Football Ross Tucker: Spread the word to World Cup and beyond: American Football is better - Page 5

Deberg_1990 · 06-30-2014, 04:19 PM

heh, gotta love the arrogance of American sports writers.....

http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/stor...cup-comparison

Can't someone please think about the children?

That's been the overriding thought going through my head while watching some of the World Cup soccer action the last couple weeks .

When people talk about the NFL growing the game overseas, it is mainly a financial argument. The NFL's going to max out its popularity in the United States at some point, maybe soon. The biggest new area for potential revenue growth is internationally and that is the primary reason the NFL keeps putting more games in London.

I wholeheartedly buy this argument and have said for years that if you look at the NFL as a business, with a long enough time horizon in mind it absolutely makes sense to continue to grow the game abroad. But there's another argument in addition to the financial one: the kids.

There are hundreds of millions of kids all around the globe who love and adore soccer and believe it to be the greatest game in the world. That's a shame and something the NFL should strive to help rectify.

I'm not going to bash soccer. Not even a little bit. I played both fall and spring soccer from age 6 until I was 12 (and my mom let me play football), and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a great sport, especially for youth.

Plus, this World Cup has been the most entertaining in recent memory in terms of scoring and comebacks, and the television ratings have reflected that. I personally find the pure passion of the fans to be the most compelling aspect of the sport, although some of the subtle touches that you see in seemingly every contest border on brilliance as well.

But it's not football. Or should I say, "American" football.

I know a lot of guys like me who played both soccer and football at different points of their life. I don't think any of them would tell you that they liked playing soccer more. I can think of one or two. Maybe.

It seems like every kid plays soccer these days. It's been that way for over 30 years in some places of the country, including where I grew up. Yet most of those kids have become adults and prefer to watch football over soccer.

Is it in large part a cultural thing with those adults? You know, "everybody is talking about it so I want to be able to be a part of the conversation?” Probably, but there are plenty of opportunities to watch soccer on television now, whether it is MLS or the Premier League, and still most of those soccer-playing adults choose to watch football. That's because it's better.

Given the growth of football overseas—the NFL has already sold out three games in London this season—it feels like it is finally really catching on.

Is it a tough game to understand if you don't know the rules? Are there significant financial and cultural barriers to the game growing in certain places? Would it take decades for some of these other countries to actually start having teams and playing the game, if ever?

Yes, yes, and yes but that doesn't mean the NFL shouldn't try. There are entire generations of international fans who think soccer is the best sport out there. Think about that.

We need to keep growing the NFL overseas. These same soccer fans need to be exposed to the hard-hitting action that only the NFL can provide. If not for the money, then do it for the children.

I know I'd personally be very upset if I was 35 and didn't know anything about the greatest game ever created.

The kids are still young. There's still time.

Am I saying all this a little tongue in cheek? Of course, but you get my point.

Soccer is good. Football is better.

We need the NFL to help spread the word.

If not for me, then do it for the kids.

Reerun_KC · 07-01-2014, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigMeatballDave

Smells like pussy in here...

Oh, it's all the bleeding vaginas bitching about the NFL.

Your failure to understand simple words is amusing...

memyselfI · 07-01-2014, 10:16 AM

The NFL is pricing itself out of contention in this country. No way will it be a success around the world if they are charging $30-75 simply to park at their stadiums. I paid $75 to see a World Cup qualifier at Sporting Park. Add on the cost of tickets, concessions, etc. and aside from the game itself there are plenty of reasons why this particular sport will struggle outside of this country.

Mr. Laz · 07-01-2014, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sedated

They probably wouldnt be so arrogant if there werent so many people attacking them for being soccer fans. Its a defense mechanism. But what they say is true - its boring if you dont understand it.

you sounds like a soccer snob

'don't like soccer, it must be a problem with you'

stop trying to shove soccer down everyone's throat and you won't get attacked

Most football fans don't get 2 shits about soccer, leave us alone and you will get ignored for the most part.

|Zach| · 07-01-2014, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Laz

Most football fans don't get 2 shits about soccer

Maybe in the past.

memyselfI · 07-01-2014, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Laz

you sounds like a soccer snob

'don't like soccer, it must be a problem with you'

stop trying to shove soccer down everyone's throat and you won't get attacked

Most football fans don't get 2 shits about soccer, leave us alone and you will get ignored for the most part.

