That map is very interesting. Aren't the dark blue counties in Florida Cowboys rather than Giants? I'm also surprised by Arizona's dedication, particularly considering the Cardinals are usually shit. The Raiders not the most popular team in Oakland? Presumably that would be different if they hadn't have had the sojourn in LA, although at least LA still seem to love them for it. Can't say the same for the Rams despite being there longer. Correct me if I'm wrong but the Broncos look massive but hardly anyone lives in those places they cover?
Florida - all the old people form the North East migrate there either permanently or for half the year, hence Giants not Cowboys.
Arizona - who else are you going to follow out there?
Broncos - yes, but you could say that for Texas as well, outside of Dallas, Houston and Austin.
Hey guys, just remembered my H&V login!
The one thing you need to understand is that in MANY of these areas, the college teams are actually "the team" people really follow. Especially in SEC and ACC areas. I live in the northeast as I am pretty sure USAV does, and where we are, college football barely exists.
BUT...
For example, you ask most people in Florida what teams matter to them and you will hear FSU, The U (miami hurricanes), or Florida (gators).
I have a few friends in Texas that like the cowboys and watch the games, but are really Texas or Texas A&M fans.
There are a few college stadiums in the Midwest that even hold 90,000-100,000 people and sell out every game. In the south there are people that would even consider their local high school team their team.
When you consider amateur athletes being exploited... Um I mean "honored with the opportunity to play" for one of these colleges, realize how much money is at stake.
Then realize that the money they make (not talking about money generated off the publicity, but actual cash money) STAYS in the sports programs. These coaches make a fortune.
Add to it schools like FIU that are paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to go out and "job" to schools like Alabama. So basically the program and coach makes a lot of money to show up and get beaten down gruesomely against a vastly superior opponent. I'm sure the student athletes love that part.