As a child, you often choose your favorite sports team for various reasons—perhaps they represent your city, your family supports them, or you admire a player. This allegiance often endures throughout life, leading to dreams of joining the team as a player, coach, or even team president.

Consider the story of Paul Auster, whose lifelong devotion to writing was sparked by a missed opportunity to get an autograph from baseball legend Willie Mays. As a young fan, Auster approached Mays for an autograph, but no one had a pen handy. This fleeting encounter left a lasting impression on Auster, who vowed always to carry a pen, setting him on the path towards becoming a writer.

However, fandom is not uniform. Some clubs win trophies regularly, while others fight to stay in the league each season. Documentaries like Sunderland ’Til I Die highlight the enduring loyalty of true fans, despite changes in ownership and players.

Even if you no longer watch every game, hearing about your favorite team in the news sparks curiosity. Few brands in life create such lifelong connections, showcasing the depth of passion, commitment, and loyalty that can extend to various aspects of your life.