Growing up as a child of the '70's, and then spending my teenage years in the '80's, we had this thing called Loyalty around. If you did not have it back then you were looked at as odd. Every kid on the block had their favorite team they proudly represented every Sunday down on the corner where we had our weekly game. Football and loyalty went hand in hand. You could not have one without the other.
I started to notice during the '90's that so many people would proclaim that so and so was their team, and then after a bad season, they would have a blank look on their face when caught wearing another team's sweatshirt. Usually the new attire would be accompanied by the logo of whatever team was heading to the Super Bowl.
Now in this new millennium you are personally taken apart by people who view your loyalty as a joke. Not only is loyalty passe in just sports, but also in just about every other aspect we deal with in our lives. Just for example, the phrase, "Till death do you part" has became a threat instead of a vow.
Why and how did this happen? I really am curious to know the answer to those questions. You know as a Washington Redskin fan I have watched my team dominate the '80's, win a Super Bowl in the '90's, and then fall into all of the seasons that have come since. So for me when the Redskins finally make it back to the Super Bowl, the love and undying loyalty I have for them will make it that much sweeter.
So for all of you who have lost your sense of loyalty, or never really had it to begin with, I would suggest that you find a team and put all that you have into them. Come good or bad, hell or high water, be there proudly displaying their colors. So when someone goes to tear you down, you will finally know the sense of loyalty that comes from being a real fan!
I would like to close this with a quote on Loyalty from the Great Vince Lombardi. . .
"Individual Commitment to a Group Effort - That is What Makes a Team Work, a Civilazation Work."
also called bandwagon jumpers!!! all they want to do is root for a winner... stylish i quess??? if you YOUR team is losing i think they classify that is being a loser!!!! and they forget its just a game.... yea i know its a job for the players and coaches.... but as fans... its comical to me living here in eugene,oregon (university of oregon) at the changing of joey harrington jerseys.. hes now been with detroit lions, miami dolphins, and now the atlanta falcons.. they sell them at the duck shop on campus and other places around eugene... that shows devotion to a player!!!! i see lots of people who just change teams because of losing and not just keep rooting for them as a team...example now ok of me, ive been a university of oregon sports fan for as long as i can rember.... football, basketball, baseball, softball... win or lose.. i call it like a friend or family!!!!!! stick by threw think and thin... i just think of how many (YES) jerseys, or sweat shirts (different) colors, sayings, logos, these bandwagon jumpers have in their homes???? one year your a duck, then a beaver, then a trojan?? the list must be very biggg!!!!!!
good point here vbchic. As a true Cowboys fan, I've seen many bandwagoners get on the wagon that have long since jumped ship since the days of the Tripletts. And as a Notre Dame fan, I've seen how easy it is for the bandwagoners to change teams when times are tough just so they can boast attitued about their so-called team. Media and pop culture have a lot to do with it. Perception of Failure is multiplied by sports TV and the internet. Too many poeple don't have the balls to be associated with a "loser." Its lack of character and morals. Sadly its a big part of American Society today.
wow great point on notre dame football!!! yes we will see how many die hard irish are out there???? i know one (regis philbin) hey you might not like him !@! but when i used to whatch his TV show no matter if they lost or won... hes a fan
Last edited by kellyscott on October 3rd at 4:18 AM.
Ah, Yes.. I remember it well. I was 7 years old when I seen my first Greenbay game. It was the only game being shown at my house on Sunday. It was the only team I was allowed to be a fan of. That was 1975. Fast forward to 1996. After 26 years of watching, and hoping They did it. It's the night of the NFC Championship game, The buzzer just sounded, Reggie "The Minister of Defense" White picks up the championship trophy and runs....(Wait I got to clear the lump from my throat)...down the field with it held high above his head. I remember that there was nothing going on in the world except Reggie running down the field, and it felt like I was running with him. Until my wife looks over at me and says, "Geez Honey, you don't have to cry." I, an Airborne Ranger Combat Vet (GW1-I think that's what the folks who haven't forgotten call it now), sitting on my couch tears streamimg, My kids watching and all. There was nothing I could say, except that I had been wait 26 years for that moment. Now another 11 years later, I praying again. Loyalty, I spend time teaching it to my Kids.
