Boys seem to think they're the only ones who enjoy watching sports, and when a girl says she is, they feel the need to quiz her and try to trick her into believing something that isn't true.
I have in fact been one of those girls, but I don't believe it when a boy tries to tell me Smitty Werbenjagermanjensen is a player for the Giants.
Once I speak up and say "I like football too," boys instantly hop on the 'no you don't, you only say that for attention' excuse. Then they start to have an actual conversation about football with me, and when I actually know the rules and how the game works, they shut their mouths really quick.
Thankfully, I grew up in a very sports orientated house. I honestly can't see my life without sports being involved in some way.
Now before we get too far into this article, know that I am (un)fortunately a Buffalo Bills fan. Yeah, yeah, I know "Boy I Love Losing Superbowls." I've heard it all. Actually, a few of my friends from way back in my elementary school days will not let me live it down. But this means I'm used to losing, and it's an exciting thing when we actually win. It takes a certain amount of loyalty to be a Bills fan. I feel like the teams that constantly win, have that excitement of winning games, but it's different when it doesn't happen consistently.
So yes, I am a football fan. I was raised watching football. Boys still get surprised when they realize I, a girl, actually understands the game.
I'm still learning, because, for some reason, the NFL likes to add and change rules that have been in effect for multiple years. So that always adds a (not so) nice confusing effect to the game itself.
I do know how the actual game of football works. Honestly, I probably know members of every team in the NFL.
My college friends actually love watching the games with me (even if they have no clue how it works), because I get so into it, and end up yelling at the TV for most of the game. I mean c'mon, I am a bills fan, remember.
I absolutely love going to games, and it's funny for me to see all the girls looking at the boys around them, waiting for them to react, so they know what to do. I was always one of the only ones actually watching the game, and really knowing what was happening.
When a notification from the NFL Mobile app pops up on my screen, and a boy sees it, their eyes go wide. I always end up laughing at how shocked they are, like yes hi, hello, I actually enjoy football (but not the injuries that come with it; quick recoveries to Aaron Williams and Eric Wood).
So hey, boys, stop doubting girls abilities to know sports, because some of them really do. Sure, there are the ones who lie and say they know them, and really don't. But, one day you're going to run into a girl who really knows, and your minds will be blown by how much she really does understand.
