle a running back or receiver by grabbing his hair?

[jamal99]

Serbia has an American football league?

Yup...

[Skywalker]

i just don't like the speed of the game...

there will be a stoppage of play, then the camera will zoom in on the coach's face, then the face of some players, then they'll do a scan of the crowd, then the next play will happen, last about 3 to 10 seconds, and then they zoom back in on the coach's face while he covers his mouth with a sheet while talking into a microphone, then they zoom in on some players talking on the sideline, now they give a view of the place from the blimp above... then a play happens.

TOO SLOOOW

but you watch baseball? lol

[Randy]

For instance... imagine these hits with no padding...

http://img204c.imageshack.us/img204/6022/johnlynchhitsdantehallgh1.gif


ROAR. That was ****ing nasty.

[ALBballer]

ROAR. That was ****ing nasty.

Roar?

LoL

[Skywalker]

Was that that Boerichter guy who used to play for the Chiefs? Would explain why I havent heard about him in a while :lol

[Randy]

Roar?

LoL

That's the sound John Lynch makes when he ****s dudes up like that :lol

I'm pretty sure that was Dante Hall.

[Zan Tabak]

I'm Canadian (technically foreign) ..I don't hate Football but It definitely ranks low on my fav sports..the reason is football has no flow to the game ..5 seconds of action 5 minutes of stoppage.

[JtotheIzzo]

having played both rugby and football I would like to highlight the differences.

rugby = marathon
football = sprint

collisions are much greater in football (hence the equipment)
injuries are much more likely in football (hence the equipment)
rugby players are tougher (in the warrior sense)

rugby is a tough as nails game, but rugby people really do themselves a disservice and expose themselves as lacking knowledge when they diss football.

[johndeeregreen]

But I routinely play on players 6'8 and 250+ pounds. I'm a wreck after the game, but I am not dead or seriously injured.
That's because you aren't playing against NFL linebackers that are 250 pounds of sheer granite, dumbass.

:oldlol: @ this guy comparing the pain inflicted in a rec game of football to getting hit by NFL players going full speed. Just classic.

[ALBballer]

Honestly many foreigners do not understand the game and then when you add the fact it's known as an American game, they end up despising it. I can't tell you the amount of Europeans I know that dismiss American football as some barbaric sport where a bunch of big strong men just tackle each other for not apparent reason.

That would be like me bashing cricket for a being a ****ty game even though I don't know the rules nor have I seen a cricket game before. A bit naive if you ask me.

[OlDeRaDo_64]

American Football to me English Rugby, but they wear body armour. Im not saying the sport is crap, there were a few games last year i watched and i really enjoyed watching them. Quite an interesting sport.
:cheers:

[Junny]

Depends.

You can't go in a tackle with no arms meaning you cannot shoulder charge a player.

You can leave your feet just as long as arms are involved.

Rugby League though(the other code) its anything goes.

Rugby League>>>>Rugby Union

Rugby League more one on one confrontation every single player tackles.

Rugby Union is more a grapple game now you grab a guy with the full intention to steal the ball,big hits are few now days because everything is ruck and mall close confrontation type contact..

I'm having serious doubts to if you really are a New Zealander from this statement.

As for the game of grid-iron (or American football), STOP THE STOPPAGES. I cannot stand the 5 seconds of action and then 30 seconds of nothing. :sleeping I don't care about the "but you can discuss with your friends during this time" excuse, there's plenty of time to do it after the game. Get rid of those stupid stoppages and it would be a great game.

Also, NFL players = bigger, rugby/AFL players = fitter, to end this stupid argument.

Finally, AFL >>>>> Rugby union (15 players) >>>>>> American Football >>>>> Rugby League (13 players)

[Junny]

That's because you aren't playing against NFL linebackers that are 250 pounds of sheer granite, dumbass.

:oldlol: @ this guy comparing the pain inflicted in a rec game of football to getting hit by NFL players going full speed. Just classic.

Agreed. Hilarious. Love it when people go "no, blah blah isn't that bad, I do it and I'm fine" :lol Am I just the odd one out but wouldn't people usually be embarassed about saying stupid shyt like this, or is it just that I don't care as much as others about telling people "I'm a tough, badass mutherphucker but I wanna be subtle about it, although the end result isn't subtle at all"

[RedBlackAttack]

side question regarding rules: as more players have longer hair that does not fit under their helmets, is it legal to tackle a running back or receiver by grabbing his hair?
Yes, that is legal. In fact, the Steelers' Troy Polamalu was pulled down by his hair a couple of years ago. It is in the rules that hair is considered part of the uniform.

This thread went to a place that I hadn't intended. It turned into a p!ssing match between rugby fans and football fans. I don't really get why you can't enjoy both sports.

RBP makes some good points, though. Football is a very involved activity. If you are unsure about the rules and have no clue about the insane amount of strategy involved, you are probably going to have a hard time getting into it.

That said, I feel like a lot of people are missing out on a great sport.

EDIT: That was Dante Hall getting lit up by John Lynch, btw.

[kingpala]

I'm European. I despise baseball but like football. I know both the rules for baseball and football fairly well, but I still don't like baseball and I like football. So for me rules don't play an important part in liking the game.

Giants FTW BTW!

[-primetime-]

I like football, but the time between plays is annoying sometimes. Especially on flags.
agreed...

however IMO watching dudes kick a soccer ball back and forth for hours without ever scoring is 100x more boring IMO.

[RainierBeachPoet]

Yes, that is legal. In fact, the Steelers' Troy Polamalu was pulled down by his hair a couple of years ago. It is in the rules that hair is considered part of the uniform.

This thread went to a place that I hadn't intended. It turned into a p!ssing match between rugby fans and football fans. I don't really get why you can't enjoy both sports.

RBP makes some good points, though. Football is a very involved activity. If you are unsure about the rules and have no clue about the insane amount of strategy involved, you are probably going to have a hard time getting into it.

That said, I feel like a lot of people are missing out on a great sport.

EDIT: That was Dante Hall getting lit up by John Lynch, btw.

i was thinking about my earlier response and i guess i would add that the cultural aspect of sports cannot be overstated-- in this case football and U.S. culture. especially in certain states like texas and smaller towns where the weekly game is the center of attention, football is just part of our culture-- friday night is the high school; saturday is your favorite university; sunday the nfl

this does not exist in any other country the way it is lived here in the usa

ps-- Go Seahawks!!!

[StealthNoob]

I like Basketball and Football and I hate baseball and soccer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6ZOK8okDRA

[Aidan]

It's just not as exciting a sport to watch

The Over specialisation really pisses me off.

Football is just a much easier game to watch.


And the name really pisses me off too. It's not football. At all.

[RedBlackAttack]

i was thinking about my earlier response and i guess i would add that the cultural aspect of sports cannot be overstated-- in this case football and U.S. culture. especially in certain states like texas and smaller towns where the weekly game is the center of attention, football is just part of our culture-- friday night is the high school; saturday is your favorite university; sunday the nfl

this does not exist in any other country the way it is lived here in the usa

ps-- Go Seahawks!!!
This is true. When I was growing up, high school football was the most important thing in the world. That is just how it is Ohio (and Texas, Pennsylvania, etc). I guess it is hard for people outside of our society/culture to understand the importance of the game and why Americans are so football obsessed.

You really have to grow up here to understand. For those that say the game is slow, it really isn't. It is played at the speed that the game HAS to be played, because strategy is THE most important aspect of the game. They aren't huddling up to take a break. The coaches and players are getting together what the next play is going to be, on both sides of the ball... players are shuffling in and out of the game if there are changes in packages...

I was born with football, so all of these things seem very natural to me, but I can understand why someone outside of our culture may not understand why it is essential to huddle after each play (unless a team is playing a no-huddle offense).

Like I said earlier... football really is like a hard hitting game of chess. Every player has to be on exactly the same page on every snap or things will go horribly wrong. The right package of players have to be on the field for specific plays or things will go horribly wrong.

