The One About Football

Football season is in full swing. Tragically, I haven't be privileged to the start I expected, and I've got some feelings about it.

Author

Conor Cawley
September 25, 2025

My two favorite football teams, the Baltimore Ravens and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are tragically not off to a good start this season, and it has me pondering the value of hope when it comes to sports.

Disappointment, Thy Name Is Football

Expectations are the bane of any sports fan. When your team just misses a shot at the big game, the following season is filled with hope and possibilities, assuming that last year was just a stepping stone towards the ultimate goal.

At least, that’s what it’s like being a Notre Dame and Baltimore Ravens fan in 2025. Year after year, they dominate in the regular season, make a brief run in the playoffs, and then lose in some heartbreaking fashion to some other AFC/SEC/Big Ten powerhouse that’s supposed to win the whole damn thing.

Win or lose, the vibe at The Bank in Baltimore is always top notch. Source: Conor Cawley

And then, year after year, the expectations are through the roof during the offseason. Free agent signings, retained starters, lengthy extensions, and the fact that Lamar Jackson and Marcus Freeman continue to wake up every morning means that the hope train in Baltimore and South Bend are always running at full steam. Why couldn’t I just be a Bears fan saddled with disappointment all season long instead?

Starting 1-2 isn’t even the problem. Hope isn’t the issue either. It’s that winning the Super Bowl or the College Football Playoff are, in so many words, hard. Every team wants it, some teams even deserve it, but only one goes home with the ultimate prize.

Suffice to say, this better be the year for at least one of my two favorite football teams, because the hope train is quickly running out of steam in this house.

Dad tips of the month

  • Always be cleaning - Toddlers are messy, and if you don’t stay ahead of the mess, you could find yourself buried under a pile of stuffed animals before you know it. 🧽

  • Healthiness is godliness - Being healthy with a toddler is as rare as getting a night to yourself, so definitely take some steps to stave off illness when you can. 👩🏻‍⚕️

  • Utilize your village - When the cards are down, having to take care of a toddler is brutal, which is why you need to be comfortable relying on your village to carry the load. 🏡

Comic Spotlight

There are few people in the Chicago comedy scene that I and the rest of the city are rooting for more than Claire Sundbye. Easily one of, if not, the nicest comic in the city, Claire’s infectious personality and crass sense of humor make you immediately want to be her best friend.

On stage, she’s a force to be reckoned with, beating the audience to death with her immediately likable stage presence paired with an undeniable ability to write for her vibe.

This is yet another terrible promo because Claire just headlined Zanies in Old Town last night, but luckily she is an absolute staple of the scene and you can see her virtually any night of the week. Just sign up for her big gay newsletter and you’ll get updates on where she’s performing!

What I’m consuming this month

Wednesday, Season 2, Netflix

The first season came out three years ago (insane that this is where we’re at in entertainment production at this point in history), and in preparation for October, my wife and I have embarked on Season 2 of Wednesday to get in the spooky spirit.

Straight up, it’s fun as hell. Jenna Ortega and the rest of the Addams Family of surprisingly reputable actors are a blast to watch interact in this vastly magical world, and it’s got a lot more bite than you’d expect from a TV-14 series.

Jenna Ortega rocks and this show is silly. I straight up love it. Source: Netflix

Yes, this show is oozing with CW teen drama vibes. Hell, there was a literal body swap episode in which characters went through a makeover montage. But everything you watch doesn’t have to be serious crime dramas and World War 2 documentaries. It’s whimsical with a bit of violence, delightful with a tinge of darkness, and all the parts of you that are itching to get your pumpkins out will love it.

And that’s the way the newsletter crumbles

I didn’t remember to write this newsletter until today, and I’m glad you came along for my procrastinated ride!

It’s been a hectic and frankly stressful month, but this newsletter feels like a good way to leave some of the bad behind and start fresh.

Thank you as always for being here, either to read my rambling or simply support me in my creative endeavors. You are the best and I hope you have the best day!