For some students, the end of the NFL football season is irrelevant. But for others, particularly fantasy football enthusiasts and participants, it means the beginning of fantasy football punishments. Forget touchdowns and trophies — fantasy is really about how you can avoid showing up to school in a ridiculous costume.
Every fall, even non-football fans may find themselves on their couch watching Sunday night football, as their friends and family eagerly watch every game in hopes that they will put their fantasy team in the lead — or at least pull them out of last place.
Fantasy football is a significant part of American culture, but what is it that makes people so invested? Maybe it’s the true love for football, or the desire to win. Maybe it’s the thrill of avoiding the daunting punishments that come with being in last place.
A significant part of fantasy football is the traditions that people participate in each year. Some people just host a draft at their house and order food; others have come up with more creative activities. B-CC student Sam Feffer tells us about a tradition he and his friends participate in: “Whoever has first pick has to run four laps around the house, and whoever has last pick chases him.” While every league runs things differently, most play for the same reason — to win. Sam shares his thoughts about why people may be so invested in fantasy sports: “Wanting to win. Winning is pretty cool.”
Yet, where there are winners, there must be losers. B-CC junior Ryan Laurence participates in a fantasy football league with his friends, where they have agreed on a few punishments for the loser. In the past, Laurence himself faced an unfortunate punishment where he had to show up to school in pink leggings. Of all the punishments he and his friends have assigned, Laurence shares the most creative one. “[It] was definitely the one where the loser had to dress up as the Lorax and walk around the mall speaking for the trees.”
Whether you’re basking in the glory of winning your league or prancing around the school in pink leggings, fantasy football has a way of bringing people together. One common theme among all fantasy football leagues is the community it builds among its members. Laurence tells us that he actually likes having punishments for the league: “…They make the league more fun and exciting.” There is no better way to build connections than to participate in thrilling competitions with your friends. But when does a good laugh go too far?
Some more intense punishments that circulate social media have caused some people to question the morality of fantasy punishments. For example, the Waffle House challenge is notoriously known for being an unhealthy punishment. This punishment is characterized by spending 24 hours in a Waffle House, but every waffle you eat shaves an hour off the clock. Some question if this punishment disrupts the balance between humor and safety, considering the amount of waffles participants end up consuming.
All in all, fantasy football is a considerable part of American culture that connects people and builds lifelong traditions. The punishments that tag along are worth it, as the community that fantasy football builds is irreplaceable.
