Been a good run...I'm done with the FF (2 Viewers)

[JohnnyU]

Those who won't be back are those who leave without telling anyone, except for their league mates of course.

 

[Milkman]

I cant imagine quitting, if anything I will be adding to my 15 leagues lol

This is the only way to equalize the variance. I'm not willing to put that much time into it so I just enjoy the things I can control and let the other stuff go.

 

[PIK95]

I'm cutting back to one league but that just has more to do with my busy schedule.

 

[The Claymaker]

I remember back in the day, going out Monday morning and getting the local paper and of course a USA Today. Going to the sports pages writing down players stats. I think my first season was 1988 it was 12 teams, all people that worked in the Mall. That was a lot of fun, going to the food court area and tabulating everyone's totals.

I still love FF but I also have slowly cut back, I am only in two 32 team full IDP dynasty leagues and have been in both for about 10 years. One of them as an original owner. I doubt I will ever add new leagues but most likely I will not quit these two anytime soon.

Good luck Saber if you are truly stepping away for good, but I don't think anyone will ever fault you if you find your back.

 

[identikit]

Those who won't be back are those who leave without telling anyone, except for their league mates of course.

 

[fruity pebbles]

If it wasnt for dynasty id have quit a long time ago. I enjoy the offseason more than the games. That said i lose interest in anything more than two leagues.

 

[Ned]

If it wasnt for dynasty id have quit a long time ago. I enjoy the offseason more than the games. That said i lose interest in anything more than two leagues.

Typical loser talk.

 

[fruity pebbles]

If it wasnt for dynasty id have quit a long time ago. I enjoy the offseason more than the games. That said i lose interest in anything more than two leagues.

Typical loser talk.

See you in the finals.......if you get there

 

[Sabertooth]

Hey Saber good luck, but if you do it, do it. Send out messages to all your league mates now, because if you wait until next summer you will just get sucked in again. Draft parties, excuse to get out, draft talk, offers, rookies picked by certain NFL teams, all that. Cut the cord. Good luck, yeah real life is very cool and very important.

already did this so I can hand the commish keys off as soon as possible. I'm done.

 

[adamjw2]

I came up with a solution for my own burnout... Last year, I did my own projections, and avoided "expert" advice the whole year. I finished 3rd, but it was more rewarding knowing it was all me, even though I didn't win it all.

 

[Shutout]

Saber,

We've had many conversations in the threads these past few years and I'm sure everyone will miss your input & activity.

I'm with you. This year is exactly my 20th season in FF, too, and I began my own personal "12 step plan" to exit last year as the season wound down and I was realizing I am burned out. As a commish in a few leagues, I had to get the ducks in a row.

Like several have mentioned, the random luck has eclipsed the value of the time investment that used to reward those who studied the game. There comes a point these days where you realize that the amount of time you put into it netted you about $0.14/hour and, in the end, getting that $0.14 payout was really just the result of a coin flip on whether some guy had a better waiver priority or saw the tweet first.

For me, it has never been about the money and so, with no golden carrot to chase, the satisfaction comes down to "Was I the best?" That's hard to justify when you realize your "best" team just lost because some dude fell into Buck Allen, randomly, or you played against the Titans who refuse to play defense at all. This isn't bitter grapes—I am in the playoffs across the board, had top records/points generously across my leagues. I just hate seeing the randomness so blatant.

Anyway, that issue and the fact that the NFL is truly a poor product these days has helped push me out the door. After realizing that I often wait 7 minutes in real time to celebrate a TD or a few minutes to celebrate (or gripe about) a catch as the officials analyze each frame and we listen to the announcers speculate on "did it move?", "did he demonstrate control for 1,2,3 steps?", "did that ball move?", etc, it has become apparent that everything that used to excite me in the moment as a sports fan has been completely neutered. They have destroyed the flow of the game and they have pushed games and events onto so many nights (and watered the quality of the product down terribly) that they have helped me not care as much. It's been easy completely skipping 3 of the last 4 TNF games so it is aiding my "transition".

I'm ready to watch games and care about results; not about "did his WR just catch that?" No more mis-matched loyalties where I have to root for or against players and teams I don't want to.

I knew when I opened this thread I would see 80% of the responses be poor shtick and snarky responses but believe me boys (and girls), you'll ALL come to that point and, quite frankly, if you never did, you probably didn't live long enough and ever come to appreciate the truly important things.

Anything in moderation is good. And maybe a break from a very long tenure of service is what is needed and Saber and I and others will all be back someday but, for myself, I clearly see the product not being good enough to support the desire to watch that much football anymore.

 

[dirtyjay]

1. Do people really care about others quitting the game or not?

2. Do people really need to start threads to share they are quitting?

3. Do people get so upset after a loss that they would quit fantasy football?

 

[Shutout]

1. Do people really care about others quitting the game or not?

2. Do people really need to start threads to share they are quitting?

3. Do people get so upset after a loss that they would quit fantasy football?

1. Yes, because we are talking person to person and it's about more than FF.

2. I've seen numerous times "hey, whatever happened to this guy? Is he ok?" It may come to a surprise but people actually DO care about more than just themselves. We build relationships with one another here which is a HUGE part of FF, in general.

