Inquiry Outline for genre piece.

1. I. Intro
a. The NFL is a multi-billion dollar company with each team making millions per year.
Large part of the nation’s economy.
b. Discuss how/why many Americans draw part of their identity through the football
team they support. (thesis)
c. Analyze what makes Americans so interested in football. Analyze how Americans
identify with NFL teams. Identify how teams draw in fans.
II. Methods of Research
a. team forums
1. opened account on 4 different team forums across the league
2. asked series of open ended questions
3. analyzed responses
b. patent research
1. related to how to generate additional revenue for teams
c. article related to the “best fans” in the NFL
1. pulled info relevant to topic
2. analyzed parts that were tailored toward what makes a “good fan”
III. Americans are drawn into football because…
a. tests the limits of the human condition
1. gladiator theme
b. underdog stories give hope

2. 1. Volsunghawk analysis; Lynch was “too small” but defied naysayers
2. Bonecracker89 analysis; team can go from bottom to top in the same season.
c. fast paced with short seasons; every game counts
1. Erebus: season is so short, each game is hugely important
2. Bonecracker89: other sports, individual games don't bear as much significance
because of their long seasons
3. Erebus: in no other sport is everyone on the field as dependent on one another
IV. how the fans contribute
a. game/event attendance/participation
1. Mosley article: loudness/presence in another teams stadium/tailgating
b. merchandise/memorabilia purchases
1. patent analysis: symbols of support, catering to fans
2. Gee analysis (affinity groups)
c. emotional impact
1. Mosley article: hard losses/hate of other fans
V. how the teams draw in fans
a. team performance leads to more fans
1. patent analysis: success generates fans
b. caliber of players/personalities
1. patent analysis: use extra income to buy better players
2. likable personalities adds entertainment value/role models

3. c. location/tradition/looks
1. Jaguar Warrior: family in Jacksonville, loved the uniforms
VI. Final Thoughts
a. Sum up how fans identify with teams.
b. What are the effects of fan support on the respective organizations?
c. Show how it is profitable to play toward fan identities