You Gave Me the Answer: How did you become a fan of American Football?

Did you know that Paul’s first performance with his current touring band of Rusty, Brian, Wix and Abe was at the Super Bowl in 2002? In fact, they returned and played the Super Bowl again in 2005, and Paul has been spotted attending the event as a fan many times since!

So, with the NFL season wrapping up and Super Bowl Sunday set for the 9th February this year, we thought it was good opportunity to ask Paul this question from a fellow American football fan on social media…

Jane asks: I know you watch a lot of American football, and you've been to the Superbowl a few times! How did you get into American football?  

Paul: Well, being married to Linda meant I was in America quite a bit. We spent a lot of time there with her family and American Football was always on the television. I would watch it with everyone but not really know what was going on! 

Then Linda gave me a big clue. She said, ‘See that guy there? When the two teams line up against each other, there’s a guy who receives the ball. Keep an eye on him, he’s called the quarterback, and he’s going to pass it to someone. All the action comes from him.’ So, once I had that clue, I found it much easier to follow. 

I watched a lot of it and grew to really like it, because it’s quite a complicated and strategic game - and obviously very athletic. In Britain we used to laugh at it, saying, ‘They wear all those pads and protective gear. We don’t, we’ve got rugby, a proper sport!’. But I got over all that, and found I really liked it. So yeah, I’m a big fan of football, American-style.

PaulMcCartney.com: We noticed that there was a sweepstakes going round amongst the crew on last year’s Got Back tour, which coincided with the NFL season. Do you ever take part in that?

Paul: Yeah! Some of the crew bring a form around and you tick off who you think is going to win. I won once and everyone hated me! They said, ‘Oh god, oh no!’ Because of course there’s money involved and I’m their boss. But I said, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll give the winnings to charity’. It was only that one time. But, believe me, it was a thrill!!

Win or lose, sink or swim, one thing’s for certain – Paul will be cheering along in front of the TV or from the sidelines!

Have you got a question for Paul? As it via the Paul McCartney Official Fan Group on Facebook, and yours might be selected for next month’s website Q&A.