What’s a Fan?

So you are telling me you downloaded the latest LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers wallpaper? You are such a fan!

Oh, you have a terrible towel on every wall in your cubicle? You are such a fan!

You haven’t missed a home game in 12 years, except for your sister’s wedding but you were watching it on your phone? You are such a fan!

If there is one thing that I have learned about most in the past four years at MVNU, it may be about fanhood. In the past year alone I have stood in my apartment trying to explain my case about being a fan of certain teams that I like. I have wasted hours trying to persuade a group of 5-7 guys why I am a fan despite what they may say. The thing is, this conversation with them has nothing to do with fanhood. No matter what case may be presented, no one will agree. Why? Because we are all fans of ourselves, our teams, and our opinions. It’s competition at it’s finest. But it’s not until now that I fully understand the point of fanhood. It’s not a competition to see who can outdo the other. It’s not knowing how many statistics you have piled up in your head (although this is a pretty unique talent) It’s not even how many jersey’s you have stocked up in your basement getaway that your wife can’t stand. Dare I say it, but it’s not even just about how long you have liked the same team.

Being a fan is not absolute. There is not “This is fan” and “This is not fan”. So, you tell me you like the Buckeyes? That’s great, you are the (Insert Your Name Here) style of fan. Every fan brings such a unique concept of fanhood to the table when they cheer for their team. So let’s hypothetically say a guy named Ryan W. Breth tells his friends that they aren’t as big of friends because they don’t get on message boards and read the website updates every day. That, my friend, would be a bandwagon of YOU, which no one wants. Let people express their love in different ways.

I do give props to the most dedicated fan that I know at MVNU, Adam “Trizkit” Knight. This man lives and breathes sports, specifically Reds baseball and OSU football. The kid watches SportsCenter time after time more than anyone (even though Breth will tell us weekly that he used to watch it 4-5 times every Saturday morning)

I have a new respect for people that can also be a fan on a different level. So you didn’t watch SportsCenter every night? Instead you were out at your church volunteering with Upwards Basketball? I respect that. You worked extra hours at work so you could get that promotion and prove yourself to everyone in the office? I respect that. You didn’t go to a single game this year because you are saving up to buy your wife a gift? I respect that too (I almost BARF!ed it though) Being a fan doesn’t have to mean you watch every game and your life is revolving around that sports team. No offense, but it sounds more like an idol or perhaps adultery.

So you have your favorite teams? You stick with them no matter what? I could care less if you like them because you were just a little kid and they were good. Merely the fact that you stuck with them through the 5 bad years or complete switch of the team means something. I also don’t mind if you like them because it’s the closest team to your home. If you like that team, and you aren’t cheering for anyone else, you are a fan and I applaud you.

To all the fans out there: Find your niche. Find what works for you. Cheer how YOU like to cheer. And don’t ever try to let someone tell you that you are not a fan of a team that you love.

All of this and a college education. Toss in a smelly man apartment, HD-Ready TV’s, and dirty dishes….What a deal!