Many people over the years have asked me how I became a fan of the teams I’m a fan of. Well, many of the stories are complex and I have (finally) decided to chronicle everything for all you wondering minds.
FOOTBALL
New England Patriots – I became a Pats fan from a very young age. I don’t remember exactly when it started but I was a fan before they played the Packers in the 1996 Super Bowl. I remember when Ty Law and Terry Glenn were rookies. I remember when Vincent Brisby was our #1 receiver. Here is a picture of me from 3rd grade to prove my point.
Chicago Bears – I’m more of a pessimist than a fan. I more follow them than root for them. I do enjoy watching them, as I watched many of their games with my brother and father. However, I wouldn’t ever call myself a Bear fan, but they are my #2 team.
University of Texas – This one is a bit strange. In the summer of 1997, before 4th grade, my Aunt Linda gave me a “Texas Longhorns” shirt. This is how I became a fan. Stupid, I know. The funny thing is, she gave my brother a “Texas A&M” shirt. That could have changed a lot of things. Here is a picture of me with Ricky Williams’ Heisman year jersey that I got from Laura Scott for Christmas during 5th grade.
University of Nevada – I go to Nevada and it will become my Alma Mater. But, Texas will always be my #1.
Northern Illinois University – My aunt was the AD and I went to a ton of games. I will always be a fan, but without Joe Novak coaching, it seems a little too weird for me.
BASKETBALL
Shane Battier – He is my favorite player. I used to love Duke but they drifted from me during the past couple of years but I still love Battier. So, currently, I love watching the Rockets and have become attached to a few of the players (Chuck Hayes, Aaron Brooks, etc). If Shane moves on, I will move on with him. When Shane was on the Grizzlies, I watched as many of their games as possible.
Chicago Bulls – I grew up in Illinois in the 1990’s. What else would you expect? I became disenfranchised with them for about 5 or so years after Jordan left because it felt like they gave up and didn’t care and came to work every day hoping Michael would come back. I’ve followed them all my life and will continue to do so. This is not a Chicago Bears situation because I would call myself a fan. With that said, right now I’m more engaged with Houston because of Battier.
Duke – R.I.P. to my Dukie fandom. It lived from 1997 until 2005. I don’t even follow them anymore. The biggest reason for that is this…
University of Nevada – My #1 team. My school. I go to as many games as possible. I love this basketball program. I go to the press conferences to get a better feel of the players. I know the former coach. I know the current coach. This is my team.
BASEBALL
Chicago White Sox – The only baseball team I care about. I’ve been an avid fan since 2000. I was a fan before but never really got into baseball but I really like Big Frank and Robin Ventura. I had pictures of The Big Hurt in my room growing up. I remember being little and sitting in the upper deck watching the games.
HOCKEY
Buffalo Sabres – This was a bandwagon choice of mine way back during the 1999 playoffs. I hated the Blackhawks and still kind of do. They blacked out all home games. How was a 11 year old kid supposed to be a fan when I could only see a couple games a year? (Remember, they play in the Western Conference so a lot of games start at 9 pm Chicago time) So, I like Dominick Hasek a lot and started watching the playoffs and adopted the Sabres as my team. I’ve been a fan ever since. So I started off as a bandwagon fan but have stuck with them through thick and thin, since. (Mostly thin)
EUROPEAN SOCCER
Everton – I became a fan almost solely because of U.S. goalie Tim Howard. I started following Everton in the spring of 2007 and really got into full swing with the team in the spring of 2008. I am a big time fan, but it’s still early, so I don’t know much history of the club.
MMA
I really am sad that Wisky didn't make the list
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