3. It is ignorant and lazy to assume that every person quits because they lost. The vast majority of people I know who quit do so because of family responsibilities, finances, health, and/or simply not enjoying the product on the field. Actually, I can't remember the last person I knew who quit because they lost a magic football game.

 

[zftcg]

1. Do people really care about others quitting the game or not?

2. Do people really need to start threads to share they are quitting?

3. Do people get so upset after a loss that they would quit fantasy football?

I'll address No. 2. I think he posted it because he suspected (correctly) that a lot of other people share those feelings.

I play in two leagues. Didn't make the playoffs in one, got knocked out in the first round of the other. And I find myself feeling kind of relieved this morning. Every fall I notice my productivity dip considerably, both from the time I waste thinking about my teams to the nights I stay up late watching games. I also think of how much I always enjoy Week 17 and the playoffs, where I can just watch football games as a fan (although I did try a playoff-long DFS tournament with my buddies last year).

Maybe I should quit. Maybe I should figure out a way to handle it better. Or maybe I should just accept that things aren't going to change. I don't know. But it's been on my mind a lot the past few days, so I'm glad the OP brought it up.

 

[zftcg]

1. Do people really care about others quitting the game or not?

2. Do people really need to start threads to share they are quitting?

3. Do people get so upset after a loss that they would quit fantasy football?

1. Yes, because we are talking person to person and it's about more than FF.

2. I've seen numerous times "hey, whatever happened to this guy? Is he ok?" It may come to a surprise but people actually DO care about more than just themselves. We build relationships with one another here which is a HUGE part of FF, in general.

3. It is ignorant and lazy to assume that every person quits because they lost. The vast majority of people I know who quit do so because of family responsibilities, finances, health, and/or simply not enjoying the product on the field. Actually, I can't remember the last person I knew who quit because they lost a magic football game.

I agree with this, although I will say that there's nothing like the bucket of cold water that is spending an entire Sunday watching football, getting creamed in fantasy, and feeling like you just wasted your whole day for nothing. It's not so much that the losing makes you hate the game as that it makes you wonder why you spend so much time on it.

 

[Ned]

If it wasnt for dynasty id have quit a long time ago. I enjoy the offseason more than the games. That said i lose interest in anything more than two leagues.

Typical loser talk.

See you in the finals.......if you get there

If I lose to a Canadian, I'm quitting FF too.

 

[Chaka]

Does this mean that it's finally time to sell Adrian Peterson?

 

[Sabertooth]

Saber,

We've had many conversations in the threads these past few years and I'm sure everyone will miss your input & activity.

I'm with you. This year is exactly my 20th season in FF, too, and I began my own personal "12 step plan" to exit last year as the season wound down and I was realizing I am burned out. As a commish in a few leagues, I had to get the ducks in a row.

Like several have mentioned, the random luck has eclipsed the value of the time investment that used to reward those who studied the game. There comes a point these days where you realize that the amount of time you put into it netted you about $0.14/hour and, in the end, getting that $0.14 payout was really just the result of a coin flip on whether some guy had a better waiver priority or saw the tweet first.

For me, it has never been about the money and so, with no golden carrot to chase, the satisfaction comes down to "Was I the best?" That's hard to justify when you realize your "best" team just lost because some dude fell into Buck Allen, randomly, or you played against the Titans who refuse to play defense at all. This isn't bitter grapes—I am in the playoffs across the board, had top records/points generously across my leagues. I just hate seeing the randomness so blatant.

Anyway, that issue and the fact that the NFL is truly a poor product these days has helped push me out the door. After realizing that I often wait 7 minutes in real time to celebrate a TD or a few minutes to celebrate (or gripe about) a catch as the officials analyze each frame and we listen to the announcers speculate on "did it move?", "did he demonstrate control for 1,2,3 steps?", "did that ball move?", etc, it has become apparent that everything that used to excite me in the moment as a sports fan has been completely neutered. They have destroyed the flow of the game and they have pushed games and events onto so many nights (and watered the quality of the product down terribly) that they have helped me not care as much. It's been easy completely skipping 3 of the last 4 TNF games so it is aiding my "transition".

I'm ready to watch games and care about results; not about "did his WR just catch that?" No more mis-matched loyalties where I have to root for or against players and teams I don't want to.

I knew when I opened this thread I would see 80% of the responses be poor shtick and snarky responses but believe me boys (and girls), you'll ALL come to that point and, quite frankly, if you never did, you probably didn't live long enough and ever come to appreciate the truly important things.

Anything in moderation is good. And maybe a break from a very long tenure of service is what is needed and Saber and I and others will all be back someday but, for myself, I clearly see the product not being good enough to support the desire to watch that much football anymore.

This sums it up better than I ever could.

 

[lod01]

What is irritating the hell out of me is the level of stupidity in the coaching ranks. It has to be at an all time high. I have never seen so many guys promoted well above their level of competence. Seems trickery is the name of the game for some of the real losers. STL and MIA top that list.

