Coaches Quote by Steve Almond
“Football is the kind of game where you have to really segregate kids from the general population and kind of colonize their minds. It's more intense and demands more than other sports. And this is why the folks who are involved (as players, coaches, boosters, fans) are so much more devoted to it. It's really a cult, when you think about it.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Cult of Football” in The New York Times, 2009
Football creates an intense, exclusive community that demands deep devotion, resembling a cult-like identity.
In simple terms: Football is a devoted, exclusive community.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the intensity of group identity.
Themes
sports culture
community
cult dynamics
Mood
critical
observational
Type
sociological
commentary
When to use this quote
- team sports
- fan gatherings
- coaching
- marketing
Key Concepts
sociology
psychology
identity
Questions to Reflect On
- Why does football feel cult‑like?
- How does this affect non‑players?
A Different Perspective
Such devotion can marginalize outsiders.