Great post By the way, It's something That everyone shoould teach their kids. Besides, if you can't be loyal to a football team, is there anything you will be loyal to...
Loyalty in sports has sort of gone the route of the 8-track because many players and teams don't show the same loylty to their diehard fans. I know as a Lions fan that you'd be crazy to sport a Harrington or Batch jersey (which I still have) because of the association of losing. People would rather ride the frontrunner than be loyal. Good post.
Good article.....I think the reason "loyalty" to a team isn't what it once was is because of the very nature of those sports leagues and teams in the "modern era"......Players switch teams all the time and deman "better" contracts over the one they just signed a year ago....Teams are just as bad (particularly the NFL), by giving guys a 5 or six year deal, only to cut them in a "cap saving" move.....Neither entity shows loyalty to the other, and we, the average fan are left to wonder why WE care at all...the players and management sure don't seem to do so.....
I am a diehard Cowboys fan...Went to my first game when I was 5.....Suffered through the 1-15 season (haha, beat the Skins that year...felt like our record was 15-15 after that).....And I have felt the highs of 4 out of the 5 SB's the Boys have won....I'll never be anything but a Cowboys fan...but it does suck. I used to be able to name all the O-lineman back in the day..Hell, it was the same guys for like 10 years running....Now, I really only know the so-called stars...but turn-over is so great, barely anyone knows who all the starters for their team is anymore......But I'll always bleed Silver and Blue, and at this point they can just remove the names from the jerseys..I just root for the Star....
Hey kellyscott how are you? I hope all is well. You nailed it! They are indeed Band Wagoners. I do not understand that mentality of a losing season being the be all, end all. To me, you are happy to have watched your team for that season, but on the same hand, once the season is done, you shake it off and immediately start looking forward to the next season.
I also do not understand the worship of just a single player. True back in the day players were on a team for most, if not all, of their career. But I know that when a player did leave, even if it was necessary, I became upset with the player. I still do actually, lol.
I commend you on your loyalty, and it is nice to know that we are still out here supporting the same teams we have loved all of our lives!
Take care my friend and thank you as always for your comment,
Ang
Thank you. I would also like to say that I can always tell the real Die Hard "Boys fans from the Band Wagoners, because though it is hard for us rivals to believe, we share the same kind of passion for our teams. And believe me when I say I remember the Cowboy bandwagon fans from the '90's, and I too watched how they jumped ship after the SB's stopped coming. Made me sick!
As for Notre Dame, they too have some of the most loyal fans there are known to football. I am sure this season alone has seen many jumping ship. Give em an extra kick when they go!
Yes the media does perpetuate the need to be a winner constantly, and therefore anything less than a SB or a Championship is unacceptable for those who go by this mantra. Plus, I think commitment, which is what it takes to be loyal, has become so outdated these days. It is a sad statement from the world we live in!
Thanks for the comment, and come back anytime!
Ang
PS
Congrats on your Cowboys. Okay now I have to go and slap myself, lol!
I am original from Cleveland Ohio and have been a Browns fan all my life, I grew up in a home were loyalty was not just a word or punchline as some use it now, it was what you did. I am loyal to the Browns,Reds,Buckeyes, and Dale Jr. in nascar. I have been that way most of my life except for Jr. he has only been driving for about 10 years pro. But I see it all the time. people do not care anymore. they think they need to change all the time to keep up with the Jones. it does not make sense to me.
Great post!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SwackDaddy you my friend are the picture of a Loyal Fan! Your words are something I, and I know others, can relate to. And may I say that there was no greater player out there than Reggie White! I too cried when he did that, and I am a Redskins fan. You know what? Keep the lump in your throat, because it is those moments as true fans that we get to look back on and relish in!
You have taught your children well. It is really great to hear someone say that they are doing the right thing by teaching loyalty, actually morals. I too have lived this way with my three sons. They all love the Redskins as much as I do. I saw it really when my oldest son had to be consoled when the Redskins lost late in the playoffs to Tampa Bay some years ago. I noticed through my own tears, that he was doubled over just crying. Now I have a lump in my throat. . .
I hope that being Loyal will come back into fashion, because you are right, if you cant be loyal to a football team, what will you be loyal to?
Thank you so much, and please come back soon!
