It was time for a change.
How did I end up switching my die-hard Chelsea allegiance to the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team playing thousands of miles away?
When the pandemic gripped the world, my interest in domestic football had been steadily declining.
I still enjoyed the highs and low of supporting a team but something was missing. The lack of explosive runs and aggressive moves, and the swing to more of a tiki-taka passing style left me wanting more.
The Covid-19 pandemic gave a moment to reflect on my interests and despite still nominally supporting Chelsea, I had lost interest in the tactics of the game.
One evening, when looking for something to watch, I grabbed the TV remote and clicked the NFL.
From the first snap, I started to build an affinity to the style of play. I appreciated the battle for every yard, each play like a chess match.
I was drawn to the incisive runs, the risk versus reward tactics at crucial moments of games, and the staunch defensive tactics not found in the Premier League.
Fast forward to now, and since changing the channel on the TV, I have found the NFL to be my new sources of highs and lows.
From being a complete novice, and learning the rules play by play, to watching every single Jags game, the NFL has reignited my passion for sport.
I have found a new sport that creates memories. The thrill of watching a punt-return touchdown by Parker Washington, the pin-point long throws by Trevor Lawrence to Brian Thomas Jr. are feelings that cannot be beaten.
So, despite the quizzical looks when I start talking about the Jags failure to convert on a third down, the NFL has converted me and I am not going back!
