According to their recent blog post, Twitter thinks that the NFL playoffs and tweets make a great combination. This is probably true: Twitter provides great coverage for sports. But it’s interesting to think about where, exactly, NFL fans should look on Twitter for updates and good information. Twitter says all 12 playoff teams and 200 of the NFL players have accounts — who tweets best?
The public list called “NFL: Playoffs” gives Twitter users an instant, satisfying portal into football mania. The entire list has a following of less than 100 for now, but choosing to make use of this compilation of tweeting players, teams, and fans is a good way to get the football tweets you want. However, if following a list is not your style, then you should hand-select the teams and players that most interest you.
In general, teams offer more generalized information about the team, as well as promotional tweets and information about tickets. These kinds of tweets often lack the athletic personality you might be craving from your Twitter experience, but the interactions between fans and the team’s Twitter account can often be illuminating (in terms of @ replies, etc.) Check out the New England Patriots on Twitter, for example.
These team Twitter accounts also succeed in pumping up followers for the game, and often make you feel special for being a loyal fan. For instance, the New York Jets sort of sucks up to its fans (in the most positive way possible):
The players, then, are different because they are often trying to distinguish themselves. Sometimes, it’s fun to follow these star athletes just to witness that they think the same run-of-the-mill, generic thoughts as many of us regular joes. For instance, even Hines Ward of the Steelers acknowledged Christmas and New Year’s, in the fashion of what seems like 99.9% of Twitter users.
It’s also fun to keep tabs on your favorite player’s profile just to see what others write about them on Twitter. For instance, take a look at the feed for Desmond Bishop.
Teams tweet consistently because their fan base has direct monetary value. Players also have a profession interest in tweeting and gathering followers, but their tweets are slightly more varied and give you that glimpse of life that is always fun to see on a computer screen. Next time you’re watching a playoffs game at the local sports bar, whip out your phone and update your friends on that running back’s latest workout tweet, or the most recent comment from a coach about their prospects. Just don’t spend too long on your phone — you’re there to enjoy the game with those who are physically there with you.