Rugby and soccer (futbol) are more reactionary sports. A player sees what is in front of him and reacts accordingly. You CANNOT do that in American football, unless you have an extremely intelligent quarterback (like Peyton Manning) who can read defenses at the line of scrimmage and have his entire team on the same page.

As far as professional sports go, American football coaches are FAR more important than coaches in any other sport.

Also, for me, the time in between plays helps build the intensity. If there is a 4th-and-1 late in the game, those 20 seconds in between plays will have you on the edge of your seat. If they simply did play after play after play, it would take away that excitement.


Btw, Go Browns.

[Hawker]

American football definitely has more boring moments then exciting moments. That's usually what I get when I watch pro-football. I can only take it when it's the cowboys and majority of the time I do homework during the games. I like it and I'll watch the games when I can. Aggie Football is where it's at for me though.

But I will say this, in my major, we have an organization specifically for our major and a lot of the people in it are foreign (Spain, Middle East, Kazakhstan, Japan, Trinidad & Tobago, South America). We always have a tailgate before the games and usually half of the people at the tailgates are foreign students, drinking, eating, and waiting to get into Kyle Field. They do this consistently.

One of the guys I met was from Kazakhstan and was watching and attending his FIRST football game EVER. He had 2nd deck seats so he was in a great position to enjoy the game and the atmosphere. I saw him afterwards and he loved it and said he enjoyed it.

I think this is same when you go to any country. Primetime doesnt like soccer and I bet if he saw Brazil vs. Argentina in a WC final or Manchester United vs. Arsenal LIVE in THE STADIUM, he would really enjoy it.

[RedBlackAttack]

American football definitely has more boring moments then exciting moments. That's usually what I get when I watch pro-football. I can only take it when it's the cowboys and majority of the time I do homework during the games.
You call yourself a Texan? Friday Night Lights is about Permian, is it not?

[Hawker]

You call yourself a Texan? Friday Night Lights is about Permian, is it not?

Ya, that's in the middle of nowhere. Did you read the rest of my post? And btw Permian never made it to the state championship, only made it to the second round. Ever heard of Southlake Carroll? A movie should be made about them, not permian.

Football is a top 5 favorite sport for me and I enjoy watching it, some of the time. I always love watching the Aggies and Cowboys play but I cant watch other teams play like I can with basketball and soccer.

[DoubleTech]

but you watch baseball? lol


i only turn on baseball when i want to take a nap.

[RedBlackAttack]

Ya, that's in the middle of nowhere. Did you read the rest of my post? And btw Permian never made it to the state championship, only made it to the second round. Ever heard of Southlake Carroll? A movie should be made about them, not permian.
I know all about Southlake Carroll and I know a good bit of the history of Texas HS football, too. I knew that Permian did not make it to the state title in '88... The following year, they actually won it, though.

Southlake Carroll needs to come up to Ohio and compete in the Herbstreit Classic against an Ohio power. It is a series of games that Ohio holds every year featuring the best teams in the state against the best out-of-state teams. A few years ago, defending Texas state champion Tyler Lee came up and played Cincinnati Colerain (Colerain beat them).

[-primetime-]

I think this is same when you go to any country. Primetime doesnt like soccer and I bet if he saw Brazil vs. Argentina in a WC final or Manchester United vs. Arsenal LIVE in THE STADIUM, he would really enjoy it.
probably...

just like hockey...IMO it is boring as hell to watch hockey on T.V.

watching the puck get slapped around for an hour without any goals being scored...

but going to a hockey game live is alot of fun....

I am sure soccer is similiar in that way

[StealthNoob]

I know all about Southlake Carroll and I know a good bit of the history of Texas HS football, too. I knew that Permian did not make it to the state title in '88... The following year, they actually won it, though.

Southlake Carroll needs to come up to Ohio and compete in the Herbstreit Classic against an Ohio power. It is a series of games that Ohio holds every year featuring the best teams in the state against the best out-of-state teams. A few years ago, defending Texas state champion Tyler Lee came up and played Cincinnati Colerain (Colerain beat them).

What about California HS Football? Have you heard of Long Beach Poly, Concord De La Salle, Corona Centennial, Crespi, Orange Lutheran, Mater Dei, etc

http://www.maxpreps.com/national/football/rankings.aspx?gendersport=boys%2cfootball&urpath=%2clist

hmm only one OH HS football team ranked in the top 25

[Emile]

I don't know anything about it. Therefore I don't care. Same for baseball. Even when I tried to learn something about either sport, still seemed boring to me.
It's the same thing with Americans and soccer. It's not a big puzzle or anything.

[sunsfan1357]

i was thinking about my earlier response and i guess i would add that the cultural aspect of sports cannot be overstated-- in this case football and U.S. culture. especially in certain states like texas and smaller towns where the weekly game is the center of attention, football is just part of our culture-- friday night is the high school; saturday is your favorite university; sunday the nfl

this does not exist in any other country the way it is lived here in the usa

ps-- Go Seahawks!!!

You're not serious about that are you?

[RedBlackAttack]

What about California HS Football? Have you heard of Long Beach Poly, Concord De La Salle, Corona Centennial, Crespi, Orange Lutheran, Mater Dei, etc

http://www.maxpreps.com/national/football/rankings.aspx?gendersport=boys%2cfootball&urpath=%2clist

hmm only one OH HS football team ranked in the top 25
National high school rankings are completely meaningless. There are 800 high school football teams in Ohio. Just trying to rank those (in six divisions) is difficult enough. Doing any national ranking is impossible and completely arbitrary.

CA is one of the best states for high school football, though. The top five are Ohio, Texas, California, Florida, and Pennsylvania. You can put them in any order that you want, but those are the five major states.

There is a reason the Pro Football HOF is in Canton, Ohio... It is the birthplace of football.

[RainierBeachPoet]

You're not serious about that are you?
what other country lives american football as i had described?
:confusedshrug:

that was my explaination why other countries do not share the same passion about football as in the u.s.

[XxNeXuSxX]

[QUOTE=G-train]I'm not so sure about the bolded. I dont see how its rougher than rugby league, and the are players just as big. I think its smart that they do, but the tackles are no harder than Rugby and AFL, and the players are often as large. There are obviously some really big guys in the NFL though that dont have to run very far.

here is some examples of big NRL guys - Willie Mason
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_Mason

Israel Folau
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Falou

Wendell Sailor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendell_Sailor

I feel that you need to watch a full Rugby League game and a full Australian Rules game to appreciate the hits that occur. Its a tough gig.

In rugby league they literally lineup and smash into each other front on. And they are big guys. Really big guys.

S

[Dasher]

Rugby v American Football (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7tGY-VDx3o)

Rugby= Full Contact Checkers

American Football= Full Contact Speed CHess

[Se]

Each game goes for too long, and they are a bunch of pu55ies and showboats. If I wanted to watch that, I'd just stick to the NBA. Each team also has like 1,000 players, and I can't tell who anyone is cause they all wear helmets. Helmets and pads are for **** too.

[G-train]

That's because you aren't playing against NFL linebackers that are 250 pounds of sheer granite, dumbass.

:oldlol: @ this guy comparing the pain inflicted in a rec game of football to getting hit by NFL players going full speed. Just classic.

Thats where you are the uneducated dumbass, dumbass.

They are 250 pounds of muscle, and there is a high rate of collision, both by tackling and mid air. I am 6'6 and 220 pounds of muscle. This is a man's game, little pieces of sh!t like you wouldnt understand.

And its not rec league AFL. Its a professional league. I get paid.
So really, you are a classic dumbass.

[G-train]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dA7LsuGt3Gg

And stop saying Rugy guys are "just as big". They are on average, the about 50lbs lighter. :rolleyes:

They are on average lighter, buts its unlikely it 50 pounds.
But there are several guys the size of NFL players, and if thats the case wouldnt protection be required? that was my point. But I understand RBA's point of the short bursts of apeed and power in NFL

[G-train]

all of those GIF's earlier happen all the time in AFL and rugby, without padding and with similar size guys.

[G-train]

I have no doubt that NFL is a tough physical game, and I group it with AFL and Rugby league and Rugby union.

I think USA overrates NFL toughness somewhat though, and while padding is smart and would prevent alot of injury I dont think it necessarily means it is more physical than other sports. More advanced maybe.

[Hawker]

I know all about Southlake Carroll and I know a good bit of the history of Texas HS football, too. I knew that Permian did not make it to the state title in '88... The following year, they actually won it, though.

Southlake Carroll needs to come up to Ohio and compete in the Herbstreit Classic against an Ohio power. It is a series of games that Ohio holds every year featuring the best teams in the state against the best out-of-state teams. A few years ago, defending Texas state champion Tyler Lee came up and played Cincinnati Colerain (Colerain beat them).

Not sure if SL Carroll will travel outside of Texas to play their games. (dont remember if they played a miami HS in Texas or out of Texas. IF they did play out of Texas, then I'm wrong.) A HS in Miami was their first loss in like, three seasons. Pretty ridiculous.

SL Carroll was my city's "rivals." Both upperclass, rich white high schools except ours sucked and theirs didnt. SL Carroll had Tre Newton as their only black kid and that's about it.

[west_tip]

For instance... imagine these hits with no padding...

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/6631/1tg6.gif

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g94/Milan_06/17.gif

http://img204c.imageshack.us/img204/6022/johnlynchhitsdantehallgh1.gif

those hits would all be illegal in rugby because to execute a legal tackle you cannot lead with your head and you have to use your arms in the tackle, you cannot shoulder charge etc. also you cannot tackle above shoulder level.


personally i like football, my main gripe has always been how short the season is (7 months from the superbowl to week 1) and games are only played once a week. too much waiting around, not enough games compared to rugby, soccer and basketball where games come thick and fast.

[SCREWstonRockets]

I think football games are way too long. 3hrs?!? Are you serious? Thats why I only watch my Texans because I have an attachment to that team. Don't really got time to watch anybody else.

[west_tip]

Rugby League is both.

Each player plays both offense and defense for 80mins,none of this you have a break while i tackle bullcrap.its a war of attrition in Rugby league.

Think about it:oldlol:

Both the NFL and Rugby doesn't come close.


state of origin is the sh*t

[Junny]

Why is that?

Because i think our national sport pails in comparison physically to Rugby League.

Ive played both games at a pretty high level and Rugby doesn't even compete physically with League.

Im 6'2 220lbs i ran riot playing Rugby Union because it is defensivley the weaker game,i usually got out of games injury free and not to badly bruised.

I went and Played league where everything is full on contact,and got the biggest shock of my life.I had guys smaller then me absolutely rocking me into mars.

Size is overrated in League it helps but technique at the tackle is more intense.

The hits you see in the NFL happen allot in league,i can't find gifs. on it though:rant



:oldlol:

An AFL fan why am not surprised you put League last.

I didn't write it down in order of toughness, by the way. You really can't rank them in the order of toughness, just too hard coz they've all got different rules/situations/etc. The order I wrote it down is the order of how fun it is to play/watch. I have to say AFL is the most entertaining to watch & play, whereas Rugby League, the same shyt over and over again gets boring, especially the pass-hitup pass-hitup pass-hitup pass-pass-hitup pass-pass-hitup pass-kick routine. Yeah big hits are good, but I wanna see more than just big hits when I watch a sport. (Without delay either, which is why I don't like American Football much either)

[OlDeRaDo_64]

agreed...

however IMO watching dudes kick a soccer ball back and forth for hours without ever scoring is 100x more boring IMO.


Im from England, Football or 'soccer' is the national sport here and i agree. Soccer is the worst. Boring as hell. Rugby is much better.

[fiad06]

How was this hit not brought up yet?

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=b6ZOK8okDRA

[lovethetriangle]

Firstly, RBA has brought this topic up with respect and without the intention to bash anyone or anything, all those that don't agree with him should disagree with nothing but respect.

RBA, I don't watch Football for 3 reasons:

1. Apart from the main goal of the game (get the football to end zone through ****load of defense), I don't get it and I don't know how to get it.

2. When I follow a sport (I follow the NBA, Tennis, Cricket, and boxing/MMA), I like to know each and every little thing about the sport (history, statistics, records, controversies, intricacies, blah blah blah.). It doesn't seem like the NFL is really reaching out to the world in this regard. The NBA for example, is very easy to simply jump on.

3. It isn't easy to follow a team based sport when you don't have a team. When you don't live in an NBA city, you normally pick a team through a player that you like (Magic Johnson for me). The NBA, Tennis, Golf, and Football/Soccer bring out individual brilliance and therefore captures the imaginations of fans around the world.

Believe me, I want to follow the NFL, but I have no idea where to start.

[RedBlackAttack]

1. Apart from the main goal of the game (get the football to end zone through ****load of defense), I don't get it and I don't know how to get it.
I can understand your frustration. Having grown up with the game, the rules come as second nature to me, but, for someone who hasn't been indoctrinated at a young age, I can see how the game could be confusing.

There are A LOT of very detailed rules. I have no doubt that, if you watched enough of the game, you would catch on, though. It can be complicated, but it isn't rocket science.

Teams trade possession of the ball. They get 3 downs to get another set of downs. If they don't get the 10 yards after 3 downs, they have the option of punting, which will give the opponent a longer field, or trying to gain the remaining yards and risk giving the opponent the ball in an easier position on the field.

If there is a pass, a receiver must get two feet in bounds for it to count (in college and high school, you only need one foot). That goes for interceptions, as well.

Those are really all of the basics you need to get started. The other rules will come to you as you watch the game.


2. When I follow a sport (I follow the NBA, Tennis, Cricket, and boxing/MMA), I like to know each and every little thing about the sport (history, statistics, records, controversies, intricacies, blah blah blah.). It doesn't seem like the NFL is really reaching out to the world in this regard. The NBA for example, is very easy to simply jump on.
I would absolutely recommend NFL Films. These are the expertly produced documented history of the game.

These are absolutely wonderful documentaries... almost like a great movie... and there are literally thousands of hours.

Check this out....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZharmZvzlaE

Here is a little NFL history for you...


Lawrence Taylor:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idhScNpaTnk&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDsKkOa-Ffc

Gale Sayers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLjzCFlEpxc&feature=related

Dick Butkus:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhNVqs07FRc&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L8bDZbPS1g&feature=related

Barry Sanders:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hum0jmFMu8I&feature=related


There are plenty more on youtube.


3. It isn't easy to follow a team based sport when you don't have a team. When you don't live in an NBA city, you normally pick a team through a player that you like (Magic Johnson for me). The NBA, Tennis, Golf, and Football/Soccer bring out individual brilliance and therefore captures the imaginations of fans around the world.

Believe me, I want to follow the NFL, but I have no idea where to start.

The first step would be finding a player in today's NFL that you really like. If you are into great running backs, consider Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UP_LrhTwWN8

If you are into wide receivers, think about Braylon Edwards and the Cleveland Browns...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVzehY9-AsI

If you are into great defenses, check out Chicago, New England, Baltimore, NY Giants, or Pittsburgh. The first order of business, is figuring out what kind of team/player you like the most. Then, after you begin to follow that player, you will begin to form a relationship with the entire team... just like with any sport.

Check out NFL Films, though. They are great.

[playtetris]

Rugby v American Football (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7tGY-VDx3o)

Rugby= Full Contact Checkers

American Football= Full Contact Speed CHess

get a professional rugby player, and then we'll talk... pitting amateurs against a professional cornerback is weak sauce. la force or whatever? don't make me laugh. i guarantee that the rugby players in australia/nz KILL those dudes.

[RainierBeachPoet]

I can understand your frustration. Having grown up with the game, the rules come as second nature to me, but, for someone who hasn't been indoctrinated at a young age, I can see how the game could be confusing.

There are A LOT of very detailed rules. I have no doubt that, if you watched enough of the game, you would catch on, though. It can be complicated, but it isn't rocket science.

Teams trade possession of the ball. They get 3 downs to get another set of downs. If they don't get the 10 yards after 3 downs, they have the option of punting, which will give the opponent a longer field, or trying to gain the remaining yards and risk giving the opponent the ball in an easier position on the field.

