It's just a game...

January 6^th 2007 (approximately 10:08 p.m.)

“No more than an extra point.  This will give Dallas the lead…

Romo’s the holder, Gramatica sets.

 Here’s the snap, the spot,

 ROMO CAN’T GET THE SPOT DOWN!

Romo’s gonna run it in! He’s gonna get the down!

 No! He’s not there! 

Unbelievable…”

That moment was a turning point in my life.  Many reasonable people will say that no sporting event should ever be responsible for such a statement.  But as I walked through my friend’s basement, looking for something to hit – being thankful the next day that I was not in my own house – I received an epiphany.  A proclamation that I had heard many times over, a statement that used to make my blood boil, was now one of comfort: “It’s just a game…” 

I truly believe there is not a more inappropriate thing to say to a sport’s fan than those four words.  And I’ll be perfectly honest, the emotional attachment and resonance that occurs between a spectator and a sports team is incredibly illogical.  Yes, the investment almost never matches the return – yes this love is unrequited, but that doesn’t mean one has to be insensitive.  Rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn.

Although those embittering four words feel cold and empty, they also provide a well-needed perspective, which has been quite humbling.  Nearly four years have passed since that fateful night, and I must admit I have yet to fully embrace the “It’s just a game” attitude, and I’m not sure if I exactly want to - that would force one to sacrifice genuine fanhood.  But I still must remind myself of those words at the beginning of every season, in each moment of each game.  I must guard myself from inevitable heartbreak.  Will a Dallas Cowboys’ championship satisfy my desires?  I can only answer the question with another question:  Will there be another season?  Will there be new players, new faces, new circumstances?  Such a mistress will always prove faithless…