The End of a Streak

No, this is not about the Steelers' 11 game winning streak being snapped. And, this is more of a personal thread so feel free to ignore. Just thought of sharing it here for posterity.

The game yesterday marked the 340th consecutive Steelers game in a row that I have either seen on TV, attended, and/or listened to on radio. The streak started at the beginning of the 2000 season (the last game I missed was the end of the 1999 season against the Titans). I have gone to extreme lengths to maintain this streak.

I had to find a Steelers bar in Paris to watch them upset by the Jets in 2014. On New Years Day Sunday, 2017, I woke up in Amsterdam but still made it back to the U.S in time to listen to the kickoff of the Browns season finale while going through customs. (That wasn't the hard part- convincing the gf to listen to the game on satellite radio on the drive home from Newark was more of an accomplishment.)

But, I think it's time to end this streak, best for all concerned. After yesterday's loss, I am finally burned out on this team, which I've been following for 48 years now. I need a break from the Steelers, who have brought me so much joy over the years. So, I'll switch off the TV and the phone on Sunday night, read a book maybe, or just get an earlier night. In fact, taking a break from all NFL watching this Sunday. That will be another, even longer streak coming to an end- I am not sure exactly when the last time I skipped an NFL Sunday, but it must have been the 1974 season I think.

So, maybe this will switch the mojo for myself and the Steelers. I look forward to waking up Monday morning and coming on here to read all about what happened against the Bills. Peace out!

 

So your saying after 1 loss your done watching the Steelers too, There seems to be alot of that going around on this MB lately, oh well enjoy your book

 

Oh, I'm not done, I'll be back watching them starting with the Monday Night game against Cincy. Those who know me and my posts will know that I am one of the great optimists on this board.

Like I said, it is a personal decision, my life has been so consumed with the Steelers and NFL for almost six decades now. Just want to recharge my batteries and take a break. I am also hopefully that this will result in a big win. I'd also rather choose the time to end the streak rather than have it ended for me...

I also have absolutely no concept of what life is like on a Sunday with games going and me not following.

Speaking of reading, I also have come into an extra copy of the new Troy Polamalu book by Jim Wexell. I will send it to the first person who wants it as long you agree to pay me back the postage, PM for details

 

I got a lil steak going myself, I havent missed a game since my son was born, 27 years......unfortunately he is a Packers fan

 

Very unselfish act...Bring us some Mojo

 

I know myself ( probably like most on here ) get overly consumed with my Steelers...NFL is my no.1 sport, and The Steelers are my favorite team!

I know I probably get carried away with my fandom towards them...And even though it's only 1 loss, I'm not feeling it with this team...To many flaws, and way to many big time injuries to overcome IMO

 

I’m thinking some people aren’t aware of the first 40 years of the Steelers?

 

I hear you in a way. Not the streak, but the thought of taking a break. I know it sounds weird on an 11-1 season to date.
My personal problem is while I have known for some time I get too crazy screaming at the TV, I didn't realize that with all the nit picky crap I let get under my skin...I fail to find much pleasure in watching. Of course I celebrate a great play, but I am just too ready to snap at anything that goes wrong and sit there angry through most of the process. Really hit me when my 13yr old told my wife last night that he doesn't want to watch with me any more because Dad's always so mad and doesn't even seem to enjoy it when they win. I need to find a way to cool off and take a different approach as a spectator.
And this may be the week to do it because I live in Rochester NY and my wife and all of her family are huge Bills fans. I was counting on some revenge for that loss last year that they squeeked out over our backup QB, but with the roster we are left with heading into this game and current state of our performances I fully expect Buffalo to hand us another L.
Could be ok though. I do believe the team can get enough corrected and has the talent (assuming some guys are back and we don't lose anyone else) to get on a run into the post season and should they face the Bills a 2nd time later it may play to their favor if the lose the first meeting. Assuming they can stay ahead of them in the seeding that game would be in Pittsburgh.

 

I will continue to watch them this season, but my optimism has turned into realism because of the offense.

 

The Defense keeps losing players and...It's the Offense that sucks...Over-rated

 

Unfortunately, we may have begun a new streak.

 

Can you take SDOT with you? At least show him what a Boycott actually is.

 

Sorry to lose you Jimmy, even for one game. I'm thinking though that there are several regulars here who can match or possibly double your consecutive game record (myself for one). We all knew this loss or losses would likely occur, not sure why the burnout at this juncture. I'm just thrilled that they're actually playing some semblance of a season in this bizzarro world right now and have done so amazingly well, all points considered.

Now skipping a Pirate game (or season) I can certainly understand.

 

Maybe in my next life I will take up enjoyment of Opera instead of Football.

 

Thanks, I truly think there is a mojo I can bring to this, as silly as it sounds.
Yes, if they were still undefeated I'd still be watching. But, right now, I am toast as far as watching football goes, for reasons that go outside fandom.

A couple of streak notes- I also had one that went from 1991 to 1999, then I missed the last 3-4 games of that season. Part of the reason I had this streak going was due to getting the NFL package in 2000.

I did not grow up or have ever lived in a spot that is a Steelers regular TV market (living in New England and in DC) so I had to go to either bars when old enough or- does anyone remember this?

In the early days of the internet, you could pay to have the game streamed over your phone line and play in a speaker. I probably listened to 40+ games in the 1990's that way, even though it cost me about $30 a game.

Now, I've at least followed the Steelers every week they played, at least by watching the score crawler while I suffered through watching some locally televised crappy AFC East games- since the 1974 AFC title game against Oakland. That I can remember watching. I cannot remember watching the game the week before that- the AFC divisional playoff game against- wait for it- the Buffalo Bills.

 

This is just an estimate but I would venture to guess that since 1980 I have probably either watched on TV, listened to or attended 95% of the Steelers games during that timeframe.

Actually boycotted a couple of games last season due to the kneeling garbage but am now back to 100% viewership again. Was not going to spend money on Direct TV this season but finally caved when it was the only way I could watch without going out and spending a fortune.

I get what you are saying about being burned out after all that time, especially with the product of now Vs. way back when, but I find your timing a bit odd.

Good luck though. Might be tougher than you think.

 

Less drama there. (And remember: it ain’t over ’til the fat lineman sings.)

 

He's probably feeling pretty frustrated, as am I. Yes, 11-1 is amazing, but a lot of us have been seeing issues creeping up for quite a while now and they haven't been addressed at all. It just feels like the ship was slowly sinking and no one on board is even trying to plug the hole. As more and more water came in, the captain just kept driving the ship like everything was fine. In a way, that's even more frustrating than being 8-8 and missing the playoffs. Because we have a team that can go all the way, but unless drastic changes are made, that's simply not going to happen. We're not just playing poorly for a week or two, there are systemic issues that need addressed, but there's been no signs of those issues being addressed. We're doing the same damn thing week after week.

Now I'm not going to tune out. I'll watch the game and hope for a win and an entertaining game. If we play great and I see signs of adjustment, I'll be happy, win or lose. If we do the same stupid **** this coming week and look like crap, I'll be frustrated and annoyed, win or lose. I don't care about the regular season at this point. It's all about the playoffs for me. Everything we do at this point needs to be about ensuring we are playing the best possible football come playoffs, and that is going to mean some serious adjustments.

 

How is that possible?? All younger members of my family are Steeler fans even though most were born in Eagle land. They didn't have a choice since we had them watching the Steelers since toddler hood. Maybe you live in Green Bay area or your wife was a Packer fan.

 

No i live in Oklahoma And my ex wife liked the 49rs

 

I didn’t stop watching last year.

Did people forget were 11-1.

Why does it feel like a funeral?