Talking NFL

With 4 new cities taking the baton of home field advantage for this weekend’s playoff games, I’ve decided to dedicate today’s posting to the fine art of tailgating for pro football fans. I happen to be friends with some experts in the field (Colin, Dennis and Josh, as pictured below), so here’s a few tips for those of you breaking out the hibachis this weekend:

1) Plan your route

The playoffs come around only once a year; you don’t want to spend them stuck in traffic. If at all possible, make your way in around the back-roads near the stadium. This Sunday, we were able to avoid the Foxboro disaster known as Route 1 completely, thanks to an alternate route to our parking lot. Under pain of death, I will never give this information out freely….you’ll have to do some homework to find your own traffic-free path to glory.

2) Dress appropriately

Depending on your location and forecast, that could mean anything from thermal underwear to a tank top and shorts. Just have alternate clothing with you, especially rain gear, in case the weathermen screw-up. Also, any clothing you would normally wear that has the opposing team’s colors is obviously out - even if you partially cover it. On the way up to the stadium, there was some guy wearing a green sweatshirt under his Brady jersey. We ripped him for a good 1/4 mile.

3) Proper food

Someone in your crew should be a certified chef in grilling or preparing man-food. Fortunately, my good friend Colin brought his special ‘evil-chili’, which is simply the best chili I’ve ever had. Colin has been gracious enough to offer up the recipe to the TalkingNFL audience, and I will post it shortly

We also had a hunter with us that cooked up his own KILL (now that’s old-school tailgating)! We call this little number Filets o’ Jet Fan:

4) Proper Drink

You wouldn’t go to a 4 star restaurant, order a $40 sirloin, then wash it down with Boone’s Farm wine, would you? Of course not. So why would you combine carefully marinated ribs and steak tips with Natty Light? Unacceptable. I go with Harpoon IPA or Sam Adams.

5) Enjoy the Nearby Entertainment

There’s always something good going on at a rowdy playoff tailgate; harassment of opposing fans, a tail-light being broken by a stray football, someone accidentally being lit on fire. But the best is the local college & high school cheerleading squads, who will do cheers for you if you offer a monetary donation. These fine ladies were happy to celebrate Josh’s 10-year wedding anniversary for him….

Other than that, put out the grill when you’re done, have fun with your friends, and enjoy the game!