The NFL likes to promote the idea that football is family. And it is, but not because it’s a corporate slogan. When you work together with people, you build relationships with them. You get to know them, become friends, and begin to care for them. Those bonds transcend brand loyalty. If your friend starts playing for another team, you don’t start hating him. Players change teams all the time. Roster turnover leaguewide is probably around 40 percent, perhaps even more, especially for some teams.
Ryan Switzer didn’t spend a ton of time in Pittsburgh with the Steelers, but he certainly left an impression.