In a text thread yesterday, I was reminded that the Super Bowl is Sunday. I had completely forgotten about it. I only watched about two football games all season and after my team was eliminated in the final game of the regular season I didn’t bother watching any of the playoffs. This is the continuation of a trend over the past three or so years, really since I stopped participating in any fantasy football leagues, whereby I have watched less and less football.

Only a few years ago I would have thought it impossible that there might come a time when I would not care one iota about who won our professional football championship. I used to be personally invested in the games and cheering for or against certain personalities. There used to be big watch parties around the game, but I haven’t been to one of those since before the pandemic lockdowns. What I choose to focus on has shifted. I suppose it was always myopic to think that my interests wouldn’t change, but they have and have even done so without me giving the matter much thought.

I may yet watch the game as I’ll be with other people on Sunday night, but it will be background to the unfolding conversation more than the night’s main entertainment. Is this how most people have always treated the Super Bowl? Am I the only one who has lost the passion for watching the sport?