Professional Football Game Analysis

Our nation has invested itself, economically and socially, in sports for more than century. To the athletic elite, there is the opportunity to turn their childhood passion into their livelihood. From the four most recognized professional sports in America - Baseball (MLB), Football (NFL), Basketball (NBA), and Hockey (NHL) - only a select handful of athletes reach the professional level, and even fewer remain at that level and see long-term success.

On an emotional night in the Bronx, on September 11th, 2015, I viewed the Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees baseball game. It provides a unique experience to shift focus from simply rooting for your favorite team, and eyeing every pitch into the catcher’s glove, to view the whole event from

These examples (such as the Blue Angels, red, white, & blue fireworks, recognizing those who have served our nation, and the national anthem) illustrate the continuing integration of sports, everyday life, and nationalistic values. The statement by Kay also brings a sense of unity and optimism to the athletes, fans, and the broader society alike, who may have turned to sports as a coping mechanism to deal with the devastating impacts after 9/11. Even in 2015, the Yankees television network showed moments from games across the country, with most games playing songs that paid tribute to the victims and the country's public servants. In Los Angeles, police officer Rosalind Iams sang the song while members of the Dodgers and Padres helped firefighters and police officers unfurl a colossal band of stars and stripes that stretched almost entirely across the playing field. That same night in Pittsburgh, two members of the Air Force Reserve were called on to sing the anthem as spectators donned "I Love New York" buttons. And in every ballpark for weeks afterward, particularly in 2001, tears were shed, from fans and athletes

Fans relate themselves with the sporting teams through America and a big range of population watch the sporting games, therefore, the nationalistic and patriotic themes are incorporated with the sporting events. The incorporation of the nationalistic and patriotic themes gives the players a realization that they are playing for the nation instead for themselves. Since 2001, I believe that sporting events have become much more prevalent in displaying nationalistic and patriotic themes, such as the discussed national anthem, display of American Flags, honoring of military personnel (not seen in any of the American professional sports before 9/11), and the “patriot race” where fans and popular New York athletes run in a marathon to raise money for victims of the 9/11 attacks. This is because of the large gathering size of fans passionate towards a common cause (i.e. the Yankees) in a common area. This differs from other social events, such as political gatherings, where you face harsh division between folks and there is more of a need for order and regularity when compared to sporting events which, unless you’re a betting man, has no implication on national security. It (baseball) can actually relieve the pressures that these other social gatherings bring