The author actually stated he likes soccer. The article was to encourage the growth of American football not to diss on soccer.

**Old Dog** · 07-01-2014, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by |Zach|

Maybe in the past.

It seems this topic gets brought up every four years.....

**Baby Lee** · 07-01-2014, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Laz

you sounds like a soccer snob

'don't like soccer, it must be a problem with you'

stop trying to shove soccer down everyone's throat and you won't get attacked

Most football fans don't get 2 shits about soccer, leave us alone and you will get ignored for the most part.

Right, it's not like every time soccer is mentioned anywhere, any time, there crops up a cavalcade of herp derps to remind everyone in earshot that they think soccer sucks and is boring and foreign.

They might as well walk into a random crowd and loudly announce 'I enjoy very much all of the sex with women that I have regularly, and never ever get an erection in my gym's showers!!!'

|Zach| · 07-01-2014, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Dog

It seems this topic gets brought up every four years.....

Was this the end of the post or did you accidently press submit too fast.

|Zach| · 07-01-2014, 11:05 AM

|Zach| · 07-01-2014, 11:06 AM

I can't wait until World Cup 2022 is moved to the US and there is not only group stage games but a World Cup semi final in Arrowhead.

memyselfI · 07-01-2014, 11:07 AM

I've stopped trying to convince them. MOST of the resistance to the sport is from people over 40. Many from certain demographics. People in their 30s went to school with kids who played soccer. Everyone in their 20s played at one point.

The resistance is beginning to die off, shut up, or begrudgingly open up to the idea. It is simply astounding how far this sport has come in 20 years. No turning back now.

So stop wasting your breath with the haters. Too many newbies or wannabees to encourage, educate, and enjoy!

memyselfI · 07-01-2014, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by |Zach|

I can't wait until World Cup 2022 is moved to the US and there is not only group stage games but a World Cup semi final in Arrowhead.

That is like a dream come true. I've already told my kids not to even consider getting married during the World Cup if they want me to attend. They have been on notice since they were little.

memyselfI · 07-01-2014, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by |Zach|

Well look who supports soccer...

Pablo · 07-01-2014, 11:11 AM

Of course American football is more appealing and 'better' to most of the folks on this board, myself included.

Doesn't mean you can't appreciate soccer for being a very engaging and fun sport. Most who say differently probably haven't watched any of this World Cup. It's been a good time.

Discuss Thrower · 07-01-2014, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by memyselfI

Well look who supports soccer...

The Hunts have owned how many soccer teams..?

