There's a dangerous trap that sports fans fall into, and it's one of the worst looks in all of athletics. It's called "Little Brother Syndrome," and it's when you let your team's biggest rival live rent-free in your head—even during your own moments of glory.

Let me paint a picture. It's October 28, 2018. The Boston Red Sox have just completed one of the greatest seasons in MLB history. They won 108 games in the regular season with a staggering +229 run differential. They went 11-3 in the playoffs, never facing elimination. Red Sox fans at Dodger Stadium should be on cloud nine—and most were. But then, from the concourse, I heard chants. Not of celebration for their own team, but of hatred for the Yankees. "Yankees suck!" they yelled, while holding a championship trophy.

Think about that for a second. These fans had just watched their team achieve something historic, and their first instinct was to obsess over a team that wasn't even on the field. Deep down, it seems, they know the Yankees are still the more decorated franchise—and that reality gnaws at them. It's a shame, really. How can you fully enjoy a championship when you're too busy worrying about something you hate?

This isn't just a Red Sox problem. We see it everywhere. Mets fans obsessing over the Yankees. White Sox fans fixated on the Cubs. Even teams themselves fall into the trap—remember when the Brewers flew an incorrect "L" flag after beating the Cubs in the NLDS? They got swept the very next round. Acting like a divisional series win is the mountaintop only sets you up for a fall.

I went to Indiana University. When our football team did the unthinkable and actually won a national title, the absolute last thing on my mind was Purdue. Why would I waste a single second thinking about a rival when I could just be happy about my own team's success?

Here's the truth: Great fans celebrate their team's victories. They don't need to tear down others to feel good about themselves. When you're truly confident in your squad, you don't need to shout about how much you hate someone else. You can just enjoy the win.

So next time your team wins big, resist the urge to look over your shoulder. Savor the moment. Wear your colors with pride. And leave the "Little Brother Syndrome" for those who haven't figured out what real fandom looks like.