I first became a professional football fan in the second grade.  I was thrilled to get a Washington Redskins football uniform for Christmas.  I rooted for the Redskins, quite simply, because my Dad did.

On its surface, resolving to become a Carolina Panthers fan seems an odd thing to “resolve.”  Shouldn’t one resolve to read or exercise more or spend more time with family or reading the Bible more?  Yes, we should resolve these things, but here is why I resolve to be a Carolina Panthers fan.

1) A Generational Bond  -  Now, most importantly, I should seek to create a link of faith between myself and my children.  Meaning that my Christian faith should be the most prominent thing that my children and I discuss and find in common, and that I instill in them.  In addition, I should seek to build bonds with my children that will be life long.  Some families share outdoor hobbies, such as camping or mountain biking.  These hobbies help bind the relationships of the families together over time.  Other hobbies are fine.  But, there is no physical, gender, social, or intellectual qualification to rooting for the Panthers.  But, the ups and downs together of rooting for the Panthers can build those generational links.  If you look at the fan bases in some of the teams that have been in the NFL a long time, you’ll find that their fan support is multi-generational.

2) Teaching Your Children About the Culture - The NFL is in the absolute center of culture today.  Thirteen of the 16 highest rated TV shows this fall season are NFL football games.  Rooting for your favorite team, which can be a good thing, can also provide endless cultural object lessons.  Right and wrong.  Fair and Unfair.  Inappropriate and Appropriate, etc.

3) Common Ground With People of All Classes - Just as a matter of fact, I have found myself in situations with others of different racial or socio-economic backgrounds.  Most starkly, sitting “on high” at a shoe shine stand in the airport.  Many times, there is little conversation between myself and the shoe shine person, or there might be what I would call a customer conversation.  But, if I mention the Panthers – or if I’m in Philadelphia and mention the Eagles, then these differences of race, position, etc. are immediately, if momentarily forgotten.  The shoe shine guys smile, get animated and want to talk.  They know as much or more than me about football, and that levels this meaningless racial and socio-economic difference.  It opens the door, however slightly, and certainly more than without, for a meaningful conversation to occur about spiritual things, as well.