Hi there! Remember me? I like sports! Except this isn’t really about sports. But it is. Sort of.

Stadium music playlists are like that friend of yours who just started watching “The Wire:” they’re about seven years late and hopelessly annoying precious. For instance, the last time “Seven Nation Army” got so much air time, the Patriots could actually string together three consecutive playoff victories. Seems like ages ago.

Not surprisingly, athletes are similarly predictable. Ask any linebacker, centerfielder, left winger, or power forward about the importance of what’s playing through their headphones and they’ll all tell you the selections are an integral part of their pre-game preparation. While you’d think most would stick with their Jay-Z/Kayne/Nas standards, they all come back to one man and one man only; the “White Lionel Richie,” 80′s legend, Mr. Phil Collins.

Well athletes of the professional sports world, clear your schedules because today is the day we give collective thanks: it’s time for the Sixth (what, only six?!?!?!?) Annual Phil Collins Day 2012. Yes, a day dedicated to the man who built up so much 80′s street cred then killed it with an Oscar-winning song about lions dying in a fire or something. Via Gothamist, one of this year’s feature attractions is a Phil Collins confessional:

“This year there will be a Phil Collins confessional booth, upon which people will design masks, enter the booth with their secrets in hand, and reveal them to the camera. The confidential footage will be sent to Phil Collins himself, a man who truly understands the trials, tribulations and trueness of love, and puts them to a good beat.”

Against all odds, I would attend this event. Now, before you begin pulling the string at this rather tenuous sports connection, remember what Ray Lewis once said:

“That song (“In the Air Tonight”) depicts everything you’ve always dreamed of, every moment you’ve dreamed, the places you are at and where you want to be. Phil Collins is a short guy with a lot of power. I fell into the song long ago as a child when it was played on Miami Vice. Once I got older, I started understanding I could use it for motivation. You ride off your heart and your heart is where your treasure lies.”

Because of the way Ray treasures Phil, I personally believe everything he’s been accused of back on that cold Atlanta night 12 years ago has all been a pack of lies. 

Make no mistake, when it comes to appreciating Phil, you can’t hurry love, you just have to wait. I suggest “No Jacket Required” or the seminal “Invisible Touch.” Just give them a listen, and in no time, you’ll be an easy lover of his soulful voice. For there are two kinds of people in this world: 1) those who love Phil Collins and 2) liars.