By now, most Buccaneers’ fans have seen the video of the guy wearing multiple Baker Mayfield jerseys in the stands before the Jets game. He managed to catch Baker’s attention, and it was a very cool moment to hear the interaction between the two.
Clearly, this fan is on the side of the “Players.” Maybe he cheers for whatever team “his” favorite player happens to be playing for. And you know what? There’s no rulebook for being a fan.
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On the flip side, I would characterize myself as a “Team” guy. I cheer for whoever wears the uniform of my team.
When Mike Evans left Tampa for the 49ers, I didn’t suddenly become a 49ers fan. I’m sure there are some who did, and that’s OK. We all find our own way to enjoy the game.
One of the saddest days of my life as a Bucs fan came when former Bucs owner Hugh Culverhouse decided not to pay Doug Williams, ultimately leading to his departure from Tampa Bay.
Doug was “my guy.” He was the reason I became a Bucs fan in the first place. If there was ever a moment when my loyalty to the team was going to be tested, this was it.
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It was tough watching Doug leave. It was even tougher watching him eventually win a Super Bowl with Washington.
But I remained a Bucs fan.
I saw plenty of Tom Brady jerseys in the stands during his three seasons in Tampa. But once Brady left, many of those jerseys—and perhaps the fans wearing them—left too.
It always makes me wonder: Did they find another player to follow? Or did they simply continue watching football without having a particular team to cheer for?
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Considering I sport four Buccaneers tattoos, I think it’s pretty obvious where I stand.
I’m a Team guy.
But if you’re a Player guy, that’s perfectly fine too.
Football and fandom come in all shapes and sizes. There are no rules, no right or wrong way to be a fan.
And maybe that’s one of the best things about sports.
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At the end of the day, we can all find our own way to love the game—and somehow, football still manages to bring us all together.
Isn’t that a beautiful thing?
Greg has been nominated for “Best Columnist” in Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay. If you would like to vote for me here is the link.
For more from Greg click here, then make sure to follow him on Twitter.
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