averagejakeff Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 Fandom is a lot of different things to different people....I am from Richmond Va and always went with the closest pro teams to me and or some tie to them. Growing up I have always been a Redskins fan, Im a Capitals fan, and a Nationals fan....I love college athletics but find it very hard to buy into a school I have no tie to or did not attend, I find it funny all of these die hard college fans with high school diplomas. I have a cousin who has UVA season tickets and has for 15 years and couldn't even get into community college, I don't understand how he can have such ties to a school that he never attended or could never have attended, to each there own it just doesn't make sense to me. Growing up as a kid I was a Braves fan because the AAA Richmond Braves played here and I got to see a lot of Braves legends play right here, but when the NATS came back to DC I did switch to them, especially when the Braves left Richmond and TBS and the only games you can see on TV here are on MASN which are Nats and Orioles, or ESPN which is usually Redsox or Yankees and F THAT! I stick to what I call the home teams, again its hard for me to see the connection to a place I have never been, Dallas fans who have never been to Texas, Pittsburg fans that cant find it on a map but to each there own. I know I am a real fan of my teams cause it does hurt when they lose....been in bad mood this last three weeks, was in a horrible mood during the losing streak during baseball, I have been to playoff games for all of my teams, I've called in sick from work on important games, or to just go to a game, opening day is a holiday for me, the first day of football season is heaven, etc. I have superstitions, I switch my game day attire based on winning and losing, and did I mention my day is ruined if my team loses? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWFLSkins Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 This thread will not end well. They never do. So true, I was going to post and then I remembered that turn in you're fan card thread, hahahaa. Anyway, I think there is not one person who can say who is or who isn't a true fan. However IMO, you stick with the team no matter what, no matter the grief friends and family give you, and they always associate the team with you. Everyone who knows me, knows I am a fan of the Redskins, there is no mystery about that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hanzo the Razor Posted September 26, 2013 Author Share Posted September 26, 2013 A true fan wears a size Large Redskins jacket to school even though its two sizes too big for him because he’s only in 7th grade, it was given to him from his dying grandmother who knew it would be the last Christmas present she would ever be able to give him, before she succumbed to cancer. A true fan is there a year later crying while trying his best to wash out the blue paint that was thrown on that same jacket at school the day after the cowboys won Super Bowl XXVIII. Man, that's messed up. The only thing worse than a sore loser is a sore winner. I found your grandma's gesture very moving, BTW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hanzo the Razor Posted September 26, 2013 Author Share Posted September 26, 2013 I was in the Army in the 90s, so I witnessed a change from the majority of people wearing Magic Johnson jerseys to the majority wearing Michael Jordan jerseys. Don't understand or respect that mentality, but I also kind of pity it. Imagine what I felt when the Sox finally won a title, or what so many here will feel if the Redskins do, and then realize that those losers will never have anything like that. As a newer sports fan, the team thing is a little tough to fully relate to. Prior to football, I only followed UFC and boxing, where you root for an individual. I think people who jump on these bandwagons just like a particular athlete and want to follow him -- they like Michael Jordan's play, they like his personality, etc., so they want to follow his career. Conversely, I could see feeling the opposite. For example, if I was an Eagles fan, I don't think I could root for them with Michael Vick, since I'm a big-time dog lover. (I'm not trying to stir the pot here, my opinions only reflect my personal feelings, not some ethical or moral superiority.) So if he somehow played for the Redskins, I couldn't support them with someone I dislike so much on the team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC9 Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 I love college athletics but find it very hard to buy into a school I have no tie to or did not attend, I find it funny all of these die hard college fans with high school diplomas. Interesting point. I went to VCU, so obviously I watch them when it comes to the tourney, but I'm not a big b-ball fan. My two sports are football and hockey (1 and 1a) with soccer being a distant 2d. But VCU has neither of those sports... so I find myself watching the games and maybe rooting for the local schools more often than not (Maryland and UVA) but with no definitive ties I really root for coaches. I loved James Franklin when he coached Maryland. Great attitude, great motivator of young men, and an above average coach. So I do watch a lot of Vanderbilt but I wouldn't say they were my team by any stretch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gibbs Hog Heaven Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 Oh boy, If I told you the lengths I've gone to, and the amount of money spent, following my other sporting passion all over England, the UK, Europe and even into Asia over the past 30 years you'd close the thread down right there so I'd best stay out. Hail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DC9 Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 Oh boy, If I told you the lengths I've gone to, and the amount of money spent, following my other sporting passion all over England, the UK, Europe and even into Asia over the past 30 years you'd close the thread down right there so I'd best stay out. Hail. You're over 100 stadiums now right? I think we'd all appreciate it if you didn't make us feel inferior this lovely morning, brother. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gibbs Hog Heaven Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 You're over 100 stadiums now right? I think we'd all appreciate it if you didn't make us feel inferior this lovely morning, brother. Duly noted, I am stepping away from the keyboard. I was never here. I love you all. We are family. (Too much? .). Hail. *Edit* I could of done with last night not being one of the live ones though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huly Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 I am going to jump in here. Lord help us all LOL A true fan is defined in many different ways. Are you loyal to one team only or do you jump ship? That describes if you are a true fan to me. Where you are from, what you can do, and what you do for your team does not show if you are a true fan. Not everyone can give as much as others. Esp those across the pond. When I moved to DC I did not have an NFL team. I was raised college football and for those that know me knows I am an obnoxious Clemson fan J My father was an original Baltimore Colt’s fan. His family made up the band and my Uncle’s drum in the HOF. When Baltimore pulled out in the middle of the night I was raised to just hate Dallas and Clemson. So when I moved to DC I did not always get to see my Clemson Tigers on TV since it is not a local team but I have a passion for football. I watched my crazy husband and his passion for the Redskins. I watched the team, the fan base etc before I decided to give them my loyalty. In 2000 remember the Redskins was not that great and I have NEVER seen the glory years so many speak of but I liked what I did see. The community support, the fan base, the players etc. The logo is my heritage so I was drawn to it. I decided my loyalty would be given to the Redskins! Not everyone can do everything Pez and I are blessed to do living in this area but there is more to being a fan than just watching and cheering a game. That is why the ES tailgate picks a charity each year, we try to support local events and our community be it on this message board to out and about around town. I no longer look at this fan base as just that but a Redskins family who lean on each other during the tough times and celebrate the good times together. I do not believe in booing my team or any injured player no matter what team they play for. I hate to see fights between Redskin brother’s and sisters or between Redskin and opposing team fans. We are all football fans who have a passion or shall I say addiction J to a team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mursilis Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 Oh boy, If I told you the lengths I've gone to, and the amount of money spent, following my other sporting passion all over England, the UK, Europe and even into Asia over the past 30 years you'd close the thread down right there so I'd best stay out. Hail. Sounds like a good story (or a whole series of stories, more likely!). Feel free to share. I for one would not be bothered - I know many fans are more "hardcore" than me, and it doesn't bother me in the least. We're all fans for our own reasons and in our own way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocky21 Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 What does it mean to be a "true fan"? Start a thread saying we will make the playoffs after an 0-3 start. That dude truly believes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gibbs Hog Heaven Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 Sounds like a good story (or a whole series of stories, more likely!). Feel free to share. I for one would not be bothered - I know many fans are more "hardcore" than me, and it doesn't bother me in the least. We're all fans for our own reasons and in our own way. 'Stories' huh? As a small example, something like ..... Being escorted into a Chechnyan war zone by Russian MIGS, and then drinking under armed Russian guard watching the missiles fly through the air 30 miles or so away; hitching a lift up a Spanish highway on the back of a Gypsy's horse and cart to the stadium; bunking (not paying) and blagging (tricking your way) into stadiums as part of a BBC commentary crew, or plain clothes police; being held up at gun point by 4 SAS dudes dressed all in black surrounding the car with M-16's after the IRA kindly decided to blow up a major motorway; ending up as guests of honor at a Turkish wedding in Istanbul when we were just looking for a bar ..... Yeah, there's some 'interesting' stories to recount lol. But probably more appropriate in a separate tailgate thread as I have at various times over the years. Hail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumbo Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 The only meaningful way to "rate" a fan is simply, and always, based on their physical attractiveness. This is also how you decide how valuable or worthy people are in general. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gibbs Hog Heaven Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 The only meaningful way to "rate" a fan is simply, and always, based on their physical attractiveness. This is also how you decide how valuable or worthy people are in general. Well that's me Royally ******! Hail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mocountyskins Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 The only meaningful way to "rate" a fan is simply, and always, based on their physical attractiveness. This is also how you decide how valuable or worthy people are in general. Don't downplay yourself. I think that you are a valuable ES mod. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumbo Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 Don't downplay yourself. I think that you are a valuable ES mod. "valuable" and "mod" are mutually exclusive Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bacon Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 Cleveland Browns' season ticket holders are true fans. I never want to be that dedicated to misery and suffering. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bishop Hammer Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 Neighbors? Really? If the Cowboys, Eagles or Giants win the SB, there is no trophy, banners or accolades for being in the NFC East if they win. The only thing you'll get is a bunch of **** rubbed in your face. Eff them. I've NEVER rooted for any of them to have any success in the playoffs or SB. Every year we don't make it, my goal for the playoffs is, anyone but Dallas, Philly or the Giants. It doesn't make you an untrue fan, but I just think it's stupid to root for them. Do you think Packer fans rooted for the Bears against the Colts? Or the Bears root for the Packers to beat the Steelers? Would Niner fans root for the Seahawks if they get in? Hell no. There is no banner for rooting for your division foes. Show me a banner from the last 2 Giants wins hanging at Fed Ex for being an "NFC East relative to the World Champion NY Giants." Blashphemous. First SB I watched was SB 12 with Dallas and Denver. You can bet your sweet ass I was rooting for Craig Morton and the Broncos. George Allen would have been proud of that 10 year old boy.Thank you Pjfootballer! The first time I heard this BS "neighboor" argument some of my friends, who are Redskins fans, said they were happy NY won a couple Superbowls because it makes the division look better. I vehemently shot that notion down! If the Skins don't win it I understand as long as its not Dal, Phi, or NY who are my most disliked div rivals (more so than Dal). And even though they're not in the division Balt.I wonder if they still are happy with The Giants winning two SBs since the whole collusion scandal? If so they might want to turn in their Skins gear and go full on Ravens, who also happens to be their second favorite team. (Shaking head in disgust) For the record I believe if your a Redskins fan then you do not pull for the Ravens to win or do well. Your with one side or the other. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pjfootballer Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 Thank you Pjfootballer! The first time I heard this BS "neighboor" argument some of my friends, who are Redskins fans, said they were happy NY won a couple Superbowls because it makes the division look better. I vehemently shot that notion down! If the Skins don't win it I understand as long as its not Dal, Phi, or NY who are my most disliked div rivals (more so than Dal). And even though they're not in the division Balt. I wonder if they still are happy with The Giants winning two SBs since the whole collusion scandal? If so they might want to turn in their Skins gear and go full on Ravens, who also happens to be their second favorite team. (Shaking head in disgust) For the record I believe if your a Redskins fan then you do not pull for the Ravens to win or do well. Your with one side or the other. When we don't get in, I'll hitch my wagon to a team I'd like to see win. But first thing is to knock out all if the division rivals. Then, I root against the Patriots and Ravens. Now I'm adding the Seahawks in.Usually I'll want a particular team maybe because if a certain player. I couldn't believe all the support the Giants got facing the undefeated Patriots. I'd rather the cheaters win 10 SBs then the Pukes, Iggles or the **** Mara's to win even one. My goal before I die is that we win 10 SBs and the other three don't ever win one. So far the Eagles have cooperated up to this point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sticksboi05 Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 The only thing a "true fan" is, is someone who sticks with their teams, period. Other than that, behave or rant or drink kool aid as you will. If you change based on winning, you are no longer a fan "fanatic". You are just someone who needs to feel good about themselves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Springfield Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 I think as I grow older I'm becoming more at peace with our losses. Perhaps it's apathy. I don't get as upset as I used to and I attempt to be more critically objective. I look for the small things and don't discredit those who play a sport that I could only dream of playing professionally. I have found that getting upset, yelling, cursing, blaming makes very little impact on anything other than my mood. It's not about me, it's about the team. Just need to root for the team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skinsmarydu Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 Being able to go through season after season, able to admit the team sucks, but still wear gear proudly & stand by them. It's easy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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