NFL players are gearing up for the 2024 season to begin, and at North Atlanta, students are getting ready for another year of Fantasy Football. In their leagues, some students will face triumph, some will face mediocrity, and some will face defeat. While they may not be on the field, students who are participating in Fantasy Football must be prepared for the most barbaric seventeen weeks of their lives.
Above all, fantasy football is about making memories with friends. Whether you’re drafting your team, trying to negotiate a trade, or struggling to pick a player up off of the weekly waiver, you’re guaranteed to get in at least a few scuffles with your buddies. At times, arguments may start and friendships may be put to the test, but when the championship game is finally over, students will look back on the season with a reminiscent feeling. “The money prize is nice, but the competition with friends is why I participate,” said senior Mac Wickland. “I have to show everyone that I’m better than them.”
Fantasy football is, of course, about competing with and having fun with your friends. However, the money prize can’t just be disregarded. With most leagues having a multi hundred dollar prize, there are definitely some high stakes to play for. Students will have to be on point with their trades and their waiver pickups if they want any hope at snatching up some big bucks. “Winning my fantasy football league is a must this year,” said senior Wyatt Welch. “When I get my hands on that money, it will go straight into my Brawl Stars account.”
Just like there is a prize for winning, there is a punishment for losing. While this punishment is different in every league, it is almost always something that people want to avoid at any cost. Some of the more infamous punishments include the Milk Mile, staying in Waffle House for 24 hours, and getting in a cage whilst your other league-mates pour whatever substance they wish on you. In one league at North Atlanta, the loser will have to play an instrument in the streets of Atlanta until pedestrian passers-by tip a grand total of $10. “I definitely am not trying to be the loser in my league,” said senior Will Boteler. “I don’t know how to play any instruments, so there’s no way anyone would want to give me money for my performance.”
If you spot a group of students in a heated conversation or glued to their phones at lunch, there’s a good chance that it’s about fantasy football. With not only bragging rights, but a large coin prize up for grabs, and a harrowing punishment awaiting whoever ends up at the bottom of the standings, there’s no wonder North Atlanta are giving it their all to win their leagues.
