Have fans lost the ability to be happy?

The Steelers could win the Superbowl, and some would gripe about the lost draft positions.

 

I realize that part of the purpose of this board is to vent, and vent collectively, which can also be therapeutic. Saying that, I've wondered if the age of the Steelers fan/poster has anything to do with a level of happiness.

Here's what I mean. I am 57 soon to be 58, I've been following the Steelers since 1972. When I was in 3rd to 8th grade, the Steelers won 4 Super Bowls, 2 against the hated Cowboys who were the favorite team of the vast majority of my peers (I am not from the Pittsburgh area btw, nor from Texas either.) I honestly believe looking back, that having your team win when you were a kid was more meaningful than when you are older.

So since those days, I don't think I'm capable of being really unhappy about the Steelers, because I have the 70s experience in my fan DNA. Yes, I get frustrated and disappointed, but then I remember that they can never take the memories of those 4 Super Bowl wins away from me. I can remember watching all of them vividly.

Now, if I was younger, and I became a fan, say in the late 80s or during the Cowher or even Tomlin era- my experience would have been much different, because what I'd remember most were home losses of AFC championship games, losing countless games against lousy teams, and near misses and bad breaks. I'd still appreciate the successes of those times, which are more than we realize I think, but I'd be far more likely to be judgmental or complaining.

I see these last 3 weeks as one of the great miracles in my history watching as a fan. I'd compare it to the 1989 team, which lost its first 2 games by a score of 92-10, had to then turn to Todd Blackledge as a Qb for a few games, were 5-7 and a million miles away from the playoffs- but won 4 games under Bubby Brister, then a playoff game on the road over Houston, and nearly beat a Super Bowl bound Denver team. So, savor this moment, because stuff like this doesn't happen very often to any franchise.

 

Fantasy football has changed the fan. W/L record. Is not good enogh, they want
400 yr passers every week 200 yd rb's and don't forget 3 int'sfor your favorite fantasy defense.

 

Same with the 70's. I'm a big Pirate fan. As a young full of himself young man I had 6 Pittsburgh Championships in 9 years. 7 if we count U. of Pitt. I enjoyed the hell out of the Steelers and Penguins Championships after 2000 but different then the ones in my youth. Losses don't hurt like they once did. Some of my favorite Steeler seasons did not produce a Championship. This year will ran high regardless of what happens next.

 

Add the word by selecting the check mark, that will fix it.

 

Misery loves company! That is why we complain. We are all miserable.....lol

 

God bless you