Upon browsing the sports blogs recently, a small voice appeared from nowhere asking a simple question, "Why do you guys get so mad when someone insults your team? It's only a game people."

Years ago I started my plight to find the answer to what appears to be simple questions. Think about it. Why does reading about your team in a negative light get your ire? Why are you ready to defend them to the death? Why do you care what a stranger has to say?

After consulting with two clinical psychologists about this (yes, I really did), I received the same answer. We react in the manner we do because sports fans often live vicariously through their team.

What does that mean in English? It means that we have so many years invested in "our team" we view them as part of ourselves.

In the good old day's (before free agency), we could name every starting player on the roster. We knew their jersey number, and which college they attended. We knew their career stats, and which team(s) they played for, prior to "ours." We knew which years they made the play-offs and who coached them during their run.

We simply have too much time invested in our team to allow any loud mouth to refute their honor. We will not stand idly by as a "know nothing" writes falsehoods about them, down-play's their accomplishments, or simply makes up lies. Sound familiar? If this is you, keep reading.

As far as I'm concerned, there are two main reasons we behave in this manner. We follow our team because we view our team's victories as our own, or we follow them to forget about past experiences we do not relish remembering.

Many Vietnam veterans have mentally blocked horrific war memories from rising to the surface. Though they remain in their subconscious, it's a practical alternative to move forward with their lives. It's a survival mechanism instilled in many of us.

However, that same veteran may be able to recall every detail in the Super Bowl that Joe Namath predicted the outcome. Both events, the good and the bad may have occurred during the same time.

How it changed for me... I remember the day I went from fanatic to fan as if it were yesterday. Or should I say became less obsessive?

My team had just lost the game. Of course, I was disappointed. Staring at the television blankly as the players and coaches exchanged handshakes, I could not believe what I was seeing. Why are "my" players smiling? Why are they laughing after a loss? Is it possible that I care more about winning than they do? Why is my Sunday ruined and theirs not? Then it dawned on me.

The players receive paychecks win or lose. May I add that these checks contain numbers far greater than what you and I earn. For the most part, their job is secure win or lose, which is something else I could not relate to.

When we have a lousy day at work, our bosses do not approach us with "high fives" merely because we knew them in college. When you earn millions of dollars a year, winning may not be your highest priority, as long as the checks keep rolling in.

Only a select few players watch game film when not required, show up to practice early, and take the playbook home to study. These are the players that become household names. However, the majority of players are there for their pay, their sponsorships and to sell merchandise.

Gone are the days where players remain on one team through thick in thin. Free agency killed team allegiance many years ago. It is not uncommon for a "B"-rated player to wear multiple helmets in the same year.

There is nothing wrong with loving your team, following them to the bitter end. It's okay to have your office painted in your team colors, or drink coffee from a helmet shaped mug. We all draw the line in different places, which is okay if it works for you.

If you are uncertain about the level of involvement you have with your team, ask your family. I'm certain they know exactly where you stand. Speaking solely for myself, I still look forward to watching my team whenever possible, but I wouldn't sacrifice my daughter's graduation for a game. I have found solace in not caring for my team more than the players who wear the same helmet I have in my den.

This ideal for living has afforded me a better work/play balance. If it works for any of you, I would be much obliged if you dropped me an e-mail. Go team!