Explain the "We" In Sports Fandom

It makes it more fun for some people.

I agree with the use of "we" and "us" as stupid.  It makes me think that those using it are trying desperately to cling to some pipe dream of being a professional athlete.

But, I guess it would make any conversations between those discussing a game much easier to understand than if both teams were referred to as "they."

^^^Yes. And it keeps me connected to my home/family/roots. I don't usually use "we" when talking about my "home" team, but I can understand why people do.

Besides, ever buy a ticket to a game? There's your "we".

Of course "WE" didn't play the game.  They did.

But that's been the accepted way of talking about your sports team for just about as long as we HAD sports team.

And the whole them/we/us thing has been fodder for jokes for almost as long as that.

Same joke/conversation, new day.

Over think much?

It is just a use of language... when I say "my" team... do you honestly think I own it? No it's just "my" team I root for.

Why in the world would anyone think when I say "we" scored a TD... that I would mean it literally... every one knows I don't play for the Broncos.

It's just a convenience thing. And yes there is a connection of the two things... but not a literal one of ownership or membership, just a fan and team thing.

I think you're dismissing a large part of the population that think they literally have an effect on the outcome of a game.  Like poor little Casey here, who didn't want to put the sparkles on her nails, but did because her sister said it would be pretty.  And she ended up costing the Packers the Superbowl.  Good job Casey.  Pretty sure she says "we won" or "we scored". 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeTX76dLdBw&feature=related

You are NOT alone!

I have always wondered this as well.  Perhaps I've never understood the fan concept.  I think that unless you have actually helped the team in some actual manner you can't be a 'part' of that team.  Same goes with college sports.  Unless you are an alumni, how in the world is that 'your' team.

I've heard many people discussing a UGa game and I will ask the question:  Oh, what year did you graduate?  More times than no, they never attended.  I just don't get it.

For those that say, "Well, we pay for the tickets and the shirts so that's how we are part of the team."  Are you also part of the Symphony or part of Cirque du Soleil when you buy tickets to go see them?  Did "you" do that cool acrobatic move?  Same concept.

You don't think fans help their team at home?

so do you wear Calvin Kline or Ralph Lauren???

That is exactly what I thought! The Seattle Sounders fans certainly have an effect on home matches. That stadium gets louder than just about anything I have ever heard.

I did not get it either until I found a sport and team I came to love. Now when I talk with co-workers about them, it is using the we phrases. However I talk about the Seahawks or Mariners without any emotional attachment

Wow man, just asked a question. Who pissed in your cheerios?

Where did I belittle others? I have been fascinated with this for years, and I really do want to understand it. That's why I asked. A large number of people I love, and care about, and until I had children, would have taken a bullet for, are in this category. I want to understand them, not belittle them. I don't know how you got that out of my question, and clarifying statements on how I see it. I want to understand where I am amiss. 

You want belittling? Try being an adult male in the US without any sports loyalty and admitting it readily among groups of "regular guys." So I question "what's the big deal?" I didn't say "anyone who thinks this way is clearly stupid." Or anything like it. 

I've been on the receiving end of "I don't understand it so I ridicule it." I know what that looks like. I see it happen to others all the time. I think I'm pretty tuned into it. I don't think that's at all what I have expressed here. Now, ask me about the Juggalos, and I admit my failing as a human being that I can't help but do exactly what you describe. I really don't think I did that here. 

If that really is the case, I will accept that and move on. 

I have this crazy idea that maybe by asking other people's opinions, I might come to a better understanding of something outside my own personal ideas/bias/experience. I know that's not fashionable these days. Or it's at least, suspect. See above.

Here are just a couple examples.  Maybe it's just the "ease" of discussing it OR maybe taking ownership?

In highschool, if your debate team or soccer/basketball/football team beat the school down the street, do you say "we" (as in SCHOOL) defeated them or do you want the kids to say our basketball team beat their basketball team?

Same for college. 

What about a city or region?  The Broncos are Denver's team.  They represent Denver and their fans.  So is it so far fetched to say WE (as in Denver, or Bronco fans) destroyed Oakland?  I'm sure the almost 2 million people of Denver don't think they were taking snaps.

What about the National team that just lost the Ryder Cup?  Do you say "we" lost to Europe or the representatives of out country?  Olympics?

What about a war?  When we say WE won WWII.  Can't we say as a nation and alies, we won?  Or do we say our military defeated their military?

If Obama wins again, is it accaptable for the democrats to say "we" won?  Or do they say, BO, the presidential candidate for the Democratic party, won?

I think the whole concept of using "we" is much further reaching than just sports and is common use...  Not sure why it needs to be questioned or explained.

In GENERAL, I personally don't use "we" either.  I didn't play.  But I will use in on occasion.  And understand when it is used and accept it without getting too bent out of shape and realize that THEY don't think they played either and just using the phrase.