Cleveland and Conversion, Deshaun and Devotion

Episode 57 - Cleveland and Conversion, Deshaun and Devotion

Allegiance to a favorite sports team is a complex phenomenon deep in the psyche of a man.  Claiming a team as your "favorite" often starts at the tenderest of ages; following that team closely for years--through star players, through heartbreaks, through championship runs--creates a kind of unique loyalty, one that becomes curiously embedded in a man's identity.  It could even be said to border on devotion.  That's particularly true for a Cleveland Browns fan (Ben).

Ben makes a big announcement as the player-coach/host in this press conference of an episode, while Chad kicks around questions and ideas as the back up to the backup co-host.  The two pull passion for sports teams up by the roots to figure out just how deep the devotion goes for men.  What does it look like to become too personally invested as a fan of your favorite team?  Are there any front office or player actions that should automatically sever your allegiance to a franchise?  What are ways that we can insulate ourselves from letting our fandom slip too easily into fanaticism?