In terms of popularity, what hobby compares to being a sports fan?

NFL is the top property to be associated with. Its popularity is equal to that of all other (pro) sports combined.

Fans are relatively resilient in coping with loss. If we weren't, there would be no Cubs fans.

The stronger the identification with the team, typically the stronger emotional reaction to the losses. So the higher the highs, and the lower the lows.

When you're exposed to aggressive stimuli like you are in football, you're more prone to act in an aggressive manner. At that point we've got aggressiveness on the front of our minds.

When you're among 60,000 of your closest friends, your accountability diminishes. It's very different than if you're at a bar with 10 people.