If there is a pass, a receiver must get two feet in bounds for it to count (in college and high school, you only need one foot). That goes for interceptions, as well.

Those are really all of the basics you need to get started. The other rules will come to you as you watch the game.


I would absolutely recommend NFL Films. These are the expertly produced documented history of the game.

These are absolutely wonderful documentaries... almost like a great movie... and there are literally thousands of hours.

Check this out....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZharmZvzlaE

Here is a little NFL history for you...


Lawrence Taylor:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDsKkOa-Ffc

Gale Sayers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLjzCFlEpxc&feature=related

Dick Butkus:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhNVqs07FRc&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L8bDZbPS1g&feature=related

Barry Sanders:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hum0jmFMu8I&feature=related


There are plenty more on youtube.



The first step would be finding a player in today's NFL that you really like. If you are into great running backs, consider Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UP_LrhTwWN8

If you are into wide receivers, think about Braylon Edwards and the Cleveland Browns...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVzehY9-AsI

If you are into great defenses, check out Chicago, New England, Baltimore, NY Giants, or Pittsburgh. The first order of business, is figuring out what kind of team/player you like the most. Then, after you begin to follow that player, you will begin to form a relationship with the entire team... just like with any sport.

Check out NFL Films, though. They are great.

RBA is the nfl's missionary out to convert the world to the ways of american gridiron!!
:cheers:

[RedBlackAttack]

RBA is the nfl's missionary out to convert the world to the ways of american gridiron!!
:cheers:
That is my goal. :cheers:

[-primetime-]

That is my goal. :cheers:
It is too bad that it is so difficult to find NFL footage on YouTube...

there are SOOO many past highlights that I wish I could find footage of...:banghead:

Deion has the most amazing highlight reel IMO...too bad you can only find small amounts of it on the net...


still love this one:

http://www.extremesportclips.com/video/1450/Deion-versus-Rison.html

Deion beating the sh*t out of Rison...

unfortunatly most wouldn't know that on the very next play Deion picked off the QB and scored a TD...

[intrinsic]

When Polamalu was dragged down by the hair (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVO93amUv7Y&feature=related), I believe that was by Larry Johnson. A week or two earlier, Antrel Rolle from the Cardinals had yanked Larry down by the facemask. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0i_Ym-7adM) I'm pretty sure that was on his mind.

Rolle was fined 12k or something btw.

[-primetime-]

When Polamalu was dragged down by the hair (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVO93amUv7Y&feature=related), I believe that was by Larry Johnson. A week or two earlier, Antrel Rolle from the Cardinals had yanked Larry down by the facemask. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0i_Ym-7adM) I'm pretty sure that was on his mind.

Rolle was fined 12k or something btw.
Troy deserved that IMO...he could easily braid that sh*t up and hide it under his helmet like many NFL players do....that's what he gets for sporting that look, and that was bound to happen.

[JPR]

Ohio State is the most overrated football program in America. They'd probably finish in 6th place in the SEC. Ohio being the cradle of football...lol...try the South.

[RedBlackAttack]

Ohio State is the most overrated football program in America. They'd probably finish in 6th place in the SEC. Ohio being the cradle of football...lol...try the South.
:oldlol:

Florida's best high school football product, Lakeland, will be playing in the Friends of Coal Classic against Pittsburgh Central Catholic on Monday. Let's see how they do...

Michigan b!tchslapped Florida in their bowl last year... a Michigan team that limped through their Big Ten schedule. While Ohio State has struggled against their SEC opponents, Michigan (whose roster is chalk-full of Ohio talent) has owned the SEC in almost every meeting.

Like I said... there is a reason the Pro Football HOF is in Canton, Ohio.

[Hawker]

:oldlol:

Florida's best high school football product, Lakeland, will be playing in the Friends of Coal Classic against Pittsburgh Central Catholic on Monday. Let's see how they do...

Michigan b!tchslapped Florida in their bowl last year... a Michigan team that limped through their Big Ten schedule. While Ohio State has struggled against their SEC opponents, Michigan (whose roster is chalk-full of Ohio talent) has owned the SEC in almost every meeting.

Like I said... there is a reason the Pro Football HOF is in Canton, Ohio.


Ohio State is the only northern college football team to win the College football championship in awhile.

LSU, OU, USC, Miami, Florida...

[lovethetriangle]

I can understand your frustration. Having grown up with the game, the rules come as second nature to me, but, for someone who hasn't been indoctrinated at a young age, I can see how the game could be confusing.

There are A LOT of very detailed rules. I have no doubt that, if you watched enough of the game, you would catch on, though. It can be complicated, but it isn't rocket science.

Teams trade possession of the ball. They get 3 downs to get another set of downs. If they don't get the 10 yards after 3 downs, they have the option of punting, which will give the opponent a longer field, or trying to gain the remaining yards and risk giving the opponent the ball in an easier position on the field.

If there is a pass, a receiver must get two feet in bounds for it to count (in college and high school, you only need one foot). That goes for interceptions, as well.

Those are really all of the basics you need to get started. The other rules will come to you as you watch the game.


I would absolutely recommend NFL Films. These are the expertly produced documented history of the game.

These are absolutely wonderful documentaries... almost like a great movie... and there are literally thousands of hours.

Check this out....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZharmZvzlaE

Here is a little NFL history for you...


Lawrence Taylor:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDsKkOa-Ffc

Gale Sayers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLjzCFlEpxc&feature=related

Dick Butkus:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhNVqs07FRc&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L8bDZbPS1g&feature=related

Barry Sanders:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hum0jmFMu8I&feature=related


There are plenty more on youtube.



The first step would be finding a player in today's NFL that you really like. If you are into great running backs, consider Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UP_LrhTwWN8

If you are into wide receivers, think about Braylon Edwards and the Cleveland Browns...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVzehY9-AsI

If you are into great defenses, check out Chicago, New England, Baltimore, NY Giants, or Pittsburgh. The first order of business, is figuring out what kind of team/player you like the most. Then, after you begin to follow that player, you will begin to form a relationship with the entire team... just like with any sport.

Check out NFL Films, though. They are great.


Dude this a great, great post. Appreciate the effort. I will definitely give the NFL a shot this year.

[zabuza666]

This has always been a topic of interest to me. Let me first explain that I was born and bred in Ohio, the absolute cradle of American football. The city I grew up in (Steubenville) has a population of 17,000. When our high school football team plays, we get upwards of 10,000 spectators at each game, regardless of the opponent. Big playoff games can draw 20,000+.

The biggest playoff games in the state draw over 50,000 people... and I am talking about high school football.

Ohio State gets 110,000 people at each home game and there is literally a backlist of people in line to get season tickets. They could easily sell 200,000 tickets for every game, even against completely outclassed opposition.

In short, football is religion in Ohio and I cannot imagine a life without it.

This isn't just a phenomena in Ohio. Football has undoubtedly become America's favorite sports pastime. It has overtaken baseball for that title. Basically, America is football crazy.

However, I've noticed an attitude out of a lot of foreigners that gives the impression that they have a general disdain toward the game. There was a regular season game played in London last year and I believe there was a very large, enthusiastic crowd, but from reading some other message boards, a lot of non-Americans just 'don't get' American football.

I know that this board has a relatively heavy population of foreign posters, so I was just curious as to the consensus between them. If you don't like or understand the passion with which Americans follow football, let's have a conversation about why.

I'm not trying to cause an argument, just a discussion on a topic that I find interesting.

Ok well firstly I hate that it's called football. I just don't see the rationale behind it, the balls pretty much exclusively used by hand.

My main issue is that NFL is simply a snooze fest. You get like 10 seconds of action with giant breaks in between. A quarter is 15 minutes long but NFL games will last upwards of 3 hours.

The other thing I don't like is how specialised it is. You have to be good at literally one thing, that's it. Also the fact that you basically need no cardio fitness to play also seems kinda gay.

Those are the main reasons I can think of off the top of my head.

