The NFL kicked off on our screens again last night, and boy howdy are we glad it's back.
It's been a long time since the Super Bowl in February, and we've been missing our beloved American football like you wouldn't believe. Our waistline has been the better for it, given that we tend to enjoy some fine American cuisine while we watch, but as it comes in to the winter months we can claim that we're bulking.
There are many reasons to love the NFL, and if you were bitten by the bug from the Croke Park Classic, or you simply want to get involved this year so you can finally attend a Super Bowl party and have a vague idea of what's going on, then we have several reasons that should convince you to jump on board the bandwagon that is the National Football League.
1) You can appreciate Frank Caliendo's impression of John Gruden
Frank Caliendo's impressions are a thing of pure beauty (you may remember his amazing Morgan Freeman impression), but his version of NFL pundit John Gruden is amazing. Any opportunity for us to use this clip is always welcome.
2) The theme music is awesome.
3) The theme music is also totally ridiculous
4) Masctos
They cheer on the crowd and get them pumped. They also tackle tiny children.
5) Coach Taylor
He might not be in the NFL, but we can't help but think of the fictional character of Coach Eric Taylor when we watch football.
5) The food
Honestly we were really disappointed at the slop they shoveled at the Croke Park Classic claiming it was game day food, and we can only imagine the traveling American contingent were outraged. This is what they get at home:
Starter - Seattle Seahawks: Bucket o' Nachos
Pic via SB Nation
Yes, a bucket, yes the chips are green and blue, the team colours. Inside the bucket are those nachos, chicken or beef, chipotle cheese sauce, black beans, cotija cheese, diced green chilies, sliced Jalapenos, sliced black olives, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, and banana pepper rings. The only way to eat this is to attach it to your face like a horse. Go Hawks!
Main - Carolina Panthers: The Hogmolly
Pic via SB Nation
Filled with smoked brisket, BBQ sauce, fried onions, pickled jalapeno, and cole slaw. All it's missing is mac and cheese.
Dessert - St. Louis Rams: Bacon maple donut
Pic via SB Nation
Narrowly beating out competition from the maple jalapeño glazed bacon available in New York, this donut is the real king of desserts.
6) Johnny Football
Johnny Manziel is one of the more controversial figures who made a name for himself in college by getting in big trouble for allegedly making some extra cash on the side selling his autograph. He's not a starter, but he'll more than likely play at some stage and do something a bit mad.
7) The names
NFL players seem to be blessed with some of the very best names that we could dream up, for example Ha Ha Clinton Dix, Jadeveon Clowney and Barkevious Mingo. Those are genuinely all real, the following ones are not, but realistically could be.
8) Opportunities to add Jim Ross' commentary to more things
More Jim Ross is needed, almost all the time.
So there you have it, clear your Sunday schedule, get some multi-coloured nachos and beer in, and make sure you've got control of the TV remote for about seven hours. 'MERICA!