Hello, sports fans! Or should I say fanatics?

I was recently called a sports fanatic, and it got me wondering what the difference really is between a fan and a fanatic. And today, we are going to find out!

Let’s start with some basis definitions:

A fan is someone who shows a strong interest in something or somebody, such as a celebrity or band, a sports team, a movie or an entertainer. Sports fans, then, are a group of people who share a common interest in sports, specific sports teams and players. In general, sports fanatics are known for their excessive enthusiasm, and intense devotion to their teams.

So how do you know if you, a friend, or a family member has crossed the line from being a fan to becoming a fanatic? Read through these 5 scenarios, decide if you are closer to the “a” or “b” descriptions, and keep track of the number of a’s and b’s.

1 – Outward Appearance

a) Fans follow a team, but it might not be obvious to other people which team they like.

b) Fanatics own a lot of team gear, wearing their team’s colors, shirts or hats regularly, displaying a team banner outside their home, or putting a sticker on their car.

2 – Watching the Game

a) Fans may watch their team on TV, but are okay with just catching the score later if they have something else to do that day.

b) Fanatics never miss a game, often attend a tailgate party and game at the stadium, or watch with other fans in a sports bar, or at home on television. And there is always game day food!

3 – News

a) Fans occasionally check for updates about the team.

b) Fanatics obsessively follow news about their team through newspapers, websites, and social media.

4 – Players

a) Fans know the names and numbers of a few of the top players

b) Fanatics know all of the player’s names, numbers, positions and key stats.

5 – Facts and Trivia

a) Fans know the team name, where they are located, and their home stadium

b) Fanatics know the team’s history, including how and when they were started, current and previous year’s win-loss records, and all of coaches who have been with the team.

Now count up those a’s and b’s. If you have mostly a’s, then you are a sports fan. Mostly b’s? Then welcome to the world of being a sports fanatic! You are in good company!

Looking for more fun ways to describe a sports fanatic? Check out You might be a Sports Fanatic if ….

See you next week!

Carrie