Lazor and Philbin got the axe deservedly so and should never be allowed in the offices of an NFL franchise again....but I'll bet they pop up somewhere on a staff where the GM is a moron. Caldwell somehow continues on though, no surprise there.

 

[Sabertooth]

Does this mean that it's finally time to sell Adrian Peterson?

 

[Sabertooth]

I'm actually looking forward to reading a few books. First up is Tides of War by Pressfield. Loved reading Gates of Fire. Probably get back to drawing and painting as well. My daughter definitely has the art bug. Looking forward to that. My wife complains constantly about having my face in my phone. And you know what, she's right. I'm ashamed of that for sure. My kids even say it. That's not the dad I want to be at all.

 

[Insein]

I'm seriously debating this myself now. I was so angry Sunday and I couldn't figure out why. The Eagles won. My family and I had a good outing to see Santa and yet I was growing irritated with everything the later in the day it got. I kept telling my self it wasn't fantasy but I'm pretty sure it was. I might need to go cold turkey for a fee years for my own sanity.

 

[cstu]

I'm actually looking forward to reading a few books. First up is Tides of War by Pressfield. Loved reading Gates of Fire. Probably get back to drawing and painting as well. My daughter definitely has the art bug. Looking forward to that. My wife complains constantly about having my face in my phone. And you know what, she's right. I'm ashamed of that for sure. My kids even say it. That's not the dad I want to be at all.

Good for you to realize this and spend more time with your kids.

 

[zftcg]

I'm actually looking forward to reading a few books. First up is Tides of War by Pressfield. Loved reading Gates of Fire. Probably get back to drawing and painting as well. My daughter definitely has the art bug. Looking forward to that. My wife complains constantly about having my face in my phone. And you know what, she's right. I'm ashamed of that for sure. My kids even say it. That's not the dad I want to be at all.

Good for you to realize this and spend more time with your kids.

This year was the first time my five-year-old (at the instigation of my wife) started saying, "Daddy, stop checking your fantasy team on your phone!" There's really nothing that makes you feel like a worse parent than that.

 

[Insein]

I'm actually looking forward to reading a few books. First up is Tides of War by Pressfield. Loved reading Gates of Fire. Probably get back to drawing and painting as well. My daughter definitely has the art bug. Looking forward to that. My wife complains constantly about having my face in my phone. And you know what, she's right. I'm ashamed of that for sure. My kids even say it. That's not the dad I want to be at all.

Good for you to realize this and spend more time with your kids.

This year was the first time my five-year-old (at the instigation of my wife) started saying, "Daddy, stop checking your fantasy team on your phone!" There's really nothing that makes you feel like a worse parent than that.

Yea. I have twins. They both say it.

I need to quit.

 

[BassNBrew]

I'm actually looking forward to reading a few books. First up is Tides of War by Pressfield. Loved reading Gates of Fire. Probably get back to drawing and painting as well. My daughter definitely has the art bug. Looking forward to that. My wife complains constantly about having my face in my phone. And you know what, she's right. I'm ashamed of that for sure. My kids even say it. That's not the dad I want to be at all.

Good for you to realize this and spend more time with your kids.

This year was the first time my five-year-old (at the instigation of my wife) started saying, "Daddy, stop checking your fantasy team on your phone!" There's really nothing that makes you feel like a worse parent than that.

Yea. I have twins. They both say it.

I need to quit.

Had a great weekend playing dfs with mine and won $60 to boot.

 

[BobbyLayne]

I'm actually looking forward to reading a few books. First up is Tides of War by Pressfield. Loved reading Gates of Fire. Probably get back to drawing and painting as well. My daughter definitely has the art bug. Looking forward to that. My wife complains constantly about having my face in my phone. And you know what, she's right. I'm ashamed of that for sure. My kids even say it. That's not the dad I want to be at all.

Good for you to realize this and spend more time with your kids.

This year was the first time my five-year-old (at the instigation of my wife) started saying, "Daddy, stop checking your fantasy team on your phone!" There's really nothing that makes you feel like a worse parent than that.

Yea. I have twins. They both say it.

I need to quit.

Meh. Nothing wrong with having something you enjoy for yourself.

I'm a pretty dedicated dad. Busy executive job, still find time to do pickup from after school, cook dinner, help with homework, haul them all over the place on weekends. I put in quality time with my family and volunteer in the school and community as time permits.

I'm cool with balancing that out with a hobby I enjoy.

 

[Insein]

I'm actually looking forward to reading a few books. First up is Tides of War by Pressfield. Loved reading Gates of Fire. Probably get back to drawing and painting as well. My daughter definitely has the art bug. Looking forward to that. My wife complains constantly about having my face in my phone. And you know what, she's right. I'm ashamed of that for sure. My kids even say it. That's not the dad I want to be at all.

Good for you to realize this and spend more time with your kids.

This year was the first time my five-year-old (at the instigation of my wife) started saying, "Daddy, stop checking your fantasy team on your phone!" There's really nothing that makes you feel like a worse parent than that.

Yea. I have twins. They both say it.I need to quit.

