Way way way back there was allegiance both to conference and division. I didn't know many NFL fans back in the 60's... but the few I did know all held strong ties to 1) Their Team 2)Their Division 3) Their Conference.
I can remember I was 'originally' loyal to Division.... but not really to Conference because I liked the Chiefs. Niner fans, not the team, broke me of that in the early 70's when they had that 3 season run as the West Champs.... yes, Niner fans have been THAT unbearable for that long. - JamesJM
