How to Pick a NFL Team to Follow and Be a Fan Of

So you've watched your first NFL game ever, and you want to become a fan of a NFL franchise. Great decision! How do you go about picking a favorite NFL team to follow and be a fan of?

Start off by thinking about where you are personally located: are you in the US or out of the country? If you are in the US, look at the NFL team that is closest to your own location. There is nothing like rooting for a team that is close in proximity to your home. If you are out of the country, look at some other tips I have to offer.

Do you have a favorite NFL player? If you are the biggest fan of LaDainian Tomlinson's (Chargers) playmaker skill set, or really like Stephen Gostowski's (New England Patriots) kicking formation, be a fan of his team! One of the first NFL teams I followed was the St. Louis Rams because I was the biggest fan of running back Marshall Faulk. This is a sure-fire way to finding an NFL team to follow and be a fan of.

Another important aspect to consider when picking a NFL franchise to follow is the team's history. The NFL has a storied history, so why not look into it? Read up on the history of some NFL teams on Wikipedia (all of them, if you have all of the time in the world), and this will undoubtedly contribute positively to your fanhood. The more you understand about the star former players in your chosen franchise, the more motivated you will be to cheer on today's stars and roster.

NFL fans are known for being some of the best fans in the entire world, so why not pick a team with a fantastic fan base? Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers have incredibly dedicated fanbases, and knowing your team has a ton of other fans will contribute to your following and fanhood.

If all else fails, look at the previous season's standings. Fans are often considered "bandwagoners" if they select a currently successful NFL team to follow and be a fan of. Pick one of the teams with lower records and follow them! Read up on the team and understand how the roster has changed from the dismal previous season. No one will give you a hard time if you pick the Miami Dolphins or the St. Louis Rams, and when one of the teams eventually goes on to win the Super Bowl, you could say that you were a fan when they were at their worst.

All in all, the NFL is one of the best leagues in the world. Pick a team and go with them!