Ang
PS
What a wonderful time for Packers fans as well. I was so proud of Favre, and on top of that you guys are undefeated! Congrats!!!
I like the comparison to the 8-track and loyalty. I think that is such a terrible shame when teams themselves do not show the same kind of loyalty to their true fans. For some reason being loyal to a great player is all these new fans know. How sad for all of those who do not understand the real love of a team!
Thank you, and I am looking forward to the game Sunday :0)
Thank you. You are right on the money about players switching teams all the time for more money. I can see how today’s average fan would try to understand our loyalty. It is unfortunate that teams are now run as multi million/billion dollar corps. It does throw the average fan out the window.
HAHA! Hey I know the feeling! I think we can both agree that a season is complete or incomplete by the way we play each other. But in truth I have more respect for the true Cowboy fans. Because as I said up in one of my other comments, though it is hard to believe, we rivals have something in common, we actually share the same passion for our teams! Forever a Redskins or Cowboys fan! You cannot be both, though I do have an Aunt who tries to be, but that is for another time!
And man do I know what you are talking about when it comes to having a hard time keeping up with the names. I too remember when I could name every player on the line. THE HOGS! Now I am depressed!
Great comment and thank you for it! Come back soon.
Ang
I do know how tough it has been to be a Browns fan. You guys have had it harder than any other true, loyal fan has. But by your comment I can see that you are proud to be a Browns fan, and you should be! Loyalty to all of your teams gives you a sense of who you are. And you carry it with you where ever you go in life.
Unfortunately people do not care about much anymore. I like that about keeping up with the Jones. That is a great way to explain it. But just like you, it makes not sense to me as well. People should have pride in who they are, what they do and who they love! Thank you so much.
Come back soon and take care,
Ang
Last edited by vbchic_Redskins_fan on October 9th at 10:08 PM.
As far a NFL teams go, we moved around a bunch when I was a kid. We were living in San Francisco when the 9ers beat Cincy in the super bowl. It just didn't stick for me. While I was in Texas in the 90's, there were just too many Cowboy fans already. I kinda liked the Oilers when they drafted Mike Rozier because I was born in Nebraska and I am a Corhusker fan through and through. Moon was one of my favorite QB's, even after the meltdown in Buffalo in the playoffs. But even then I really didn't feel connected to the team. My first permanent duty station in the Navy was in Jacksonville, Florida. It so happened to be the inaugural season for them. I believe it was 94 or 95. I decided right then and there that no matter what the Jags were going to be my team. There is no doubt in my mind that I will hold true to that decision. They blow it and I'm pissed every year, but when they get it together I will be as high as I have ever been.
Anyway, I really liked your posting. I wrote a loyalty blog in College Football two weeks ago. You are absolutely correct when you say that the lack of loyality is rampant across the board. It is depressing, but it also makes true loyality that much more special.
Sometimes we have to try things on before we find the right fit. And it seems like the Jags were the right size for you. Plus, you have stuck with them for over 12-13 years now. Once they reach the SB you will be ecstatic!
So you were in the Navy? Were you ever stationed in Norfolk, VA or Oceana here in Virginia Beach? There are a few other smaller Navy bases around here as well.
Thank you so much for the comment!
Take care,
Ang
Last edited by vbchic_Redskins_fan on October 3rd at 5:27 PM.
It happened the moment free agency started. If they can change teams for money then why shouldnt people be able to change the teams they root for based off of winning? Same thing to me. Dont tell me about loyalty, I am a Bengals fan! Live through some of those seasons and you'll know what level your character is on.
GREAT post!! Very insightful and informative. I'd love to experience the highs of being the fan of a Super Bowl winning team someday. I came close in 2004 when the Panthers lost to the Patriots in an epic SB 38. I thought after they had tied it up with a minute to go in regulation, "We're going OT, and we're going to win it ALL!" Then John Kasay kicks the ball out of bounds for THE FIRST TIME IN HIS CAREER. I about cried because I KNEW Tom Brady had a short field to work with and a minute remaining. I about cried because two years earlier the Panthers had gone 1-15, losing their last 15 games. They had come back from the depths of suckdom to nearly reaching the NFL pinnacle in two short years.
