What’s up, Props fam!

Quick question: Does this ever happen to anyone else, or just me?

August 2024: I was sitting alone at a neighborhood bar for a Friday happy hour while my fiancé was working, minding my own business, when this older gentleman sat down next to me. After about 30 minutes, his opening line? "Do you do fantasy football?"

“Buddy, you have no idea. I'm already 95 best ball drafts deep,” I thought.

My actual reply: “A little bit!”

Immediately, this guy frantically tried showing me pictures of his keeper league team on a phone he clearly didn’t know how to use (he was proud of that team). Long story short: they needed a guy. In-person draft, tons of food, his wife’s making baked ziti, the works.

My fiancé's reaction when I told her I was considering going to a stranger's basement to draft with 9-12 other strangers? Pure horror. But damn, that baked ziti sounded tempting.

After a few beverages, I agreed to join. Plot twist: By the time he figured out how to text his commissioner, they'd already filled the spot. He was so happy that HE was the one to find a replacement owner, only for his dreams to be shot down due to his technological struggles.

The Callback

Fast forward one year. I get a missed call from an out-of-state number and a voicemail from (for the sake of this story, let’s call him) Rob. I couldn't believe he still had my number.

They needed a guy again.

My fiancé thinks I'm insane for considering it (again), but sometimes you take calculated risks for fantasy football. Especially if the keepers are solid (ha!), and I respect the dedication and camaraderie it takes to run a long-lasting home league.

The Plot Twist

Here's where it gets good: I joined the league and recognized two names on the manager list. Are you kidding me?

Turns out they work with Rob. In an area where well over 100,000 people live, the random guy at the bar from the other side of the city connected me to people I already knew.

There will certainly be less of an adrenaline rush going to a complete stranger’s house, but when I’m on the clock with a stomach full of baked ziti, I’ll feel right at home.

If that's not fantasy football magic, I don't know what is.

The Takeaway

Fantasy football really does bring people together. Whether it's long-running leagues with the same crew or random bar encounters that become annual traditions, there's something special about this ridiculous hobby of ours.

PS: My fiancé still thinks I'm crazy, and she might be right. I'll report back on Rob's wife's cooking in September.

Until then, I'm not talking to any more strangers at bars.

...Probably.

- Justin Carlucci, Props Editorial / Member of a new local league w/ (mostly) strangers

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