Fantasy football has recently become an American pastime equivalent to apple pie, sleeping in on Thanksgiving, and over-analyzing the air pressure of a football. Every Sunday 75 million fans set their rosters and hope for a win. And just like Ricky Bobby said in Talladega Nights: “If you ain’t first, you’re last.”
However, few commit as much to being last as senior Danny Gagne, who started playing fantasy football in 2011.
“My friend Mark asked me to join a league,” Gagne said. “And I’ve been playing ever since.”
Fantasy Football leagues create the opportunity for friends to compete and prove their abilities and fandom over others. Fantasy competitors fill their rosters with key players at each position and aim to score more points than their opponent. Gagne has increased his dedication over time, now committing more time than ever to fantasy football.
“I spend about seven hours per week on fantasy football,” Gagne said. “I read articles on ESPN, scour the waiver wire, and ponder potential trades.”
Despite his effort, the fruits of fantasy football success have not been tasted by Gagne. He stumbled to a 7-6 record last year and barely missed making the playoffs for his league.
However, Gagne considers his finish one of his greatest successes.
“I came back from an 0-3 start and finished with an above 500 record,” Gagne said.
His failure in missing the playoff last year created somewhat of a controversy between him and his fellow league mates.
“I was colluded against and unfairly treated,” Gagne said. “Someone benched two of their best players so someone else would make the playoffs over me.”
However, fellow league mates had a different view.
“Danny’s team sucked,” senior Dave Murphy said. “He had no chance to be in the playoffs.”
But Gagne is convinced his tactics are top notch.
“Team chemistry is the most important thing in fantasy football,” Gagne said.
Notwithstanding past failure, Gagne believes he can move on and have success in the future.
“My team will finish 9-4 this year and I will come back better than ever,” Gagne said. “I’m going to be a top 3 seed in the playoffs.”