A year or so ago, I gave up watching football. I couldn't reconcile the thrill of rooting for the Patriots with the long-term toll I knew the game was taking on its players. I'm sure family members don't fully understand my absence from what had been regular Sunday get togethers. In time, I think they'll get it. It's hard for America to walk away from something that's so ingrained in our culture: the rabid fandom, the tailgating, the donning of the team colors, the sense of community that it provides, and the family bonds that are strengthened from generation to generation.

This riveting Frontline episode might prompt a few watchers to put down that beer and chips and find another obsession. And I know many here are avid fans, and I certainly don't mean to sound self-righteous, but it's over for this former viewer.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/league-of-denial/

Peter T.