Life is full of pointless arguments.
As human beings, we rejoice in the ability to argue over things that have no real relevance to our lives or topics that we are less than versed in.
One of these such pointless arguments is the age-old question of which is better; the CFL or the NFL?
It is a topic that always seems to come up around this time of year, when the Canadian Football League's stretch drive is in full swing while the NFL's season has just begun.
Detractors of the CFL, and/or proponents of America's league, suggest that our Canadian game is gimmicky and lacks the steady of stream of talented players that the NFL seems to produce in endless supply.
Meanwhile, hardcore CFL fans relish in pointing out the NFL's lack of offence or creativity, or the ability of a team that is up by three to sit on the ball and run down the clock - even with over two minutes remaining.
Are these observations valid? Sure.
Both league's have their fatal flaws and eccentricities that appeal only to their respective audiences.
However, the problem arises when a comparison is attempted.
Comparing the CFL to the NFL is like comparing a pineapple to a 2009 Ford Fusion.
It can be done but it's pointless.
Both league's play football, that is where the similarity ends. Playing in the CFL requires a completely different skill set than its American counterpart.
A wider field, a shorter play clock and three downs place an emphasis on speed and a quarterback's ability to improvise.
Doug Flutie, the greatest CFL player of all-time, was one of the game's great improvisers.
However, what Flutie lacked in the physical sense proved to be one of his biggest stumbling blocks in his NFL transition.
The National Football League focuses more on physical power and the execution of the finer details.
A smaller field and a longer play clock means that defence is king and only through a refined strategy and perfect execution will be victory be achieved.
Both leagues have styles of play that are dictated by the rules that are govern them.
Does the NFL have a larger base of players? Certainly.
It takes a unique athlete to transition to the Canadian game, however that doesn't make that athlete more or less impressive. Just blessed with the ability to play a more wide-open style.
I love football.
From July to February, at least some portion of each weekend is dedicated to watching teams and players from BOTH league's play football at the highest level.
I can watch both the CFL and NFL because I can appreciate the differences between the two and what makes them unique.
A CFL or NFL supporter watching the other league will obviously come to the conclusion that theirs is better, because they cater to their own specific style.
I don't hold the aforementioned pineapple up to a car and criticize it for not having wheels.
The pineapple is fruit, it's not going to give me what I want if what I want is a car.
Though the analogy is weak, I hope you can see my point.
Don't waste your time comparing league's, you won't change anyone's mind any more than they will change yours.
Just enjoy each league for what it offers; a healthy dose of competition and an awesome alternative to yard work.
