I totally agree.  Football players are America's gladiators.  We put them in the stadium to become champions or fall on the sword (or be injured or die in a head blow).  With all the teams in the USA,  Americans can spend hours bashing or trashing their heroes or villains and take the thoughts away from the horrors of political combat.  Heck, I know guys (and gals) who get totally wasted in front of their tv several times a week watching people who barely speak more than a grunt or have no idea of how many military personnel have given their lives for a flag that they can disrespect--while they demand respect while doing it.