P.s. I still love playing Madden though

[zabuza666]

LOL

Ive been to England and Aussie land/New Zealand...........

They look at us Americans using all this protective gear as p*ssys.
And after watching a live game of Aussie rules Rugby................I see why. LOL

It's Aussie Rules football :rockon:

But you did remind me of another reason I don't find NFL enjoyable....padding!

[i seen hippos]

I love watching Aussia Rules Football after work around 4 am. Just get stoned and stare. Fun sport.

I'm surprised that The Machine didn't actually find out where RBA lives and kill him and his family though. The guy was spinning in this thread.

[takeittothehoop]

I'm a huge american football fan and I live in Australia. Pretty rare though, people here get turned off thinking that it's for p*ssies because they were helmets but what they don't realise, of course, is that the hits are absoloutelty brutal and if they didn't wear helmets we'd have injury timeouts every 2 seconds. The thing that makes me like American football a lot also is that it has structure. The AFL over here has no structure, it's pretty much just guys chasing a football trying to kick it through two goal posts.:lol. And the umpriring is truly ridiculous. Unbearable.

[zabuza666]

No, because players are conditioned to take the hits. Serious injuries are rare. Trust me, I play it every week. I play ruck, where I charge at the other ruckman and contest a thrown up ball.
I am 6'6 and 220 pounds, which is because I played bball for 15 years prior to this. Thats a good bball build, but slightly slim for footy.
But I routinely play on players 6'8 and 250+ pounds. I'm a wreck after the game, but I am not dead or seriously injured.

http://media.foxsports.com.au/images/naitanui180.jpg

You aren't Nic Nat are you?

[Don Imus]

At the same time, you don't see any rugby players that are 6'7", 280 pounds of pure muscle that can run a 4.5-4.6 40-yard dash.

If football players did not wear protective gear, there would be multiple deaths every week. I'm not even joking. As it is, guys are constantly being knocked out of the league for severe concussions.

Put Julius Peppers in a rugby match and see how many of those guys make it out alive.

http://www.delawareonline.com/blogs/uploaded_images/julius-776261.jpg


:applause:

[zabuza666]

For instance... imagine these hits with no padding...

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/6631/1tg6.gif

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g94/Milan_06/17.gif

http://img204c.imageshack.us/img204/6022/johnlynchhitsdantehallgh1.gif

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr81dc4o5yI

Sorry I'm responding on masse, I'm reading through the thread

[RedBlackAttack]

Ok well firstly I hate that it's called football. I just don't see the rationale behind it, the balls pretty much exclusively used by hand.

I think this is a common problem among people outside of the US. It is looked at as another sign of American 'arrogance,' in a way. We have to create our very own football because the world's 'football' is not good enough for us. In my discussions with foreigners, that is the sense that I get.

It really isn't about whether or not feet are involved (they are). It is about taking the name of a beloved sport and assigning it to a completely, totally different game. It rubs people in Europe the wrong way.

I guess I can understand that, but at the same time, I don't understand why the name of the sport would be an issue when trying to enjoy said event. If it is a great game, who cares what it is called?


My main issue is that NFL is simply a snooze fest. You get like 10 seconds of action with giant breaks in between. A quarter is 15 minutes long but NFL games will last upwards of 3 hours.

The other thing I don't like is how specialised it is. You have to be good at literally one thing, that's it. Also the fact that you basically need no cardio fitness to play also seems kinda gay.

Those are the main reasons I can think of off the top of my head.

P.s. I still love playing Madden though

I think the problem and hurdle that many Europeans face is that they view American football through the lens of soccer (for the purposes of this discussion so we can distinguish), rugby and even Aussie football. The truth is, while those sports are all relatively similar in that there is non-stop action and no stops, American football is a completely, totally different game.

You are right in that every single person on an American football field is 100-percent specialized to play that exact position. They have probably been playing that very specific position their entire lives and wouldn't even know what to do if they were placed elsewhere. That is part of the brilliance of it, though.

I say this with no malice toward soccer (a game that I do appreciate), but it (soccer) is checkers compared to football's chess. On a chess board, you have certain pieces that can only move certain ways and do certain things.

Coaches have total control of what happens on a football field and, if they have one guy out of place or call a blitz at the wrong time, it can cost them the game.... Just like making one tiny mistake on the chess board can be the end.

I think you have to learn to look at American football with fresh eyes and don't compare to other sports, because it is totally unique. There may be significant time in between plays, but that is only because every play is of so much importance. It is tactical... Like war without the deaths.

[zabuza666]

I think this is a common problem among people outside of the US. It is looked at as another sign of American 'arrogance,' in a way. We have to create our very own football because the world's 'football' is not good enough for us. In my discussions with foreigners, that is the sense that I get.

It really isn't about whether or not feet are involved (they are). It is about taking the name of a beloved sport and assigning it to a completely, totally different game. It rubs people in Europe the wrong way.

I guess I can understand that, but at the same time, I don't understand why the name of the sport would be an issue when trying to enjoy said event. If it is a great game, who cares what it is called?



I think the problem and hurdle that many Europeans face is that they view American football through the lens of soccer (for the purposes of this discussion so we can distinguish), rugby and even Aussie football. The truth is, while those sports are all relatively similar in that there is non-stop action and no stops, American football is a completely, totally different game.

You are right in that every single person on an American football field is 100-percent specialized to play that exact position. They have probably been playing that very specific position their entire lives and wouldn't even know what to do if they were placed elsewhere. That is part of the brilliance of it, though.

I say this with no malice toward soccer (a game that I do appreciate), but it (soccer) is checkers compared to football's chess. On a chess board, you have certain pieces that can only move certain ways and do certain things.

Coaches have total control of what happens on a football field and, if they have one guy out of place or call a blitz at the wrong time, it can cost them the game.... Just like making one tiny mistake on the chess board can be the end.

I think you have to learn to look at American football with fresh eyes and don't compare to other sports, because it is totally unique. There may be significant time in between plays, but that is only because every play is of so much importance. It is tactical... Like war without the deaths.

I think you've completely missed what I was saying. I'm not comparing NFL to any other sport, NFL is just downright boring. Simple as that. It's not boring compared to AFL, or it's not boring compared to Soccer (i hate soccer btw); It's just boring full stop.

[Don Imus]

It's Aussie Rules football :rockon:

But you did remind me of another reason I don't find NFL enjoyable....padding!

:oldlol:

GTFOH

those soft weak azz euros would get killed if they played against NFL players in 'Aussie Football'



http://blogg.visir.is/nfl/files/2008/04/golst.jpg


http://fresnobeach.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/awilson.png





http://images.dailyradar.com/media/uploads/ballhype/photos_large/2008/09/18/adrian-peterson-02_.jpg


VS



http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/images/stories/large/2008/08/07/53318463.jpg





:roll: :oldlol:

:oldlol: :roll:

[Don Imus]

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/15693/DavidBoston2.jpg


http://static.squidoo.com/resize/squidoo_images/250/draft_lens1963416module9304651photo_1209361359jona then_stewart.jpg

http://www.newyorkjets.com/image_assets/4690/060107_tjones_320.jpg

http://images.burntorangenation.com/images/admin/adrianpeterson.jpg

















http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7f/Aussie_rules_football_player_copy.jpg/200px-Aussie_rules_football_player_copy.jpg

[God Shamgod]

I think the problem and hurdle that many Europeans face is that they view American football through the lens of soccer (for the purposes of this discussion so we can distinguish), rugby and even Aussie football. The truth is, while those sports are all relatively similar in that there is non-stop action and no stops, American football is a completely, totally different game.

You are right in that every single person on an American football field is 100-percent specialized to play that exact position. They have probably been playing that very specific position their entire lives and wouldn't even know what to do if they were placed elsewhere. That is part of the brilliance of it, though.

I say this with no malice toward soccer (a game that I do appreciate), but it (soccer) is checkers compared to football's chess. On a chess board, you have certain pieces that can only move certain ways and do certain things.

Coaches have total control of what happens on a football field and, if they have one guy out of place or call a blitz at the wrong time, it can cost them the game.... Just like making one tiny mistake on the chess board can be the end.

