In the world of sports, not all heroes wear bulky helmets or flashy cleats. Enter the realm of fantasy football — a game where students become coaches, strategists, and even entrepreneurs. In it, the playing field transforms into a digital battleground, where skillful trades, clever acquisitions, and unexpected lineup changes can make or break one’s NFL season. Every decision counts and every player has the potential to seize the championship. Here, the real heroes are the ones who can think a few steps ahead — or the ones with good gut instincts.
The Draft: Where It All Begins
“It all starts with the draft,” explained Middle School Flag Football Coach Myles Bacon. “You and your friends can either draft online or gather for a draft party. You have access to any player in the NFL. The draft order, usually determined randomly, can be one through ten. I had the tenth pick, so the second round starts with me and goes back. That’s called a snake draft.”
Coach Bacon went on, explaining that running backs, wide receivers, and quarterbacks are the positions likely to get picked earlier on in the draft. He stated, “The excitement is when someone goes off-script” and picks an unexpected player, such as a kicker, avoiding the usual draft sequence.
Coach Bacon’s words capture the thrill of draft days, where strategies start to take shape and dreams of victory are born. And for many players at Bishop’s, fantasy football is not only about winning or losing — it’s also about creating special memories with friends and stirring up some friendly (and fierce) competition. But most importantly, it’s about having lots of laughs.
Its Growing Popularity
According to Statista, 29.2 million people in the U.S. participated in fantasy football in 2022, making it the most-played U.S. fantasy sport by a significant margin. More Bishop’s students join fantasy leagues every season. “The game of football is America’s game,” Coach Bacon proudly stated. “When you mix that with the thrill of competition, it creates a powerful attraction for students.” It’s about claiming bragging rights, sparking fervent debates, and building your dream team.
“You can do as much as you want, and you can barely do anything at all,” said JT Cochrane (‘28). It doesn’t take a football expert to play the game, only a few minutes out of your day. JT is in four leagues, but stated that he only “spends 15 minutes to a half hour per week managing [his] fantasy teams.”
Players develop emotional attachments to their athletes, most apparent when an injury occurs. “Injuries can be devastating. When my guy gets hurt, you see him limping off, and then it hits you. You check your phone, and it says he’s out for the rest of the game,” Coach Bacon said. He continued, “I get so emotional, as I’m sure many other players can relate. We will emote like babies over some sport. We will act out, speak out, sing out, cry, cuss, throw something at the television.”
A Unique Community
“It’s a really good social connector — something competitive, something you enjoy,” said JT, a player with eight years of experience. “You have something to talk about… The more I play, it’s not about the football as much, it’s about playing with the other people and kind of enjoying that which is fun.”
Each matchup is more than just a game; it’s a chance for Bishop’s students to foster more connections, create inside jokes, and rally together as a team. As Coach Bacon emphasized, “I would almost compare it to generals at war — the two leaders of opposite sides can almost be like friends. They’re both the only people who understand what the other is going through. They’re the only ones that understand that so it’s like playing chess— so I see that you did that, maybe I’ll have to do this.”
The intense games also allow Bishop’s students to forge deeper connections with their peers. According to JT, “Even when I’m not with my friends physically, I’ll be texting them like, ‘Did you see this? I’m going to beat you now!’ And then also there’s lots of talk like, really the whole week like leading up to the games and stuff, which makes it fun.”
Fantasy football weaves itself into the social fabric at Bishop’s. Max Ngyuen (‘28) is in a league of 12 players, forming a tight-knit group through competition. Max said that “[fantasy football] builds a bond with the people in our league mates.” Beckett Nielson (‘28) added, “[We are] short-term enemies, long-term friends.” Fantasy football brings people together and makes the game a significant part of their social lives. “It’s like you are building your own team; those players are yours, and you are investing in them… almost like a better retro bowl,” Max claimed.
Math Teacher Mr. Jack Feger also talked about his experience with the game, touching on how it keeps him engaged throughout the week. “It [also] helps me stay in touch with my friends,” said Mr. Feger. Now, through fantasy football, he is able to continue his relations with his college friends, even if they’re miles apart.
A Lasting Impact
Fantasy football at Bishop’s has evolved into more than just a game — it’s a tradition among friends. In the game’s 18-week season, as students walk between classes and talk during lunch, hallways hum with a different kind of excitement — not from textbooks or tests, but from the conversations, debates, and teasing of fantasy leagues. But, ultimately, ranks, trophies, and stats may fade away, but what remains is more valuable: the laughs, the stories, and the reminder that in sports, some of the most rewarding wins happen off the field. Fantasy football may be a virtual game, but the memories and friendships forged through a shared love for the game of football are very real.
