2015 NFL Season Officially Kicks Off Today

As a self-proclaimed rabid NFL fan, I find the off-season to be the absolute worst seven months of the calendar year.  The NBA, MLB, and NHL simply cannot hold a candle to the pageantry provided by the National Football League.

While I'm loyal to all of my home-town professional Chicago sports franchises, (minus the White Sox) none of these organizations successfully stir up the passion, emotion, and dedication that the Bears seemingly stimulate.

As the soaring national television ratings, eye-popping apparel and ticket sales, and general overall NFL "fan-demonium" indicate, I'm not alone in my staunch support of this nation's most popular sport.

Although there are presently no games in which to indulge, no fantasy football rosters to manage, and no wagers to place each weekend, all NFL fans can indeed use this exciting free agency period to revel in the opportunity to speculate on his or her team's upcoming quest to capture 2016's illusive Lombardi trophy.

Breaking news of big-time trades, huge free agent signings, and mock drafts galore still dominate ESPN, social media platforms, and various other news outlets.  The impending blockbuster trade of Philadelphia Eagles star running back, Lesean McCoy, to the Buffalo Bills for linebacker Kiko Alonso, kicked off the 2015 offseason frenzy.

Not to be outdone, the Miami Dolphins made a splash of their own by reportedly reeling in ferocious defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.  Seemingly the biggest fish in this free agent classes' pond, the former Detroit Lions pro bowler is set to sign a six-year, $114 million deal.

With $60 million of Suh's contract being guaranteed, the vicious pass rusher is set to surpass the Houston Texans franchise defensive end, JJ Watt, as the league's highest paid defensive player.

As the legitimate start of the 2015 NFL season commences today, many other coveted players will officially begin the next chapters of their careers in new cities.  With each strategic maneuver executed by NFL general managers and player personnel executives, new waves of optimism and sometimes skepticism sweep across their fan bases.

Every NFL organization is feverishly attempting to address its needs via free agency and the trade market before picking their latest crop of rookies when the league's annual draft takes place in Chicago April 30th-May 2nd.

32 franchises strategically attempt to navigate the league's stringent salary cap, while trying to adequately fill their rosters with the right mix of max-dollar super stars, savvy veterans, mid-level journeymen, and high upside rookies.