I’ve never really been that into football. I’ve never been into sports in general, for that matter, except for maybe in 2008 during the Wimbledon championship, when teenage me thought that Rafael Nadal was god’s gift to humanity. So, no, not much of a sports fan. So you might think I’d be less than thrilled when football season rolls around. I’m the person at the bar talking about how “the star team is chasing the horse team — they look angry!” But there are a few reasons (besides my priceless commentary, of course) why I actually enjoy football season.

1. The Season

You can’t deny that fall is awesome. You have leggings, boots, sweaters, scarves, and of course, the fact that I can wear almost the same thing every day and get away with it. Plus, walking around the town in your (football) Sunday best (probably leggings, a jersey one of your football-loving friends got you and, if you are like me, a hat to hide the fact that you did not wash your hair) is a very enjoyable feeling.

2. Tailgating

I can tell you from experience that keeping up with football is not a prerequisite for tailgating. All you have to do is bring something — my go to list includes a case of beer, deviled eggs, and seven layer dip — and have fun. It’s definitely the only way, besides class or work or other necessary ‘adulting’ activities, you can get me out of bed early.

3. Day-drinking

What better way to procrastinate from studying for exams (don’t answer that)? Pitchers of beer and chicken wings at noon are somehow way better, not to mention more socially acceptable, during football season.

4. Camaraderie

For someone who really couldn’t care less about football, I will stand by the notion that there’s something great about how everyone is so happy during football season (arguably, until their team loses). You can’t deny that there’s some kind of energy in the air, and maybe it’s something that non-football fans like me will never understand, but can still feel. Whether you live across the street from the best sports bar in town, or you’re at the best sports bar in town, the roar from the masses of football fans is at once shocking and uplifting. It’s togetherness, and gosh-darn-it, even if you don’t give a crap, it’s kinda nice.