I think you have to learn to look at American football with fresh eyes and don't compare to other sports, because it is totally unique. There may be significant time in between plays, but that is only because every play is of so much importance. It is tactical... Like war without the deaths.

I couldn't put it any better. In American Football coaching is more important than any other sport. If you put all the best players on 1 team in the NFL they still wouldn't win the championship without a good coach. I could coach a NBA team with Lebron and Dwight Howard to a championship.

[Don Imus]

I couldn't put it any better. In American Football coaching is more important than any other sport. If you put all the best players on 1 team in the NFL they still wouldn't win the championship without a good coach. I could coach a NBA team with Lebron and Dwight Howard to a championship.



I could coach a NBA team with Lebron and Dwight Howard to a championship.

:roll:

then why aren't there any ordinary ole random internet dweebs like yourself coaching in the NBA making 3-6 million a year?

y'all are delusional

[RedBlackAttack]

I think you've completely missed what I was saying. I'm not comparing NFL to any other sport, NFL is just downright boring. Simple as that. It's not boring compared to AFL, or it's not boring compared to Soccer (i hate soccer btw); It's just boring full stop.
Well... If you totally understand the game and all of its intricacies yet still find it simply 'boring' then there isn't much that I can tell you... Although, I find that difficult to imagine. Some people in America don't like football (though very few), but no one calls the sport 'boring,' because when you grow up with it and truly understand every movement by every player on every play, it becomes incredibly action packed.

When I said that you may be comparing it to other sports, I wasn't necessarily talking about in general, but the way that you watch those other sports. When there is so much running and tossing the ball around at all times, it becomes easy to just get in a groove and watch the ball. You can't do that with American football or you will be missing 80-percent of the action. You really have to have a sense of what every player is doing on every play and be able to recognize how a great play happens, beyond just a guy running with the ball or a quarterback throwing it to a receiver.

All 11 guys have to be totally in sync for anything to work. However, if you understand the intricacies and still find it boring, then you will probably never be able to appreciate why Americans are so football crazy.

[God Shamgod]

:roll:

then why aren't there any ordinary ole random internet dweebs like yourself coaching in the NBA making 3-6 million a year?

y'all are delusional
Dude Chillout I'm on your side, all I'm saying is football needs way more strategy than basketball. And I've played both at a High level so I would know. And I meant if Dwight and Lebron were on the same team

[Don Imus]

Dude Chillout I'm on your side, all I'm saying is football needs way more strategy than basketball. And I've played both at a High level so I would know. And I meant if Dwight and Lebron were on the same team

oh my fault man :cheers:

I just don't understand why people always say bs like 'I could easily do that' regarding sports and shyt

[God Shamgod]

oh my fault man :cheers:

I just don't understand why people always say bs like 'I could easily do that' regarding sports and shyt
Its all good

[EMERE]

Some of you americans are way too cocky, sure you have American Football in the USA, but answer me this question whats the most popular sport in the world?:roll: and i hate the people who make fun of people who watch and play "soccer"(thats how you americans call it:roll:) Its just reality, you may sit and argue facts but at the end of the day the rest of the world disagrees with you.

[RedBlackAttack]

Some of you americans are way too cocky, sure you have American Football in the USA, but answer me this question whats the most popular sport in the world?:roll: and i hate the people who make fun of people who watch and play "soccer"(thats how you americans call it:roll:) Its just reality, you may sit and argue facts but at the end of the day the rest of the world disagrees with you.
Just as I thought... American football tends to get people all into their nationalism instead of just being able to enjoy the game. People tend to take out their frustrations with 'American arrogance' on this particular game. It's flat out strange.

[Don Imus]

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/15693/DavidBoston2.jpg


http://static.squidoo.com/resize/squidoo_images/250/draft_lens1963416module9304651photo_1209361359jona then_stewart.jpg

http://www.newyorkjets.com/image_assets/4690/060107_tjones_320.jpg

http://images.burntorangenation.com/images/admin/adrianpeterson.jpg

















http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7f/Aussie_rules_football_player_copy.jpg/200px-Aussie_rules_football_player_copy.jpg


:oldlol:

[RedBlackAttack]

I couldn't put it any better. In American Football coaching is more important than any other sport. If you put all the best players on 1 team in the NFL they still wouldn't win the championship without a good coach. I could coach a NBA team with Lebron and Dwight Howard to a championship.
Pretty much... Yeah.

You and I both know that, as talented as your individual talent may be on the football field, it will not yield success with a great coaching staff. Like I said... Football is like high speed chess... The head coach is the chess master, making sure that everyone is doing their job. The assistants focus on the minor aspects of the game. Everyone has a role, from the head coach down to the gunners on special teams, and if everyone is not on the same page, you probably aren't going to win.

If people are into strategy in their athletics, it just doesn't come any better than American football. I have to laugh at people who think that we need breaks in our game to process what is going on. The fact of the matter is, there is no sport that is more involved than American football. Maybe that is why it hasn't gotten worldwide appeal yet.

We both intrinsically understand the game because we have been playing it for our entire lives. The rules come naturally to us without even having to think about it. For people who are just trying to get into the game in their 20s and 30s, I could see how it might appear 'boring' or 'slow.'

It is a game that takes a great amount exposure in order to truly appreciate.

Where did you play HS ball, btw, out of curiosity? My alma mater is one of the most famous programs in the country. Our city takes football seriously... And that is an understatement. Regularly 10,000+ people at our HS football game.

[Quata]

I could never get into american football, i love watching mixes of it, with epic runs and hits, but i havent been able to watch a full game otherthan superbowl, and that was just cause i was with mates having some brews while doing so.
The main sport i follow is rugby union, its alot more flowing, although of late it has turned into a penalty (kicking for goal) fest and back and forth punting to get the best position, but when a team does a great backline move it makes me wet...jks.
some players have alot more size http://s.bebo.com/app-image/7925113481/5411656627/PROFILE/i.quizzaz.com/img/q/u/08/03/26/jonah_lomu.jpg

but then again some of the best players relied on finesse and they were just as good and found gaps
http://www.theroar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/stephen-larkham-all-blacks.jpg

then there are the forwards, tall and big mixed with short and fat
http://www.scrum.com/PICTURES/CMS/2700/2790.jpg
http://v4admin.sportnetwork.net/upload/245/245_1_1191854236.jpg

the usa team is ****, because all the good athletes are in nfl etc, but id love to see a team of the best nfl players in rugby!

[RedBlackAttack]

I'm surprised that The Machine didn't actually find out where RBA lives and kill him and his family though. The guy was spinning in this thread.
:oldlol: @ The Machine.

I'm 6-foot-3, 220 pounds of pure manliness. I think I can handle myself.

[phoenix18]

:oldlol: @ The Machine.

I'm 6-foot-3, 220 pounds of pure manliness. I think I can handle myself.
:oldlol: @ RedBlackAttack. Pure manliness wont stop a bullet. Take care of yourself man, that kind of talk is dangerous.

[sirkeelma]

My guess is familiarity. In America soccer is not nearly as widely broadcast as football, baseball and basketball or even hockey. Hell golf is probably televised more than soccer games in the US. In Europe soccer is the most watched sport on TV bar none. I mean why would you like a sport or be interested in it if it's not broadcasted a lot to where you can watch it?

I'm sure there is a complexity to you further than this, but I think this is one of the many things that effect it about forgeiners.

1 example is USA dont dominate in Billards or Bowling.. Similar to us foreigner it's familiarity.

[nbastatus]

Never really played Football before and I don't really understand the game.

[shawbryant]

Because there is already an NBA league, so I don't like NFL.

[Manute for Ever!]

For those that think AFL players aren't tough / don't take big bumps, check out this video. A lot of this is from back in the day when they were still working day jobs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BOzQwj4fSE

[ukballer]

I'd consider NBA more viewer friendly if you understand what I mean. I can't sit through a whole NFL game without getting bored. NFL fans feel free to attack me or whatever, I don't care. I'm all for free flowing action in any sport. Granted, NBA gets it's fair share of stoppages in play with timeouts etc, but I mean 5-10 seconds of play, then about 3 minutes of advertisements followed by another 5-10 seconds of play, I'm sorry it's just not for me. Half the time I don't even know where the ball is! I'm sure hardcore American Football fans will ridicule me, rightly so. :lol But it just really isn't for me.

