I could have decided to live in a grey area and lead a double life, as perhaps other priests do. But at a certain point, I realized that it wasn't right. I don't agree with celibacy or the doctrine that supports it.
Part of the answer lies in the visceral nature of the game. Unlike chess, football is physical to the point of absurdity. Grown adults in body armor crash into each other over what is essentially a leather egg. There's drama in every play. You don't need a PhD in physics to appreciate a one-handed catch while somersaulting over a defender like a caffeinated acrobat.