I too used to enjoy the the American Football in the days of Dan Marino, John Riggins, Joe Theisman, Walter Payton... simply because it was sport on the TV!
Only 4 channels to choose from and shown on Sundays, from memory the competition being Songs of praise, Bullseye or Antiques Roadshow!

Spoilt for choice on sport these days and football plus the odd game of cricket I find is more than enough.
I don't feel the need to watch the American football but I suppose when it's your national sport and on the TV all the time, I'm sure you'd get into it.

The Superbowl is still a huge event and still worth watching though, even if i don't know any of the players.
I will record it and watch next day fast forwarding all the crap, of which there is a lot, in between.