It is the first Sunday after the Super Bowl and a lot of us are feeling depressed that the season is over. Not to worry, every year football becomes more of a year round pastime. You don't have to have a single day go by where you can't follow your favorite team, even in the offseason.
5. League Changes: Although not every fan agrees with changes made to the league, they are always a topic worth following. I have written more about some possible changes in the near future HERE. Things like playoff expansion, adding teams and reviewing the referees may not be as interesting as the games, but they bear watching for true fans of the sport.
4. Off Field Issues (Good or Bad): Of course the majority of the coverage goes to negative stories when it comes to off the field issues. Aaron Hernandez and his murder case, Jovan Belcher's murder suicide and of course any type of drug suspension tend to get the big headlines. (Who can forget Onterrio Smith and the infamous "Whizzinator?). There are also a lot of worthwhile stories regarding players and their charity work. Nnamdi Asomugha, Ray Lewis, Drew Brees and a host of other players are known for the outstanding service that they give to their respective communities.
3. Free Agency: Player movement is one of the most interesting parts of the offseason. This year there are some major questions facing the teams trying to keep key players as well as teams looking to fill holes. Will the Broncos be able to resign Eric Decker? Do the Saints give Jimmy Graham a long-term deal or a franchise tag? Can former studs like Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew return to form with a new team? Questions like this are one of the most intriguing aspects of the offseason and they play into number 2.
2. Fantasy Football: One of the most popular aspects of football, fantasy is relevant year round as players try to get a leg up in scouting. Offseason moves can have a huge impact on the fortunes of fantasy players in the following year. Peyton Manning went to the Broncos and the entire offense became relevant that year, then dominant the next. Chip Kelly took over as coach of the Eagles and his fast-paced philosophy on offense made his team a powerhouse for fantasy purposes. These are the type of moves that fantasy managers must be cognizant of if they want to win their leagues in 2014.
1. NFL Draft: This is the big one for fans, the Super Bowl of the offseason. The draft is what truly makes and breaks NFL teams, it separates the Peyton Mannings from the Ryan Leafs. Football fans need to be glued to coverage of the draft if they want to know what direction their team will be heading in. While the glamour players go in the first round or two, it really bears watching until the end. There are gems to be found in the later rounds and if your favorite team has a savvy GM they could be the one to find those unknown future studs.
These are just some of the reasons to keep following the NFL all year round. Of course most fans don't need any encouragement to take in all the football they can find. Make sure to check Fantasy Knuckleheads for updates
all offseason long as we bring you news and insight about all of your favorite teams and players.
