Hi NTL-
Saw on another thread that you didn't like or understand football, and that your H had that as an EN. As a 42 year old woman who has LOVED football most of her life, I can give you some pointers. Only one warning: I love football so much that my WH actually feels a little left out on gameday, so don't go overboard!

Tip number one: It is not imperative to understand ALL of the game immediately. You will gain more information about it with time. The dynamics of this team game are very interesting, so you will have plenty to learn.

Tip number two: Find out what teams are your WH's favorite, and why. Maybe he likes pro football because he was born in a town with a pro team? Maybe he went to college at a big football school? Find out what makes the game interesting to him.

Tip number three: Once you know the fave teams, find out (by posting here) who the big rivalries are--what teams are in their conference/division that make them the most angry or psyched to play. This is the love/hate side of the game.

Tip number four: If WH's fave teams are college teams, I suggest you watch ESPN college gameday on ESPN at 11am EST. If his fave teams are pro teams you have two choices: Sun at 11am on ESPN you get a rundown of all teams, or watch the regional coverage on the networks that usually starts 30 mins before game time. The announcers on all of these programs have a team of researchers who pick out interesting facts and challenges about the teams. It really is like a soap opera. Once you know the major players, you can learn all about the intricate relationships. (I actually have an easier time with football than with learning new soaps or joining into a show like "24" mid-season.)

Ok, that's your first lesson. If you want more, or have any questions, I'm sure there are many folks on the board along with me who can help you understand WHY to watch the game!

PS>>It's also helpful if you can read your local paper and find out when your WH's fave teams are playing, and tell him something like, "I know you'll be watching the "Jets" game at 1 o'clock, so I told my sister not to come by until after five on Sunday." Whoa, you'll bank some major points!