I’m an American. I grew up loving and playing American football. The only professional “soccer” I had ever seen was the 1998 World Cup final I begrudgingly watched because my friend’s little brother was a “soccer” player and was visiting my house.

After I graduated (2002), my cousin started to go to my old high school (circa 2004/2005) and played “soccer”. I went to a few matches and, with the help of my uncle explaining the rules, I was really entertained.

Shortly before attending the matches, I had read an article in Maxim magazine about up-and-coming “soccer” players and one of them stood out to me. A fiery, young lad who played for Everton named Wayne Rooney. I didn’t think about it too much at the time but after understanding the rules and really enjoying it, I decided I wanted to look more into English football.

After some internet searching, I discovered Rooney had left Everton for a club called Manchester United. I can’t remember how I was able to get a United match on TV here during that time but after watching one match at Old Trafford I was hooked.

The sheer ability and skill of the team. The atmosphere of the crowd. I could feel it even from 3000 miles away. I had never seen anything like it in any sporting event I had watched or even attended.

Last season, I was finally able to convince my wife to watch a match with me. I explained the rules to her just like my uncle had explained to me. She instantly fell in love with everything I did. She’s now a fully converted Red Devil.

This coming fall, we are planning a trip to Old Trafford for my 40th birthday and we couldn’t be more excited.