Yesterday I had the chance to watch the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play the Los Angeles Rams in the National Football League play-offs. While the Bucs didn’t advance to the next round of the play-offs, being in the stands in 50-degree weather made me feel like I was back in Michigan in the crisp fall air.

Football is a sport I always found overrated and the cause of concussions and broken bones. All the boys growing up would lock themselves inside all weekend long watching what I thought was nonsense.

I was wrong to think there was no logic in the game. If I hadn’t been handed the tickets, I would not have found myself in the stands with a Buccaneers flag in my hand with a friend next to me. After being stubborn for 24 years, I finally opened up to learn more about one of America’s favorite sports.

It was cool seeing the field. It brought a different perspective as opposed to watching it on screen, which only happened during the Super Bowl while I would wait for commercials or the halftime show.

I am happy I went to the game and was able to absorb some knowledge that will allow me to connect and understand why people spend all weekend watching it.

A few rules for a football hater to know before watching the game:

• The field is 100 yards in length with two end zones where both teams score touchdowns.
• The game starts with a kick-off.
• The offense gets four plays to move the ball 10 yards, but no points are scored unless it’s a field goal or touchdown.
• Touchdowns are run on the field and worth six points.
• Field goals are kicked and worth three points.
• If the offense advances 10 yards, it’s a first down and they are re-granted four attempts to run an additional 10 yards.
• If someone is tackled, they start on the closest yard to which they fell.
• If they don’t make it within the four tries, the defensive team gets the ball.
• An interception occurs when the defense catches the offense’s ball.
• A fumble occurs when the offense drops the ball.
• If a touchdown is scored, additional conversion points can be earned.
  • Kick the ball through the uprights for one point.
  • Run or pass it into the end zone for two points.

— Christyn Pek, business development executive