For some people, there is one type of football superior to them all. It is more than a game, it is a lifestyle. Fantasy football is a game in which you (the manager of your own team) draft a team of players from the National Football League (NFL).
While it can be a family-friendly game, some groups choose to take it a step further.
In order to add a level of competitiveness to the league, groups add a punishment for the loser of the league that has to be performed at the end of the season.
This idea of punishing the loser sparks some controversy within the fantasy football community. Some groups believe in “everybody wins” mentality.
“We do a family fantasy football league so we don’t do punishments, we think it should just be for fun,” Carmen Weigel said.
While punishments may be too far in some eyes, there can be simple versions that still add the element of competitiveness while maintaining the amiable nature. EGR teacher Mr. Dublis plays in a league with all ages. When questioned if he is against punishments, his response was, “No I think they can be good. It makes everyone want to continue to play throughout the season rather than just giving up.”
With the average players come the passionate ones. The ones who set aside time out of their day to invest themselves into the league.
“I am really committed and have been waiting for the season for a long time. I’ve been putting the work in during the offseason, looking at my notes, and studying the game,” said Tobenna Egwuatu ‘24.
These types of players set dreaded punishments for the loser of the league, to maximize the intensity and competitiveness.
Grayson Fuller ‘26 has set a serious and costly punishment for his league. “You have to go to Crazy Charlies, from the end of school until closing. Once it closes you go home, and you have to stay in the same clothes from closing until the end of school
the next day,” said Fuller. Fuller thinks this type of punishment truly adds to the spirit of the fantasy football season and elevates his league.
Punish or fun-ish, either way, you should consider playing fantasy football.
