The NFL Draft is scheduled to take place on April 28th in New York City. But with fate of the 2011 season hinging on a potential lockout due to the expiration of the current financial agreement between the owners and the players, there is an alarming possibility that the draft may get cancelled along with the entire NFL season.
I can't begin to imagine my life without professional football. As a 40-year-old female who lives in the New York City area, my schedule during the season revolves around the NFL calendar. Growing up outside of Philadelphia, the oldest of seven Irish Catholic children, rooting for the hometown football team was our true religion.
I've been to more than 100 games, including 3 NFC Championships, and enjoyed the seven hour draft at Madison Square Garden when the Philadelphia Eagles held the second pick. I eagerly participate in multiple fantasy football leagues, soak up all the football blogs, gleefully spend hours watching every pre- and post-game show, and as many of the weekly contests as my two eyeballs allow. My friends nicknamed me Kel Kiper, a twist on the name of Mel Kiper, ESPN's NFL Draft Analyst.
The thought of a year without my football security blanket makes me feel morose and panicky. What's a crazy obsessed football fan to do? Here is my twelve-step program for New Yorkers like me who are wary of life without football:
Or like me, you can acknowledge you have a problem, admit there is a higher power, and accept that there are things you cannot change.