Being a fan of a team is an emotional ride filled with loyalty, heartbreak, and moments of pure joy. Being a general manager, on the other hand, is all business salary caps, trades, scouting, and long-term planning. But what happens when those two worlds collide?
For anyone who has ever dreamed of running their favorite franchise, the fantasy sounds perfect: you finally have the power to fix the roster you’ve been yelling about for years. But in reality, being both a fan and a GM is one of the toughest balancing acts in sports.
Struggle #1- Emotion vs. Logic
At the heart of the struggle is a battle between emotion and logic. Fans are guided by passion. They remember the star who brought them hope in dark seasons, the underdog who became a local hero, the veteran who gave everything for the jersey. A GM can’t afford those feelings. You might love a player, but if the data and contracts tell you it’s time to move on, you have to pull the trigger. The fan in you screams not to but the GM in you knows you must.
Struggle #2- Loyalty vs. Business
Loyalty runs deep in fandom, but the front office lives in a world ruled by the bottom line. Keeping a beloved veteran might please the fans, but it can also block a young prospect or strain the salary cap. Fans cheer loyalty. GMs are paid to win. Closing that gap can feel impossible when you’re both.
Struggle #3- Short Term Thrills, Long Term Plans
Fans crave excitement now big free agent signings, blockbuster trades, playoff runs.
GMs are forced to think years down the road — about contract windows, draft picks, and cap flexibility.
When you’re a fan and the GM, it’s like having two voices in your head. Fan in you wants to go all out while gm in you is already planning for future.
The Weight of Criticism
Every move is magnified. When you’re emotionally tied to the team and responsible for shaping it, the criticism cuts deeper. Trade a fan favorite like Roquan and you’re the villain. Miss the playoffs, you’re not just disappointed, you’re mad cause its your fault.
In the end, being both a fan and a GM means living in constant conflict. Every roster move tests your loyalty, every loss feels personal, and every victory is tinged with relief more than joy.
It’s a dream job but a nightmare job also.
Because when you love a team and run a team, you don’t just live with the highs and lows of sports you create them.