[RedBlackAttack]

I'd consider NBA more viewer friendly if you understand what I mean. I can't sit through a whole NFL game without getting bored. NFL fans feel free to attack me or whatever, I don't care. I'm all for free flowing action in any sport. Granted, NBA gets it's fair share of stoppages in play with timeouts etc, but I mean 5-10 seconds of play, then about 3 minutes of advertisements followed by another 5-10 seconds of play, I'm sorry it's just not for me. Half the time I don't even know where the ball is! I'm sure hardcore American Football fans will ridicule me, rightly so. :lol But it just really isn't for me.
Just as long as you realize that those stoppages are absolutely mandatory and it has nothing to do with advertisements or getting a break, I have no problem with you not liking football. Every play is of utmost importance and teams must huddle, coaches must call in specific plays and certain personnel packages must shuffle in and out of the game... On both sides of the ball.

Like I said... It is a chess match. If you like checkers, cool. The stoppages, for me, is what helps build the tension/drama.

[Junny]

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/15693/DavidBoston2.jpg


http://static.squidoo.com/resize/squidoo_images/250/draft_lens1963416module9304651photo_1209361359jona then_stewart.jpg

http://www.newyorkjets.com/image_assets/4690/060107_tjones_320.jpg

http://images.burntorangenation.com/images/admin/adrianpeterson.jpg












http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7f/Aussie_rules_football_player_copy.jpg/200px-Aussie_rules_football_player_copy.jpg


To all the people who :oldlol: at these pictures, let's be fair here. One's built for 5-10 seconds of action at any one time, while the other is built for up to 80 minutes of continuous action. You're not going to get similar types of bodies as an end result.

[Kebab Stall]

Some of you americans are way too cocky, sure you have American Football in the USA, but answer me this question whats the most popular sport in the world?:roll: and i hate the people who make fun of people who watch and play "soccer"(thats how you americans call it:roll:) Its just reality, you may sit and argue facts but at the end of the day the rest of the world disagrees with you.
I'm part of the 'rest of the world' and I hate football (soccer). That to me is a hell of a lot more boring than american football. Soccer is so dull and pathetic that I just cannot stand to watch a bunch of girly men prancing around for 90 minutes, b!tching to the ref when ever someone breathes within a 10 foot radius of them. Soccer is for girls.

I would rather watch golf, billards, bowling, darts, etc. than soccer.

[LuppersGB]

i guess its the whole lack of exposure to the sport bar maybe the superbowl once a year. plus the armour, everyone outside the US is likely to have more understanding of rugby or aussie rules, see it as similar full contact and thus call NFL a bunch of pu$$ies.
I personally think that rugby players are far greater athletes than any NFL guys, but that is due to the nature of the game

[Juggernaut_V2.0]

Pffffffffffttttttttt!!!

American football, where the players are all wrapped in bubble wrap and helmets and armor.....don't make me laugh. Go play a game of Rugby and then get back to me. Now that's a proper mans sport!

[Mamba]

Pffffffffffttttttttt!!!

American football, where the players are all wrapped in bubble wrap and helmets and armor.....don't make me laugh. Go play a game of Rugby and then get back to me. Now that's a proper mans sport!
+ all of australia

[U got Served]

overall "soccer" >>>>>> football

[LuppersGB]

Pffffffffffttttttttt!!!

American football, where the players are all wrapped in bubble wrap and helmets and armor.....don't make me laugh. Go play a game of Rugby and then get back to me. Now that's a proper mans sport!

Hell yes!!!

[Mista Kool]

Pffffffffffttttttttt!!!

American football, where the players are all wrapped in bubble wrap and helmets and armor.....don't make me laugh. Go play a game of Rugby and then get back to me. Now that's a proper mans sport!

You have to remember, the average 13 year old football player is bigger, stronger, faster and hits harder than the average fully grown rugby player.

You can get by without padding in rugby because it's about as hard hitting as 3rd grade flag football and it's participants aren't real athletes, but fat drunken slobs. On the other hand, if you don't wear padding in football, there's gonna be multiple serious injuries (including many deaths) each and every game.

[God Shamgod]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKmZirVwJWc&feature=related
So you guys can honestly say these guys are ******* and there wouldn't be multiple deaths a year if these guys weren't wearing pads. American Football is much faster than rugby or aussie rules football. Also much better athletes play American football, no way some little white guys from England or Australia are better athletes than American Football players. American football players are way bigger, stronger, and faster.

Here another video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FZ3qDgeVzY&feature=related

[Juggernaut_V2.0]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKmZirVwJWc&feature=related
So you guys can honestly say these guys are ******* and there wouldn't be multiple deaths a year if these guys weren't wearing pads. American Football is much faster than rugby or aussie rules football. Also much better athletes play American football, no way some little white guys from England or Australia are better athletes than American Football players. American football players are way bigger, stronger, and faster.

Here another video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FZ3qDgeVzY&feature=related

Well look at this way, do you really think that them footballers would be really making such aggresive tackles if they WEREN'T padded up? Of course they wouldn't! That's why they're so agressive fro, because they know the the chances of them getting seriously injured are low if they're all padded out.

[LuppersGB]

You have to remember, the average 13 year old football player is bigger, stronger, faster and hits harder than the average fully grown rugby player.

You can get by without padding in rugby because it's about as hard hitting as 3rd grade flag football and it's participants aren't real athletes, but fat drunken slobs. On the other hand, if you don't wear padding in football, there's gonna be multiple serious injuries (including many deaths) each and every game.


are you generallly being serious here? what a tool.
how in any way is a 13yr old "bigger" "stronger" "faster" and "harder hitting" than a professional rugby player.
A recent interview with a current welsh international forward described playing a rugby match once a week is the body stress equivalent of being in a large car crash every Saturday. Now i don't know if you've ever been in a crash before, but i'll tell you from experience that a relativley small one f**ks you up for a good few days. you think a 13yr old could take that. like hell :no:

[Juggernaut_V2.0]

http://www.derryforums.com/some_craic/images/smilies/icon_clap.gif

[Gad23]

its an attachment thing. Sports in the US are based on the franchise system whereas everywhere else every area has its own team eg like EPL and the world cup where every nation is involved. What makes it worse is that american football is not international, at least not at an advanced level.

And to make it worse unlike basketball etc, american football is so hard to play. The rules and equipment are endless. For example in asia and africa kids grow up kicking a football around on the streets. And sports in asia are not as supported as well in as the states. Less money means sports that require minimal financial support are more supported. American football is not cheap to play to say the least. And if u don't grow up with the sport it isnt easy to follow it.

Another thing is american football does not require as much skill as soccer for example. Its more exciting to watch a skill play than a power play. I mean i rather watch a beautiful free kick than some huge dude knocking some dude out. And we can emulate it much easier. And if u haven't tried, soccer is really fun to play. Especially street soccer which is commonly played on outdoor basketball courts.

[Hawker]

I'm part of the 'rest of the world' and I hate football (soccer). That to me is a hell of a lot more boring than american football. Soccer is so dull and pathetic that I just cannot stand to watch a bunch of girly men prancing around for 90 minutes, b!tching to the ref when ever someone breathes within a 10 foot radius of them. Soccer is for girls.

I would rather watch golf, billards, bowling, darts, etc. than soccer.

By that standard, basketball players have the biggest ******s in the world.

[Kebab Stall]

By that standard, basketball players have the biggest ******s in the world.
I agree. But atleast basketball is a good sport.

[LilKateMoss]

I'm part of the 'rest of the world' and I hate football (soccer). That to me is a hell of a lot more boring than american football. Soccer is so dull and pathetic that I just cannot stand to watch a bunch of girly men prancing around for 90 minutes, b!tching to the ref when ever someone breathes within a 10 foot radius of them. Soccer is for girls.

