The season of fall means only one thing. Of course, the air is getting cooler, the leaves are falling, and the holidays are in close grasp, but for millions across the country, it means more than that, it means football. It means the NFL. Every Thursday, Sunday, and Monday from August to February, football fans crowd around their TVs not only to cheer on their favorite teams but also to compete in the season-long affair known as Fantasy Football. At North Atlanta, fantasy football reigns supreme, as many students throughout the day can be found beefing with their archenemies and making moves to perfect their lineup to guarantee their legacy in fantasy football lore.
But what exactly is fantasy football, and what does it mean to NAHS students? Fantasy football is a competitive game in which participants create their team full of NFL players from all across the league, to beat their friends in weekly games across the football season. Throughout the year, many students can be found checking scores, looking at stats, and picking up players to try to beat their friends. To many who play it, it’s like a lifestyle, and it keeps dubs students glued to their TVs all year long. “Fantasy is a thrilling competition that all football fans need to experience,” said junior Mac Wickland, “Come September it’s the only thing on my mind.”
Some people play fantasy football to win, some for the prize money, some to compete, and some to simply avoid the loser’s punishment. Throughout fantasy football’s history, a massive part that keeps people glued to their lineups is the threat of a loser’s punishment, an agreement by the respected league to punish the loser in an embarrassing, or challenging manner. Some popular punishments include the milk mile, 24-hour waffle house challenge, the cage, or wearing an embarrassing outfit to school the next day. “This year I just don’t want to finish in last place,” said sophomore Julia Havey, “Even though I don’t know what the punishment will be this year, I will not be doing it.”
What else do high schoolers love more than watching their friends tackle the loser’s punishment? Money. In fantasy football leagues all over the school, when participants join their respected league, they have to pay an “entry fee” which is essentially when a player pays anywhere from $5 to sometimes $20 to play in the league and then the winner of the company gets all of the money paid at the beginning of the season, which gives all players a reason to keep up with the league and try their hardest. “Adding money to the league makes everyone try to win,” said Junior Sergio de la Cruz, “I know for me, I wake up at 10 am every Sunday to watch each pregame. I need money.”
Now that school is in session, and the gridiron is back on screens all across the country, the thrill of fantasy is back, and the dubs are ready. Fantasy football is more than just an app on a phone, it’s a lifestyle, and it’s a way to get football fans talking about the NFL and bonding with each other. Welcome back to football, and welcome back to fantasy football.