Meh. Nothing wrong with having something you enjoy for yourself.

I'm a pretty dedicated dad. Busy executive job, still find time to do pickup from after school, cook dinner, help with homework, haul them all over the place on weekends. I put in quality time with my family and volunteer in the school and community as time permits.

I'm cool with balancing that out with a hobby I enjoy.

I get that some people can do it. My problem is that FF takes about 75%+ from me from July till January. That's just who I am. I can't tone it down. Every time I say I will, I'm back full bore by October.

I guess I'm just recognizing my addiction.

 

[packersfan]

I love this game too much to quit it but I do have to figure out a better way of handling the down times. I've had a couple of historically bad weeks this season and that has pretty much ruined those Sundays for me. I realize at the time I'm caring way too much (although there is a lot of money on the line) but it still feels like a massive kick in the nuts. I have to figure out a better way of working through that.

 

[tone1oc]

If fantasy football has got to a point where you are neglecting your family/friends and/or do not have time to be productive in areas of your life, then fantasy football is not your problem.

Soon enough, you will find something else to distract you from family and things you do not want to do.

 

[jwb]

I totally understand the sentiment.

I'm getting burned out too - my seven dynasty leagues will be cut to five after this year, and we'll see after that. I still enjoy it, but it is becoming more work than I want, and a lot of the fun is gone. A few things that really kill it for me are:

1) Thursday Games - This really made FF a lot harder. There's simply no break.

2) The increased focus on passing / scoring. The ridiculous videogame numbers put up has hurt my enjoyment of FF. I'm tired of weekly 35 point games by wr's. PPR has backfired to an extent.

3) I'm all for player safety. But it doesn't help FF when guys are constantly out / questionable, etc. There's not much we can do about this, as safety is more important than my FF teams.

4) The randomness is a little frustrating. Is your TE gameplanned to block all day and be a decoy? Is that JAG wr going to explode for 40 this week, then get 1 target next week? It just seems more random than I remember in the past.

I'm in a few semifinals this week, a few toilet bowls, and out in a few others, so it has really nothing to do with winning or losing. It's also not a kids/life thing - I don't have any kids, and my FF doesn't take time from my wife at all. It's just not as much fun as it used to be.

 

[BobbyLayne]

I love this game too much to quit it but I do have to figure out a better way of handling the down times. I've had a couple of historically bad weeks this season and that has pretty much ruined those Sundays for me. I realize at the time I'm caring way too much (although there is a lot of money on the line) but it still feels like a massive kick in the nuts. I have to figure out a better way of working through that.

I think it helps to schedule family activities during games. Kind of sends the message (and it's a helluva lot louder than anything you can say) "This is what matters most to me." NFL Sunday? Well, if nothing else is going on. But if you guys want to go ice skating, that's cool. Or go hike the Appalachian Trail with them.

Or start by skipping the ####ty TNF/SNF/MNF matchup, you can read about it later.

I really love football - a lot of sports, actually - but your heart is where your treasure is, and nothing counts more than time. Just being there and spending time with your kids is pretty huge. You can't get that time back. They're only going to be 17 or 7 or an infant once. They'll be another NFL Sunday next week.

It would be great if either of my kids enjoyed the NFL but they don't. That's not going to change so I have to write memories some other way. I don't want them to ever wonder what mattered most to me.

 

[Sabertooth]

I'm seriously debating this myself now. I was so angry Sunday and I couldn't figure out why. The Eagles won. My family and I had a good outing to see Santa and yet I was growing irritated with everything the later in the day it got. I kept telling my self it wasn't fantasy but I'm pretty sure it was. I might need to go cold turkey for a fee years for my own sanity.

yea. Hobbies should not stress you out.

 

[thatguythere]

I love this game too much to quit it but I do have to figure out a better way of handling the down times. I've had a couple of historically bad weeks this season and that has pretty much ruined those Sundays for me. I realize at the time I'm caring way too much (although there is a lot of money on the line) but it still feels like a massive kick in the nuts. I have to figure out a better way of working through that.

I think it helps to schedule family activities during games. Kind of sends the message (and it's a helluva lot louder than anything you can say) "This is what matters most to me." NFL Sunday? Well, if nothing else is going on. But if you guys want to go ice skating, that's cool. Or go hike the Appalachian Trail with them.

Or start by skipping the ####ty TNF/SNF/MNF matchup, you can read about it later.

I really love football - a lot of sports, actually - but your heart is where your treasure is, and nothing counts more than time. Just being there and spending time with your kids is pretty huge. You can't get that time back. They're only going to be 17 or 7 or an infant once. They'll be another NFL Sunday next week.

It would be great if either of my kids enjoyed the NFL but they don't. That's not going to change so I have to write memories some other way. I don't want them to ever wonder what mattered most to me.

Also helps being a Lions fan and knowing that you don't have to watch the game to know how it will turn out.

 

[BobbyLayne]

I love this game too much to quit it but I do have to figure out a better way of handling the down times. I've had a couple of historically bad weeks this season and that has pretty much ruined those Sundays for me. I realize at the time I'm caring way too much (although there is a lot of money on the line) but it still feels like a massive kick in the nuts. I have to figure out a better way of working through that.