06-30-2014, 04:19 PM
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $3914454	Ross Tucker: Spread the word to World Cup and beyond: American Football is better heh, gotta love the arrogance of American sports writers..... http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/stor...cup-comparison Can't someone please think about the children? That's been the overriding thought going through my head while watching some of the World Cup soccer action the last couple weeks . When people talk about the NFL growing the game overseas, it is mainly a financial argument. The NFL's going to max out its popularity in the United States at some point, maybe soon. The biggest new area for potential revenue growth is internationally and that is the primary reason the NFL keeps putting more games in London. I wholeheartedly buy this argument and have said for years that if you look at the NFL as a business, with a long enough time horizon in mind it absolutely makes sense to continue to grow the game abroad. But there's another argument in addition to the financial one: the kids. There are hundreds of millions of kids all around the globe who love and adore soccer and believe it to be the greatest game in the world. That's a shame and something the NFL should strive to help rectify. I'm not going to bash soccer. Not even a little bit. I played both fall and spring soccer from age 6 until I was 12 (and my mom let me play football), and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a great sport, especially for youth. Plus, this World Cup has been the most entertaining in recent memory in terms of scoring and comebacks, and the television ratings have reflected that. I personally find the pure passion of the fans to be the most compelling aspect of the sport, although some of the subtle touches that you see in seemingly every contest border on brilliance as well. But it's not football. Or should I say, "American" football. I know a lot of guys like me who played both soccer and football at different points of their life. I don't think any of them would tell you that they liked playing soccer more. I can think of one or two. Maybe. It seems like every kid plays soccer these days. It's been that way for over 30 years in some places of the country, including where I grew up. Yet most of those kids have become adults and prefer to watch football over soccer. Is it in large part a cultural thing with those adults? You know, "everybody is talking about it so I want to be able to be a part of the conversation?” Probably, but there are plenty of opportunities to watch soccer on television now, whether it is MLS or the Premier League, and still most of those soccer-playing adults choose to watch football. That's because it's better. Given the growth of football overseas—the NFL has already sold out three games in London this season—it feels like it is finally really catching on. Is it a tough game to understand if you don't know the rules? Are there significant financial and cultural barriers to the game growing in certain places? Would it take decades for some of these other countries to actually start having teams and playing the game, if ever? Yes, yes, and yes but that doesn't mean the NFL shouldn't try. There are entire generations of international fans who think soccer is the best sport out there. Think about that. We need to keep growing the NFL overseas. These same soccer fans need to be exposed to the hard-hitting action that only the NFL can provide. If not for the money, then do it for the children. I know I'd personally be very upset if I was 35 and didn't know anything about the greatest game ever created. The kids are still young. There's still time. Am I saying all this a little tongue in cheek? Of course, but you get my point. Soccer is good. Football is better. We need the NFL to help spread the word. If not for me, then do it for the kids.
Posts: 66,914

07-01-2014, 10:16 AM	#62
memyselfI CHANGEd your mind yet???? Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Lunatics Anonymous Casino cash: $10005234	The NFL is pricing itself out of contention in this country. No way will it be a success around the world if they are charging $30-75 simply to park at their stadiums. I paid $75 to see a World Cup qualifier at Sporting Park. Add on the cost of tickets, concessions, etc. and aside from the game itself there are plenty of reasons why this particular sport will struggle outside of this country. __________________ Meet the new boss same as the old boss. BigChiefDave:"Anyone who thought we would only be in Iraq for a few years is either stoned or just stoopid." "It is unknowable how long that conflict will last. It could last 6 days, 6 wks. I doubt 6 mths." Rummy 2/7/03
Posts: 32,000

07-01-2014, 11:05 AM	#69
\|Zach\| For The Glory Of The City Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $5336768
Posts: 53,427

07-01-2014, 11:06 AM	#70
\|Zach\| For The Glory Of The City Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $5336768	I can't wait until World Cup 2022 is moved to the US and there is not only group stage games but a World Cup semi final in Arrowhead.
Posts: 53,427

07-01-2014, 11:07 AM	#71
memyselfI CHANGEd your mind yet???? Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Lunatics Anonymous Casino cash: $10005234	I've stopped trying to convince them. MOST of the resistance to the sport is from people over 40. Many from certain demographics. People in their 30s went to school with kids who played soccer. Everyone in their 20s played at one point. The resistance is beginning to die off, shut up, or begrudgingly open up to the idea. It is simply astounding how far this sport has come in 20 years. No turning back now. So stop wasting your breath with the haters. Too many newbies or wannabees to encourage, educate, and enjoy! __________________ Meet the new boss same as the old boss. BigChiefDave:"Anyone who thought we would only be in Iraq for a few years is either stoned or just stoopid." "It is unknowable how long that conflict will last. It could last 6 days, 6 wks. I doubt 6 mths." Rummy 2/7/03
Posts: 32,000

07-01-2014, 11:11 AM	#74
Pablo Ultrabanned Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: KCMO Casino cash: $2049356	Of course American football is more appealing and 'better' to most of the folks on this board, myself included. Doesn't mean you can't appreciate soccer for being a very engaging and fun sport. Most who say differently probably haven't watched any of this World Cup. It's been a good time.
Posts: 40,235