Can Love Survive Sports Rivalries? How to Date a Fan of Your Enemy Team
You meet someone out of a dream. They’re sweet, funny, hot, and they text you back. You’re already daydreaming about matching jerseys until you find out…They root for your team’s mortal enemy. Suddenly, your wedding plans turn into a nightmare in cleats. But wait. Is it really done for? Or is this rivalry love story the plot you need in your dating life? We’re here to tell you it can work, and some of the most iconic couples prove it!
It’s A Rivalry, Not a Red Flag
Look, loving someone who loves your enemy can feel like you’re dating a villain. But rivalry isn’t betrayal. Think of it as a good kind of drama. It's kind of like Romeo and Juliet, but instead of feuding families, it’s foam fingers and smack talk. Just ask Jason and Kylie Kelce.
Jason’s a Philly legend; Kylie’s a proud Eagles ride-or-die. However, she married into the Kelce dynasty, which includes Travis, aka Chief Kingdom royalty. Super Bowl LVII? A Literal family feud. But they survived it with love, laughter, and some expertly raised eyebrows from Kylie in the stands.
Travis and Jason Kelce after the Chiefs’ Super Bowl Win (Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today)
From Game Day to Date Night
Sure, the tension gets real when your teams face off, but think of the upside. You’ve got built-in drama, guaranteed date-night stakes, and zero chance of getting bored during football season. Besides, who doesn’t love a little friendly competition? Plus, you can totally rock his team’s colors! As long as it’s for fashion, not allegiance.
And if it ever gets too intense? Take a note from Harry Raftus and his girlfriend, Shannon Ego, the couple who root for opposite NHL teams and somehow make it look good while being madly in love.
Playbook for Dating A Rival Fan
1. No Team-Shaming… on Weekdays.
Save the sass for Sunday. You’re in a relationship, not running ESPN First Take.
2. Make a Bet. Make it Cute.
The winner picks the next date night, and the loser wears the rival jersey for a day. Bonus points for turning it into Instagram content.
3. Don’t Touch the Lucky Jersey. Ever.
It’s sacred. It may be hideous. But love is about boundaries.
At the End of the Day… Love Wins
So, can you date someone who roots for your rival team? Yes, girl. You just have to be brave. Or delusional. Or both.
Sports rivalries bring passion. Relationships need passion. This is practically science. As long as they respect your team, your rituals, and your game-day attire, there’s no reason love and rivalry can’t coexist. So put on your best game-day fit, yell at the refs, and remind your rival significant other who really runs the scoreboard.
Hint: It’s you.