Ever since the first televised game in 1939, America has been addicted to football. It has even become a symbol of our country. Just talking about football gets everyone thinking of barbecue and hanging out with family and friends.

What ever happened to baseball, soccer and all those other sports? America only seems to have an appetite for football.

The most popular sport in the world is soccer. According to Topend Sport, it is still the most popular “whether based on most fans or most participants or whatever the definition of popular.” Also according to Topend Sports, “American football has achieved the place of most popular sport in America.” How is it that football, the ninth most popular sport in the world, trumps soccer, the most popular sport in the world?

And don’t forget about baseball. In the latter part of the 19th century, baseball was becoming extremely popular in America. In 1908, the song “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” was written, which only made people love baseball even more. But in the 21st century, football is king.

Football isn’t necessarily a bad sport; it’s just so violent. Out of the 1,696 football players in the NFL, 250 get injured within the first two weeks of the season. Why have so many Americans fallen in love with such a violent sport?

It’s not a bad thing to love football. It’ even a good thing when it brings people together. However, it just doesn’t seem fair when there are other athletes who have put just as much effort into their game as football players and receive little attention because football is taking it all up.

Maybe try to mix up your sports watching schedule once in awhile. You might find you even enjoy the change from football.