Yes, football used to be the only sport I watched.  I followed the 49ers and Stanford, where I taught part-time.  But I (and my friends) began to feel guilty about players sacrificing their health for our entertainment.  So I backed away somewhat.  But I confess following the 49ers last year.
Favorite players (current): Jimmy Garoppolo, George Kittle, Arik Armstead, Nick Bosa, and Christian McCaffrey (who went from Stanford to the Panthers).
Favorites (retired) Jerry Rice, Joe Montana, Steve Young.   I could name many more greats, but these are the players that I often watched.  I've briefly met Montana and also Y.A. Tittle.