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So, when did you really start following the NFL?


PantherDave
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I started playing Pop Warner ball when I was (8), and would pay some attention to it, but it was not until I was 11 (1978) did I start the full season experience. I had been into college ball since age 10, and the old TBS station out of Atlanta had the now defunct SWC contract, so I'd end up watching that, and still pull for Texas A&M as a seconadry team(NC State alum-Go WolfPack), but due to the coverage got turned on to the Tyler Rose-Earl Campbell while playing for Texas. The teams that where popular in North Carolina were the Redskins, Cowboys, Dolphins and Steelers-somewhat bandwagon considering the times. I remember that North Carolina( it may have been Raleigh the first time) missed out on a team in 1976-Tampa Bay and Seattle got the franchises. So, I decided that I would follow Campbell out of college to finally settle on a team-so in 1978 I became a Houston Oiler fan-still luv ya blue-and remained so until Bud Adams moved the franchise from Houston. It's funny because it had come full circle-NC was once again in the running for a franchise(and looking good to get one). The NFL retired the Oil Derrick moniker and name-hence the Oilers(which sucked-if Cleveland could get back the Browns, well the Houston franchise should be the Oilers((that's another soapbox)) ) ceased to exsist. I would have become 100% Panther fan anyway being a NC native, but that's my NFL fan history-let's hear yours??? Peace PD.

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As early as I remember. My mother has photos of a 5 year old redhead in bed with his Colts PJs and football. At 9 I remember catching the bus at the Gatus Bar, my red autograph book and the smells of Memorial Stadium. I remember my Aunt would always take me to at least one game a year. I remember her talking with the cheerleaders she knew while trying to meet a few players. They'd always rub my head, and I was too young to know how frackin' cool that was.

 

Then the Colts where gone. That sucked. Hated the NFL. Couldn't get a team no matter what. My aunt cried when they left, and the entire fan base was heartbroken. Watching the Colts Marching Band continue on, win their suit against the NFL (could keep the name Colts Marching Band), the USFL and CFL titles and the last lawsuit against the NFL (Baltimore has sued the NFL as much as Al Davis) put on a good face, but it still sucked not having a team. We almost had the Cardinals and where upset when the chose Phoenix instead.

 

Colts left when I was 13. Ravens came when I was 26. That's a big hole. I remember being told by Tagliabue that we should build a museum because we'd never get a team. I remember giving virtual handjobs to the Cardinals, Raiders, Rams, Patriots, Bucs, Bengals and any other team that had to mention the word 'move' to their town to get a new deal. I remember a huge 'What the Frack' when the name Jacksonville was read aloud as the final expansion team.

 

Then, we heard reports that the Browns where coming. No one believed it. It seemed more real day by day, then finally, it was official. All of the hate towards the NFL was suddenly gone. We had a team, and we where going to put our name and colors on it (NO ONE wanted the Browns colors [who would] or history). We had a team and all was right with the world.

 

The second season tickets where allocated, my aunt got her season tickets back. We got a team, we got a new stadium and then we got a title. The last few years, I've gone to almost every game with her now as my uncle can no longer handle the crowds.

 

NFL history while Baltimore has had a team will always be special to me. However, there will be a 13 year void where I just don't believe it as special. The NFL took the Colts in the early '50s, gave us the Texans as settlement to our first law suit and required the settlement of our last lawsuit as a provision of the Browns move. TO ME the NFL without Baltimore is as special as the USFL or CFL.

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Always watched the Pack with the fam on Sundays growing up, but I really became fervent in '88 (don't ask me why, GB started 0-5 on the way to a 4-12 season and picking Mandarich 2nd overall :doah: ).

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As long as I could remember.  Thanks mom.

 

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That's how it is in Wisconsin.

 

When Mike Holmgren was first hired he came to town and ran into an old farm lady, who said "You gonna kick some ass this year, California?". Old ladies up here know know more about football than many men in other states.

 

As far back as far as I can remember too.

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The first Cowboys teams I remember watching were Staubach, Dorsett era Tony Hill Randy White Too tall and Harvey Martin..Those teams were great I was hooked.

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I was 6. Watched the Broncos beat the Colts in a snowy game and became a fan for life. :D By the 3rd grade I could name every NFL team from memory and the division they played in. I wore Randy Gradishaw's #53 jersey for 4 or 5 years straight.

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When I was 5 (1951) and I walked down the street with my Grandfather to watch the Redskins at practice. Over the next few years I logged a lot of time at those training camps.

 

Every Sunday the family was expected at my Grandfather's house and sports was THE topic. (Well...only football and baseball really.) Funny thing was, everyone was a Pitt or Philly fan. Right from the git-go I was hooked by the 'Skins and the Brooklyn Dodgers.

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I quit watching it for years when I saw Garo throw that interception. I was so disgusted, I couldn't stand football after that.

 

It magically changed somehow when I saw Theismann's leg get snapped. Brought me back to the game.

Edited by DKF
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Ah yes, the Oilers. I remember the greatest comeback in NFL history one faithful sunday when I and few friends watched Frank Reich(seig heil) orchastrate that incredible comeback for Buffalo against Warren Moon(wife beater) and the Oilers. Panther(crybaby)Dave wouldn't even come over and watch the game with us cause he's a poor sport when his team loses. Somebody call the Wahmbulance. Peace Out PD. :D

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I live in Indy so for years we didnt have a team. I remember as a little boy sitting in front of the black and white TV with my grandpa (God rest his soul) watching the phins, bears and steelers. I remember I use to call football "Catch A Ball" :D Hey I was like 5 years old. I played little league and in high school. My grandpa and I would get all the snacks ready before the games came on and eat all afternoon. If he yelled at the TV so did I. Those were some of the best days I ever had. Thanks grandpa :D You would have loved NFL Sunday ticket!!!

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remember watching games in the 70's..... started following in the 80's..... was a big 49er fan, but still enjoyed watching the chargers (fouts, winslow, joiner, JJ, chandler, muncie)... also enjoyed watching the hawks.... zorn, largent, easly, warner, kreig.

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In the 50's. Not much TV coverage in those days, so every Sunday the house echoed the Bears game on the radio. Once a year we'd travel to my cuz's in Twin Lakes, WI, to watch the game against GB. My cuz's were Bear fans. :oldrazz:

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