I’ve been wrestling with my relationship with the NFL for a while now. The Colin Kaepernick situation left a bitter taste in my mouth, raising questions about the league’s values and its treatment of players who stand up—or kneel—for what they believe in. Beyond that, the glaring disparity in ownership and leadership opportunities for people of color feels hard to ignore, especially in a league where the majority of the talent is Black.
That said, I’ve noticed some progress. The rise of young Black quarterbacks and the presence of a few Black coaches are steps in the right direction, albeit small ones. But ownership? Still zero representation there. It’s frustrating, and yet, here I am—still a football fan, still torn.
From Diehard to Fairweather Giants Fan
Let me take it back to 1986, the year my love for the New York Giants was born. Phil Simms, Lawrence Taylor, and the rest of that legendary team gave us a Super Bowl win that cemented my loyalty. Fast forward to 1991, and Jeff Hostetler led us to another championship. By the time Eli Manning came around, I was living in NYC and riding the wave of another golden era for the Giants, powered by a relentless defense that terrorized quarterbacks.
I was particularly proud of Jerry Reese, the Black general manager who helped build the team that won two Super Bowls. But after those wins? Reese was let go, and things started to unravel. Today, the Giants are a shadow of their former selves. They overpaid a mediocre quarterback and then let him go. They also lost Saquon Barkley—a generational talent—to their archrival Eagles. Where’s the excitement? Where’s the hope? Honestly, they’ve been out of sight, out of mind for me lately.
A New Era in DC
Living in Washington, D.C., I can’t help but notice the buzz surrounding the Commanders. They’ve undergone a dramatic transformation since ditching their controversial former owner and embracing a new era. The name change—though polarizing—has gained traction, and the city seems to have rallied around it.
What’s impressed me most, though, is their drafting of a young, dynamic quarterback who happens to be Black. He’s cool, collected, and playing well beyond his years. They’ve even won their first playoff game in 20 years! The Commanders have brought a renewed energy to the DMV, uniting fans and giving the community something to rally around.
Where I Stand Now
As a DC resident, I find myself rooting for the Commanders by default. It’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement they’ve created. But am I ready to call myself a diehard fan? Not yet. My heart still belongs to the Giants, despite their current struggles.
Football, for me, is more than just the game—it’s the stories, the communities, and the memories tied to it. So, while I’ll keep an eye on the Commanders and cheer for their success, I’m still holding out hope for the Giants to reclaim their former glory.
For now, let’s call me a conflicted football fan, torn between my past loyalties and the fresh excitement of my new city.
– Social Dad DC
SOCIAL DAD DC 