You've probably heard of the "soccer mom." Well, I am a football dad. And for me, and thousands like me, this is a sacred time of year. The Super Bowl is upon us. I need a moment ... You'll have to excuse me if I get more than a little emotional right about now. It's just that it's such a special time.

OK, I can continue.

Yes, I am an admitted NFL addict dad, and yes, I have been known to get a little misty-eyed the closer we get to the Super Bowl. I grew up in Los Angeles and have fond memories of sitting in the stands at the coliseum with my dad, watching the Rams in a playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings. Joe Namath came off the bench in a last-ditch effort to win the game. I was 11, it was pouring down rain, the Rams lost and I've been hooked ever since.

Today, I'm 38 and still a bona-fide NFL super-fan. But I also have a new, equally powerful addiction – my 2-year-old daughter, Jesse. Herein lies my dilemma: How does a dad such as myself, with only so many hours available on the weekends, continue his football habit and be the kind of dad I want to be – one who's available for my daughter during some of her most critical years?

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