I'm actually the sport watcher in my family. My husband likes sports, but he doesn't watch as often as me. I grew up with sports, whether it was organized or on the playground. I've recently, well, the past few years, fallen in love with Rugby. I really don't have a favorite team, except for maybe the LA Angels (of Anaheim
). My friend plays outfield for them. When I was growing up I had a favorite player in each baseball (Cal Ripken Jr), football (Dan Marino), and basketball (Larry Bird). But I didn't idolize those guys. I have a problem with that. If a sports figure also works hard for charity, that's the reason to put them on a pedestal. Not for carrying a ball for 100 yards a game.
I don't think you have to watch sports to be a man. I've known many a "man" that is a die hard sports fan that doesn't contribute a positive thing to society.