The Packer Pundit

Memoirs from Behind the Steel Curtain

Part Two:
What is a Fan?

fan: noun 1: an enthusiastic devotee (as of a sport or performing art) usually as a spectator 2: an ardent admirer or enthusiast (as of a celebrity or a pursuit)

This chapter deals with what a true fan is.
To explain this... I'd rather explain what a fan ISN'T!

Being from Steeler country I can point out a True Black & Gold Steeler fan as opposed to the 'fair weather band wagon riders'... the parasites! Last year the Steelers won the Super Bowl and it was amazing how my co-workers went from casual fans (one who can name Ben Roethlisberger and Troy Polamalu) and the die hards (can name the starting offensive line... from 1993).

One guy in perticular... we'll call him Wilbur (because that's actually his name) never... ever... Ever... mentioned the Steelers to me. For all I knew he didn't even like football. Yet in the two weeks leading up to the Super Bowl he was dawning a Steelers Sports parka... A Steelers Hat with Steelers Bling Bling hanging from it... and began wearing a Randle El Starter Game Jersey.

I guarantee you Wilbur couldn't tell you what college Antwaan played at and what position he played. (Indiana -- QB duh!) Wilbur is... a Band wagon rider.

Now on the other hand you have me and my nephew Steven.
Steven is a Bears fan (I know... we can only pray he'll get help) and he proudly has a 4' x 6' Bears blanket hanging in his office. He also has a Brian Urlacher statue... a Bears miniature replica helmet... and a mounted photo of Sweetness (Walter Payton) on his Bear Shrine! And... I bet Steve can name the Bears starting Offensive line... in 1993! Steve is a Fan!

Another thing about us fans... we live and die on how our teams do on Sunday. Seriously... how many of you have had a miserable week after the packers lost... even a meaningless game (like the 1980's).

If you've ever cried after a Packer loss... *raises hand*
If you've ever yelled at the dog cause the Pack lost... *cough*
If you've ever taken the next day off of work...
because the Packers lost... *Dork here... party of one*

Then you my friend... are a Fan!

One last word on Fans and merchandise.
I am convinced God created Sports Teams so our kids would have an easier time buying us gifts on Father's Day... Christmas... and our birthdays. As the scented Packer's Logo hanging from my car's rear view mirror and the collection of Packer's hats and t-shirts I own would attest.

Pics --



(Above) Me (the Packer Pundit age 23ish) wearing the now infamous JC Penney Imitation Authentic plastic Packers helmet with the disclaimer... Do Not Wear for Protection. Awwww... it still fits! The little cherub in the pic is my recently married daughter Erica (age 1ish -- she's now 25) admiring my bright yellow head gear. "Da da me want!" (Right) Erica again... just like a woman! Always getting her own way. (Below) My nephew Steven (12ish -- he's now 30 and sadly... still a Bears fan) Nice Sweatshirt Steve... NOT!

Us Stuckey's heart our Teams!