I was raised to believe that if you were a fan of a certain team that automatically meant you had to 'hate' the rival of that team. Now though, after watching my kids play youth sports and coaching legit 'kids' over the years, I find it much more enjoyable in most cases to just watch a game for the game without the emotional attachment. There are still those rivalries that I simply have a hard time putting behind me.
One perfect example of what I mean is as a die hard steelers fan I could not care less if the Ravens, Browns, or Bengals ever win another game. In fact, I find myself rooting that they don't.
Another prime example that most of you probably don't know, but as a Memphis Tigers fan I was raised to think I had to hate the Tennessee Vols and the Ole Miss Rebels. And I did for the longest time. Now I actually root for those two schools to succeed nearly as hard as I do for my Tigers. Because it's just better without the hate. (Trust me, SEC schools are pro sports)
Although I do not have any hated rivals in the NBA I am a Grizzlies fan through and through.
I don't get involved with the AL vs NL debates but my rooting interest in MLB are the Royals and the Cardinals.
I really do love hockey. When I lived in the Nashville area(pre-Preds) I had season tickets to the ECHL Nashville Knights. They were a minor club to the Atlanta Knights of the AHL, who were in turn a minor club to the Tampa Bay Lightning. I have always been more of a player fan when it comes to the NHL over any particular team though. So I guess this one is pretty much a cop out but I do want to see the Predators succeed.
Who are teams in other sports you are a die hard fan for? And who are your most hated rivals?
Just a nonsense thread to help pass time.