I think it helps to schedule family activities during games. Kind of sends the message (and it's a helluva lot louder than anything you can say) "This is what matters most to me." NFL Sunday? Well, if nothing else is going on. But if you guys want to go ice skating, that's cool. Or go hike the Appalachian Trail with them.

Or start by skipping the ####ty TNF/SNF/MNF matchup, you can read about it later.

I really love football - a lot of sports, actually - but your heart is where your treasure is, and nothing counts more than time. Just being there and spending time with your kids is pretty huge. You can't get that time back. They're only going to be 17 or 7 or an infant once. They'll be another NFL Sunday next week.

It would be great if either of my kids enjoyed the NFL but they don't. That's not going to change so I have to write memories some other way. I don't want them to ever wonder what mattered most to me.

Also helps being a Lions fan and knowing that you don't have to watch the game to know how it will turn out.

####### Lions. I wish FF stressed me out. I'm sure it'd be less aggravating.

 

[PIK95]

TV timeouts drove me from my Pats season tickets in 02ish. I pretty much stopped watching any football until Red Zone came on. Now, I watch that for a few minutes here and there if I'm home on a Sunday but its low priority.

I don't watch Superbowls, nor do I care about football outside of my remaining fantasy leagues. They are killing the golden goose imo. The only reason I still even play fantasy is because of friends in the leagues, and I keep winning. I want out though.

 

[Shutout]

I love this game too much to quit it but I do have to figure out a better way of handling the down times. I've had a couple of historically bad weeks this season and that has pretty much ruined those Sundays for me. I realize at the time I'm caring way too much (although there is a lot of money on the line) but it still feels like a massive kick in the nuts. I have to figure out a better way of working through that.

I think it helps to schedule family activities during games. Kind of sends the message (and it's a helluva lot louder than anything you can say) "This is what matters most to me." NFL Sunday? Well, if nothing else is going on. But if you guys want to go ice skating, that's cool. Or go hike the Appalachian Trail with them.

Or start by skipping the ####ty TNF/SNF/MNF matchup, you can read about it later.

I really love football - a lot of sports, actually - but your heart is where your treasure is, and nothing counts more than time. Just being there and spending time with your kids is pretty huge. You can't get that time back. They're only going to be 17 or 7 or an infant once. They'll be another NFL Sunday next week.

It would be great if either of my kids enjoyed the NFL but they don't. That's not going to change so I have to write memories some other way. I don't want them to ever wonder what mattered most to me.

If you go out of your way to schedule times during, then it's avoidance on some level and not balance. Balance is when you pick up the dry cleaning, bathe the dog, cook dinner, and mow the yard, and then off to Johnny's movie he wants to see and somehow you get your hobby time in. But if you are purposely doing things DURING the hobby time, then it begs the questions are you going out of your way to prove a point?

I'm not calling you out. Just thought it is an interesting statement for all of us to look at because while you or I may be bale to carry this out, what I see a lot of (and have done and hate) is that, yeah, I'm "in the room" with the family on Christmas or Thanksgiving or any other football day and although I'm there in body, I am A MILLION miles away. The people that are talking to me are getting quick, canned, non-attentive answers because 98% of my mind is on watching that DJAX TD or trying to constantly keep up on the scores in my playoff week and heave help the poor souls when I start taking a bad beat because I'm like a pool of radioactive goo that nobody wants to approach and people then stop talking to me.

People pick up on it, especially kids. They know when Daddy or Mommy is in a bad mood. They might even know it's because you just saw Calvin Johnson go limping off to the sideline.

I remember two years ago, in the title game and it was Christmas and looking back on it, I can't believe I didn't get called out on it. My family is on the house, conversing, snacking, talking, having a good time. Meanwhile, I am holed up in the den watching a small, hardly used TV hanging on every play of football games. People are checking on me asking if I need anything (drink/food). Occasionally, I get the "hey come here, we are ready to eat" or "hey, come here. Grandpa is here and we are going to give him his gift"

That was my "aha" moment in that this is not bigger/better than life doing other things. It is a very time-consuming hobby that can absolutely drain you emotionally and put your worst face forward when you are losing. Some people will respond to this and say "ahh, you just can't let it get to you, etc" and, honestly, those are the people I feel the most for because those are the denial people.

People can say what they want but I have NEVER met a FF player who played more than once/one year that didn't carry around a lot of residual emotional baggage when they are into the games...and lots of times we don't even realize it because we are so consumed by it that we are oblivious to what others see so clearly.

Anyway, off the soap box...That scenario was the moment that put the gears in motion to quit and, admittedly, it has taken two more years AFTER that realization, but that either goes a long way in saying how weak-willed I am or it goes a long way to saying how much pull this game has when you get into it.

But I will be completely open and honest—I have felt better the past 3-4 weeks than I have in years. I am looking forward to wrapping this up as it gets closer. And I sincerely appreciate threads like these because it does me a lot of good to see that I am not the only person who thinks of this in this way or questions it.

 

[packersfan]

I'm seriously debating this myself now. I was so angry Sunday and I couldn't figure out why. The Eagles won. My family and I had a good outing to see Santa and yet I was growing irritated with everything the later in the day it got. I kept telling my self it wasn't fantasy but I'm pretty sure it was. I might need to go cold turkey for a fee years for my own sanity.

yea. Hobbies should not stress you out.

Rationally and logically I know this. But I was just like Insein on Sunday. The early games delivered such a massive beatdown that I couldn't enjoy the Packers winning. Like I said before I'm aware that's a problem and I know I shouldn't allow this hobby to get to me like that. But rational thinking sometimes goes straight out the window when Travis Kelce is getting two catches against one of the worst defenses in the league vs. TEs.

 

[Shutout]

I'm seriously debating this myself now. I was so angry Sunday and I couldn't figure out why. The Eagles won. My family and I had a good outing to see Santa and yet I was growing irritated with everything the later in the day it got. I kept telling my self it wasn't fantasy but I'm pretty sure it was. I might need to go cold turkey for a fee years for my own sanity.

yea. Hobbies should not stress you out.

Rationally and logically I know this. But I was just like Insein on Sunday. The early games delivered such a massive beatdown that I couldn't enjoy the Packers winning. Like I said before I'm aware that's a problem and I know I shouldn't allow this hobby to get to me like that. But rational thinking sometimes goes straight out the window when Travis Kelce is getting two catches against one of the worst defenses in the league vs. TEs.

Honestly, that is a sign to you. Read it.

I just posted a LONG (I apologize) post about this and I'm on my way out, too. Last week, I watched the Vikings/Cardinals on TNF just because of my interest in the real life teams and the season they are having. I completely unplugged from the FF aspect of it (finally reached that "I don't care" point) and I have to say it was, to me, the best football game I have seen in years.

I will NEVER miss that feeling of sitting watching a team I am interested in and feeling numb and disinterested simply because the teams aren't doing enough fantasy-wise to help me or because I took a bad beating and I'm just grumpy by that point.

 

[ArbyMelt]

Judging by your 27.5k posts, you might have more time with both the family and fantasy football if you spent less time on the message boards

 

[packersfan]

I'm seriously debating this myself now. I was so angry Sunday and I couldn't figure out why. The Eagles won. My family and I had a good outing to see Santa and yet I was growing irritated with everything the later in the day it got. I kept telling my self it wasn't fantasy but I'm pretty sure it was. I might need to go cold turkey for a fee years for my own sanity.

yea. Hobbies should not stress you out.

Rationally and logically I know this. But I was just like Insein on Sunday. The early games delivered such a massive beatdown that I couldn't enjoy the Packers winning. Like I said before I'm aware that's a problem and I know I shouldn't allow this hobby to get to me like that. But rational thinking sometimes goes straight out the window when Travis Kelce is getting two catches against one of the worst defenses in the league vs. TEs.

Honestly, that is a sign to you. Read it.

I just posted a LONG (I apologize) post about this and I'm on my way out, too. Last week, I watched the Vikings/Cardinals on TNF just because of my interest in the real life teams and the season they are having. I completely unplugged from the FF aspect of it (finally reached that "I don't care" point) and I have to say it was, to me, the best football game I have seen in years.

I will NEVER miss that feeling of sitting watching a team I am interested in and feeling numb and disinterested simply because the teams aren't doing enough fantasy-wise to help me or because I took a bad beating and I'm just grumpy by that point.

For what it's worth that's the first time I haven't enjoyed a Packers' win all season so I still think I'm batting a good percentage overall. Don't think I need an intervention. Not yet anyway.

 

[packersfan]

Judging by your 27.5k posts, you might have more time with both the family and fantasy football if you spent less time on the message boards

I'd be lost without The Walking Dead thread in the FFA. Or at least a lot more bored than usual.

 

[BobbyLayne]

I love this game too much to quit it but I do have to figure out a better way of handling the down times. I've had a couple of historically bad weeks this season and that has pretty much ruined those Sundays for me. I realize at the time I'm caring way too much (although there is a lot of money on the line) but it still feels like a massive kick in the nuts. I have to figure out a better way of working through that.

I think it helps to schedule family activities during games. Kind of sends the message (and it's a helluva lot louder than anything you can say) "This is what matters most to me." NFL Sunday? Well, if nothing else is going on. But if you guys want to go ice skating, that's cool. Or go hike the Appalachian Trail with them.

Or start by skipping the ####ty TNF/SNF/MNF matchup, you can read about it later.

I really love football - a lot of sports, actually - but your heart is where your treasure is, and nothing counts more than time. Just being there and spending time with your kids is pretty huge. You can't get that time back. They're only going to be 17 or 7 or an infant once. They'll be another NFL Sunday next week.

It would be great if either of my kids enjoyed the NFL but they don't. That's not going to change so I have to write memories some other way. I don't want them to ever wonder what mattered most to me.

If you go out of your way to schedule times during, then it's avoidance on some level and not balance. Balance is when you pick up the dry cleaning, bathe the dog, cook dinner, and mow the yard, and then off to Johnny's movie he wants to see and somehow you get your hobby time in. But if you are purposely doing things DURING the hobby time, then it begs the questions are you going out of your way to prove a point?

I'm not calling you out. Just thought it is an interesting statement for all of us to look at because while you or I may be bale to carry this out, what I see a lot of (and have done and hate) is that, yeah, I'm "in the room" with the family on Christmas or Thanksgiving or any other football day and although I'm there in body, I am A MILLION miles away. The people that are talking to me are getting quick, canned, non-attentive answers because 98% of my mind is on watching that DJAX TD or trying to constantly keep up on the scores in my playoff week and heave help the poor souls when I start taking a bad beat because I'm like a pool of radioactive goo that nobody wants to approach and people then stop talking to me.

People pick up on it, especially kids. They know when Daddy or Mommy is in a bad mood. They might even know it's because you just saw Calvin Johnson go limping off to the sideline.

I remember two years ago, in the title game and it was Christmas and looking back on it, I can't believe I didn't get called out on it. My family is on the house, conversing, snacking, talking, having a good time. Meanwhile, I am holed up in the den watching a small, hardly used TV hanging on every play of football games. People are checking on me asking if I need anything (drink/food). Occasionally, I get the "hey come here, we are ready to eat" or "hey, come here. Grandpa is here and we are going to give him his gift"

That was my "aha" moment in that this is not bigger/better than life doing other things. It is a very time-consuming hobby that can absolutely drain you emotionally and put your worst face forward when you are losing. Some people will respond to this and say "ahh, you just can't let it get to you, etc" and, honestly, those are the people I feel the most for because those are the denial people.

People can say what they want but I have NEVER met a FF player who played more than once/one year that didn't carry around a lot of residual emotional baggage when they are into the games...and lots of times we don't even realize it because we are so consumed by it that we are oblivious to what others see so clearly.

Anyway, off the soap box...That scenario was the moment that put the gears in motion to quit and, admittedly, it has taken two more years AFTER that realization, but that either goes a long way in saying how weak-willed I am or it goes a long way to saying how much pull this game has when you get into it.

But I will be completely open and honest—I have felt better the past 3-4 weeks than I have in years. I am looking forward to wrapping this up as it gets closer. And I sincerely appreciate threads like these because it does me a lot of good to see that I am not the only person who thinks of this in this way or questions it.

I guess we all see life through the prism of our own experience. Appreciate you sharing your perspective.

I enjoy my kids. I've gone to a different level with my 17 year old the last couple years as I've given him more discretion and allowed him to manage himself more. He's very thoughtful, articulate and a good kid. We've had some great discussions the last couple years. He's not a little boy anymore. My 7 year old daughter is pure joy. It's impossible to not be happy when you're around her. She is unabashed in her enthusiasm for darn near anything.

It's not forced in any way. They are sincerely the best part of my life.

I won't see the 1:00 games this week due to a family commitment. Wasn't intentional, just something is scheduled for that time. This is fantasy football. It's not like compartmentalizing and prioritizing is that hard.

Family v. Sports. #####, please. Family v. Pretend Sports. OK, now you're trolling.



I do get the total gung ho, dedicated FFer. I used to be in multiple Dynasty/Keeper leagues, and 6-8 redrafts was the norm. But I didn't have other people depending on me then.

For the record, I have had FF Championship games fall on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Let's just say I'm happy the holiday doesn't fall on a weekend this year.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Judging by your 27.5k posts, you might have more time with both the family and fantasy football if you spent less time on the message boards

I'd be lost without The Walking Dead thread in the FFA. Or at least a lot more bored than usual.

Pretty sure about 20K of my posts were related to FFA Album/Movie/timschochet drafts.

 

[Sabertooth]

I'm actually looking forward to reading a few books. First up is Tides of War by Pressfield. Loved reading Gates of Fire. Probably get back to drawing and painting as well. My daughter definitely has the art bug. Looking forward to that. My wife complains constantly about having my face in my phone. And you know what, she's right. I'm ashamed of that for sure. My kids even say it. That's not the dad I want to be at all.

Good for you to realize this and spend more time with your kids.

This year was the first time my five-year-old (at the instigation of my wife) started saying, "Daddy, stop checking your fantasy team on your phone!" There's really nothing that makes you feel like a worse parent than that.

Yea. I have twins. They both say it.I need to quit.

Meh. Nothing wrong with having something you enjoy for yourself.

I'm a pretty dedicated dad. Busy executive job, still find time to do pickup from after school, cook dinner, help with homework, haul them all over the place on weekends. I put in quality time with my family and volunteer in the school and community as time permits.

I'm cool with balancing that out with a hobby I enjoy.

I get that some people can do it. My problem is that FF takes about 75%+ from me from July till January. That's just who I am. I can't tone it down. Every time I say I will, I'm back full bore by October.I guess I'm just recognizing my addiction.

Yep me too. Spending time with the family is empty if your face is in your phone all the time. That's not being present at all. And to be honest I don't really enjoy it. I need to find something to fill the void that isn't so conducive to my addictive personality. I feel like the guy who needs to drink 10 beers before I feel the buzz in terms of FF.

 

[Mookie]

It seems like the guys who got into this hobby 10-20 years ago are aging, and considering moving on with their lives. I still enjoy mining for players, building a team, and seeing it do well, but the burden of having to monitor injuries and set fantasy lineups often gets in the way of life. I find myself turning down great opportunities with friends or family just because I need to see if TJ Yeldon will suit up for the game against Atlanta.

 

[urbanhack]

THANKS FOR THE UPDATE

 

[Sabertooth]

I love this game too much to quit it but I do have to figure out a better way of handling the down times. I've had a couple of historically bad weeks this season and that has pretty much ruined those Sundays for me. I realize at the time I'm caring way too much (although there is a lot of money on the line) but it still feels like a massive kick in the nuts. I have to figure out a better way of working through that.

I think it helps to schedule family activities during games. Kind of sends the message (and it's a helluva lot louder than anything you can say) "This is what matters most to me." NFL Sunday? Well, if nothing else is going on. But if you guys want to go ice skating, that's cool. Or go hike the Appalachian Trail with them.

Or start by skipping the ####ty TNF/SNF/MNF matchup, you can read about it later.

I really love football - a lot of sports, actually - but your heart is where your treasure is, and nothing counts more than time. Just being there and spending time with your kids is pretty huge. You can't get that time back. They're only going to be 17 or 7 or an infant once. They'll be another NFL Sunday next week.

It would be great if either of my kids enjoyed the NFL but they don't. That's not going to change so I have to write memories some other way. I don't want them to ever wonder what mattered most to me.

If you go out of your way to schedule times during, then it's avoidance on some level and not balance. Balance is when you pick up the dry cleaning, bathe the dog, cook dinner, and mow the yard, and then off to Johnny's movie he wants to see and somehow you get your hobby time in. But if you are purposely doing things DURING the hobby time, then it begs the questions are you going out of your way to prove a point?I'm not calling you out. Just thought it is an interesting statement for all of us to look at because while you or I may be bale to carry this out, what I see a lot of (and have done and hate) is that, yeah, I'm "in the room" with the family on Christmas or Thanksgiving or any other football day and although I'm there in body, I am A MILLION miles away. The people that are talking to me are getting quick, canned, non-attentive answers because 98% of my mind is on watching that DJAX TD or trying to constantly keep up on the scores in my playoff week and heave help the poor souls when I start taking a bad beat because I'm like a pool of radioactive goo that nobody wants to approach and people then stop talking to me.

People pick up on it, especially kids. They know when Daddy or Mommy is in a bad mood. They might even know it's because you just saw Calvin Johnson go limping off to the sideline.

I remember two years ago, in the title game and it was Christmas and looking back on it, I can't believe I didn't get called out on it. My family is on the house, conversing, snacking, talking, having a good time. Meanwhile, I am holed up in the den watching a small, hardly used TV hanging on every play of football games. People are checking on me asking if I need anything (drink/food). Occasionally, I get the "hey come here, we are ready to eat" or "hey, come here. Grandpa is here and we are going to give him his gift"

That was my "aha" moment in that this is not bigger/better than life doing other things. It is a very time-consuming hobby that can absolutely drain you emotionally and put your worst face forward when you are losing. Some people will respond to this and say "ahh, you just can't let it get to you, etc" and, honestly, those are the people I feel the most for because those are the denial people.

People can say what they want but I have NEVER met a FF player who played more than once/one year that didn't carry around a lot of residual emotional baggage when they are into the games...and lots of times we don't even realize it because we are so consumed by it that we are oblivious to what others see so clearly.

Anyway, off the soap box...That scenario was the moment that put the gears in motion to quit and, admittedly, it has taken two more years AFTER that realization, but that either goes a long way in saying how weak-willed I am or it goes a long way to saying how much pull this game has when you get into it.

But I will be completely open and honestI have felt better the past 3-4 weeks than I have in years. I am looking forward to wrapping this up as it gets closer. And I sincerely appreciate threads like these because it does me a lot of good to see that I am not the only person who thinks of this in this way or questions it.

Fantastic post. Same boat here. Bobby you sound like you have it figured out. Good on you. You hiring? I need to move the #### out of Methcanaba.

 

[packersfan]

Judging by your 27.5k posts, you might have more time with both the family and fantasy football if you spent less time on the message boards

I'd be lost without The Walking Dead thread in the FFA. Or at least a lot more bored than usual.

Pretty sure about 20K of my posts were related to FFA Album/Movie/timschochet drafts.

I don't wanna know what percentage of my posts went to the old Lost and Sopranos threads and The Walking Dead thread. Might make me more than a little sad.

 

[packersfan]

I still enjoy mining for players, building a team, and seeing it do well

This is it for me too. I love the challenge of it all. It's why I enjoy season-long games significantly more than DFS. The ability to put together a team and guide it over the course of a season is something I still enjoy quite a bit, even in weeks like the last one when everything goes awry. The day I stop enjoying this part of it is the day I'll walk away.