It's the middle of summer, which means that professional and collegiate sports seasons have come to an end. And yes, while the boys of summer are at play, watching paint dry just doesn't cut it sometimes.At the same time, soccer- sorry- futbol fanatics, try to stress to America that soccer really is a sport.
But for those of us sane people that are grasping for the NFL's preseason (yes, preseason, which is another few months away) to give us highlights to watch on Sports Center, summer can be a deeply depressing time.
But never fear sports fans, ESPN has officially begun the search for "America's Team," (http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nflnation/0-9-20/The-Great-Debate---America-s-Team-.html).
The goal of the project is to find a team that defines "America," and would therefore be called, "America's Team."
"But wait," you might say, "Dallas is the team that first received the moniker, and they, without reasonable doubt, are America's team."
And yes, while Dallas fans roam much of the country and stress this point to no apparent end, the blue collar city of Pittsburgh demands the title because, not only do they have fans all over the country as well, but they have the most "hardware."
While it seems like a fight between Republicans and Democrats, let us not forget about the independents.
The long shot Packers out of Green Bay have something to say about it. What better representation of a team of America, then to have a team owned by Americans?
Really, at this point, who can you choose? All have put together quite interesting claims, but what about the team who stands for all Americans?
For god sakes man, they're called the Patriots! And they don't just represent one city or state- NO! It is six states! A region!
That's it. Every team listed has made such a great case, you really have to ask yourself, which of these teams deserves such a prestigious title?
And this is the part where I have to disappoint you. What happens if, you are like me, and don't like, any, of these teams? What if you feel like your vote does not count because there are only four candidates?
I took most of the day to think about what team really deserved to be called, "America's team." I went out and did some research, and came up with some more possible candidates for America.We shall start on the West Coast, in San Diego, not because it's my team, but because I feel like this team has a distinct advantage over all the others- this team has a theme song (http://chargertom.com/public_html/superchargers.mp3)! Good lord, a winner right there! Very catchy, I might add.
Oakland makes a case by having their own nation. Raider Nation. Although, America likes a winner, and the Raiders haven't won in a very long time.
The Denver Broncos are a mile high. What other team in America plays football a mile high? That automatically makes the Broncos America's team, because they play above everyone else (sorry Saints, below sea level means that you're out). Altitude baby. Raise the roof.
The Seattle Seahawks have something no other NFL team has in it's favor. Starbucks. Why the coffee giant? It was started in Seattle. And what city in America does not have a Starbucks on every corner? Straight from the rainy state itself.
One word- Giants. They have a nickname of the G-MEN. They are Giants. Enough said, right?
Wait. How about a team that has been all over America? Starting in the Windy City of Chicago, moving to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, and finally making their perch in a state where the official state bird is a Cactus Wren, not a Cardinal! But hey, they've been all over America!
And look, I'm sorry, but what about all the prison folk out there? They never get to vote, so let's give them something they can all agree on. Cincinnati! Slammers all around the nation have given Ochocinco and the Bengals their vote of confidence.
So after all that, who now will you vote for? Who now is the real team of America? Who will represent the United States when the rest of the world decides to play the real game of football?
Oh, wait. The U.S. is the only country in the world that plays "American Football."
Guess the title will have to wait until the rest of the world catches up.
JMB
