FanPost

This Is a Sad Day




I'm finished. Today was the last football game I will watch for the foreseeable future. This is not an easy decision for me, because I love football, and I love the Broncos. But I can no longer tolerate what is happening.

As I'm sure you can guess, this is about the national anthem protests. But it's not about whether or not I agree with their message. It's about the fact that they're a thing at all. Football is entertainment. As such, it is a form of escapism. For me, it is a way to forget about the day-to-day crap that's in the news, the division that's in the country, a way for me to connect with people I have nothing else in common with, a way to share something with people that transcends differences in philosophy, politics, or beliefs. These protests have taken that away.

I am a lifelong Bronco fan. I've lived and breathed Broncos football since the late 80's. So it breaks my heart to abandon the Broncos, but the whole point of my fandom (that being making common cause with people of different beliefs and backgrounds) is rendered moot when the divisiveness of politics is introduced into the game in the way these protests have done.

This will be my last post on MHR, unless and until these protests are over and football returns to prominence, rather than social and political commentary. I have enjoyed my time here like nothing else. It's been a highlight of my time as a fan of football and the Denver Broncos. I've loved the interactions I've had, even the ones that got heated and passionate. I love the members, and I will miss you all, even those with whom I frequently disagreed. I wish the Broncos luck, and I will be rooting for them from afar, but I can no longer watch, and I can no longer spend my time talking or blogging about them.

I fervently hope that these protests disappear soon, because when and if they do, I will be back so fast it will make your head spin, but for now this is goodbye. I want to thank you all for making my time on MHR so memorable and enjoyable, and for adding new depth to my experience as a football fan.

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR.