"We've made love of pro football a dominant theme in our house and a way to develop family activities to share time together," said Kowalewski, who works as spokesman for Weber State University.

But in turn, he said, he also tries to help his wife by folding laundry during games, or by doing things she wants to do before a game. His advice for football fanatics is to remember to still pay attention to their loved ones and to also teach them about the game.

"She indulges me and I hope likewise that I also can be a supportive spouse to her," Kowalewski said about his wife, Brenda.

Likewise, Nancy Allen of Ogden believes it is important for people to be a little indulgent of their spouses and "ride out" the football season. She said she has tried to become educated about the game and will watch with her husband and daughter when she can.

"It's really such an illness," Allen said. "Just ride it out."

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E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com