I would rather watch golf, billards, bowling, darts, etc. than soccer.

You are a disgrace to your country. To mankind, actually.

[RedBlackAttack]

Well look at this way, do you really think that them footballers would be really making such aggresive tackles if they WEREN'T padded up? Of course they wouldn't! That's why they're so agressive fro, because they know the the chances of them getting seriously injured are low if they're all padded out.
If you don't see the vast differences between rugby and American football, there isn't much I can do for you. There is no sense in even comparing the two. Rugby is a marathon. Guys are running around pretty much non-stop. This makes it much more difficult to blindside someone or even get absolute full power on a hit.

American football is a sprint. Guys are going 100 miles an hour 100-percent of the time. A receiver crossing the middle of the field is totally blind to linebackers and/or safeties that are sitting there, waiting to lay down the lick. It is just so totally different that they cannot be compared.

If football players did not wear padding, there would be multiple deaths a week. Padding has absolutely nothing to do with how you play. It is just a full speed, full contact sport. That is the way it has always been, whether you are playing competitively on a high school/college/NFL field or in the sandlot with friends (and without padding).

[God Shamgod]

That is the way it has always been, whether you are playing competitively on a high school/college/NFL field or in the sandlot with friends (and without padding).
People tend to forget about that part.. we used to play full contact on asphalt streets when I was younger. Thinking back on it, it is crazy no one got seriously injured.

[ukballer]

You are a disgrace to your country. To mankind, actually.

Don't be a 'tard.

I'm a big football (soccer) fan, but he's entitled to his opinion. I just *facepalm* everytime someone falls over or they all crowd round the ref like vultures when they should just put up and shut up. I sure as hell wouldn't even consider any of the sports he listed to be better though, hell no, sorry Kebab. :lol

[monaroCountry]

If you don't see the vast differences between rugby and American football, there isn't much I can do for you. There is no sense in even comparing the two. Rugby is a marathon. Guys are running around pretty much non-stop. This makes it much more difficult to blindside someone or even get absolute full power on a hit.

American football is a sprint. Guys are going 100 miles an hour 100-percent of the time. A receiver crossing the middle of the field is totally blind to linebackers and/or safeties that are sitting there, waiting to lay down the lick. It is just so totally different that they cannot be compared.

If football players did not wear padding, there would be multiple deaths a week. Padding has absolutely nothing to do with how you play. It is just a full speed, full contact sport. That is the way it has always been, whether you are playing competitively on a high school/college/NFL field or in the sandlot with friends (and without padding).

Rugby League is a very tough game, NFL just would not compare. This is the third game in the State of Origin, non stop action, full contact collisions, side to side attacks and tackle how you like.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjJZBN2erhs



If football players did not wear padding, there would be multiple deaths a week. Padding has absolutely nothing to do with how you play. It is just a full speed, full contact sport. That is the way it has always been, whether you are playing competitively on a high school/college/NFL field or in the sandlot with friends (and without padding).
Today 04:50 AM

Recently a Rugby League side Jacksonville Axemen played against a football team the Jacksonville Knights. The League side were a clear winner, scoring a total of 38 to 27 points. The rugby side scored a touch down when playing football with full football rules/equipment, and kept the opposition scoreless under rugby league rules.

So you guys can honestly say these guys are ******* and there wouldn't be multiple deaths a year if these guys weren't wearing pads. American Football is much faster than rugby or aussie rules football. Also much better athletes play American football, no way some little white guys from England or Australia are better athletes than American Football players. American football players are way bigger, stronger, and faster.
If you want to play the race game then the South African's are very passionate about their rugby so too are the New Zealanders and other Pacific Island nations, and as you might know already those pacific islanders are monsters and built like a tank. Even in the NFL Samoan's are 40 times more likely to make the NFL than mainland Americans.




You have to remember, the average 13 year old football player is bigger, stronger, faster and hits harder than the average fully grown rugby player.

You can get by without padding in rugby because it's about as hard hitting as 3rd grade flag football and it's participants aren't real athletes, but fat drunken slobs. On the other hand, if you don't wear padding in football, there's gonna be multiple serious injuries (including many deaths) each and every game.

Some 13 yo Pacific Islander girl could probably out muscle and out weight NFL players. Like ive said before, built like tanks.

[mrsjenna]

I am a fan of all kinds of interesting sports, so I am a soccer and a football fan. Really like to watch the European Champions League, that's always fun and it has lot of gifted players like Messi or Lampard. But the NFL is my favorite of course, such a thrilling league, especially for online sports betting (http://plaza.ufl.edu/fabiann/bets-super-bowl.html) fans like me. For me, football is part of the American culture and it's one of the things that bring people together, people from different backgrounds or different religions. That's what I like most.

[Button]

Well ill give you a explanation what my problem with football is:

First off all i would like to say, i understand why people love this sport, i mean it has action, speed, agression, tactics.
But for me, and i think some foreigners will agree with me on this.
American Football isnt shown on tv enough, its almost never, maybe the superball is shown but thats it.

Also there are almost no teams in The Netherlands, so to learn the sport is very hard.
Myself, i dont understand most parts/rules of the sport, just some basic rules, but i do believe if matches were shown on tv, more teams that you were able to play with, i would enjoy it alot more.

But then again, im more interested in of the sports that are very popular in the USA, then sports in europe like soccer.
I prefer to watch a Basketball/Baseball/Ice hockey/American Football/Lacrosse.

[flipogb]

my beef against it is the pathetic amount of games played, I know they get hit.

but with all those pads 16 games is just laughable

at least play around 30

also I know too many people who just watch because their american friends do (im talking about immigrants like my cousins and myself[i dont watch football tho])

[kwajo]

It's the stoppages in play and the specialisation of players that pisses me off. Like if I tackle a guy with the ball, why can't I ****ing pick up the ball and run with it?! Why does everything have to reset every damn time? And why can't guys play defense AND offense? Or why can't every player on the team kick? There's no flow to the game at all, it's just a crappy version of Rugby or Aussie Rules Footie, it doesn't have any appeal to me at all.

[Sticks]

My main issues are 3-fold:

I don't like games where there are specific people assigned to playing defense and offense. I like games where you have to be well-rounded and are sound at playing all aspects of the game.

The non-reward structure of defense. You need to make like 4 or 5 succesfull stops in order to be allowed to gain the ball back. When I flatten someone and he lets go of the ball is mine.

The non-continuity of the action. I just don't like the Stop - 10 seconds of action - Stop - 10 seconds of action - Stop type of flow. It might be needed for strategy but I have more respect for players and coaches who can figure out that strategy whilst in the middle of heavy action.

[FrenchDude]

I actually like american football.
But I can't watch it live. There's too many interruptions. It's like, 10 seconds of action followed by a 2 minutes break.

[CasterL]

Its a matter of understanding.

As an english man I used to hate american football. I thought it was slow, boring, too stop and start, i didnt like the fact they used padding etc etc. The problem was i didnt understand it at all.

Then when i came to uni last year one of my buddies got me into it in time for the playoffs. By the time steelers vs cardinals roled around i was pumped. and i have followed the nfl closley this season as a result

Once people have made their minds up about something its often hard to change them unless they are open minded. I have tried explaing american football to a few of my mates back home but they have a dopted this 'its shit' 'its not for me' attitude.

dont think it should be called football though, as the most popular sport on the planet already has that name locked down. american football the ball is kicked a few times a game its dumb.

[CasterL]

I am a fan of all kinds of interesting sports, so I am a soccer and a football fan. Really like to watch the European Champions League, that's always fun and it has lot of gifted players like Messi or Lampard. But the NFL is my favorite of course, such a thrilling league, especially for online sports betting (http://plaza.ufl.edu/fabiann/bets-super-bowl.html) fans like me. For me, football is part of the American culture and it's one of the things that bring people together, people from different backgrounds or different religions. That's what I like most.

the fact you mentioned those two in the same sentence is a travesty

[LJJ]

The amount of entertainment you get for the amount of time you spent just seems to be very low.