The NFL playoffs start today and I will be watching. Not sure of the wildcard game matchups. But I will watch the two games today and the two games tomorrow. At least I will start watching each game. If the game I have tuned in is any good, I will stay with it.

I am not a huge football fan. Come playoff time, however, I pay more attention. I have been living in Cambridge, Massachusetts since 1997, so I have seen all of the New England Patriots playoff games - and all five of their Super Bowl victories. It has been quite a run for the Pats. An entirely different history than the one I witnessed growing up with the Detroit Lions.

Not sure why I enjoy watching the games as much as I do. For sure, it's a break from work and some enjoyable down time. But there is something else at play. Something to do with having watched the NFL playoff games for over forty years now. It's a habit or a tradition made richer with each passing season and - every now and then - a really great game. It's not about so many specific memories as it is about a collective feeling. Do you know what I mean?

Are you ready for some football?