The closest I can compare is this year's Daytona 500. Kevin Harvick (my driver) won the closest Daytona 500 in history. Nothing in NASCAR compares to the Daytona 500. When Harvick won the race, I was jumping up and down in ecstasy.
I've had my baseball team win a couple of World Series (Dodgers in 1981 and 1988), my NBA team win NINE titles (Lakers--1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987-88, 2000-2002), and my NHL team win a couple of Stanley Cups (Flyers in 1974 and 1975).
Good stuff Ang. I'm with you. Ahh, the bandwagon fans of the world. They drive me insane, but yet, they're out there. I remember when I lived in FL and I was happy about the 'Skins won, I was accused of being one. I hated it. But I have been loyal forever, I can't help it that my parents had to move there. But anyway, even back then in the 80's they were around too...
Good stuff... by the way, were your family members happy with my predictions on MLB? I'm assuming so.
Wow BUCKEYEZZ you seem angry. I think you are right about free agency playing a large roll in why players move around, but I have no use for people who give loyalty to a single player. I hate to coin a cheesy phrase but, "There is no I in team."
As far as me not telling you anything about loyalty, well now I was merely voicing my opinion. You can take it or not. I know first hand how it feels to watch your team struggle year in and year out. Remember I am a Redskins fan. But after your loss to the Pats Monday Night I can see why you are angry. Being 1-3 also tends to sour ones attitude. But hey, we still have twelve weeks left, so try and take heart from that.
Thank you very much! I know you would my friend, and don't worry it will happen for Carolina one day. You guys got there once, and though they were not the SB Champs, they were the NFC Champs! I know, still not the same.
Believe me when I say the Daytona 500 is blared on every TV in my house. My husband is a Mark Martin fan, and being that Mark is not out there full time, it has been a bit different this year. I keep asking him who is he going to pick once Mark is gone? And I have to say this about my husband and loyalty...he is just not ready to let go of Mark.
I would say you have had lots of good times with the Lakers being your NBA team, lol! Thanks as always for your wonderful comments.
Thank you very much. Yes the bandwagon fans are an unfortunate, nasty side effect we have to deal with in the sporting world. Shame on whoever called you that nasty name! Tell me who it was, because I know some people, who know some people, who rob some people. Sorry, Huggy Bear a.k.a. Snoop took over there for a minute. I just got a "MOM" from Ben! Sorry...lol
Oh and I just stopped by and read your latest post to Ben, who btw, is extremely happy with your picks. I have to say we have some great games going on here in October. I am also very sure that my Husband will be pleased as well. Both of them want a Yankee-Red Sox rematch. Plus Sammy must be pleased because he is sleeping, but his tail is thumping in approval. Never a dull moment around here!
Hail to the Redskins my friend, and I cannot wait for Sunday!
I know they will. I dream of the day so often, that I sometimes think I am obsessing. I guess that is what makes us bleed Burgundy and Gold! I am hoping this Sunday will bring the Redskins one step closer. Thank you so much for the comment!
Talk with you soon,
Ang
Last edited by vbchic_Redskins_fan on October 3rd at 9:42 PM.
Great post. Bandwagoners are annoying. I may cheer for other teams I like when my teams aren't in it, but at the end of the day my teams still come first.
I'll admit, it's tempting to want to be a bandwagoner sometimes. You can enjoy winning without experiencing the heartbreak, but without the heartbreak you can't fully appreciate the joy of winning. I'd rather experience the ultimate joy of my own team winning than the shallow joy of my bandwagon team winning.
Thank you very much. I agree with you, there is nothing worse than the bandwagoners! I am also with you about rooting for another team. See, I am a Redskins fan and we have two teams, The Redskins and anybody playing the Dallas Cowboys. I bet if you ask a 'Boys fan that same question, they would same the same thing. That is why I love rivals! :0)
The ultimate joy of your team winning will always overshadow the bandwagoners. Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
The Panthers were THIS CLOSE to reaching the NFL summit. That team had guts, grit, and heart. They were the Cardiac Cats BECAUSE of their heart. The genesis was in Week 1 of the 2003 season, when a young backup named Jake Delhomme rallied the Panthers from two TDs down to beat Jacksonville.
When they came off that final turn of the Daytona 500, my heart was in my throat.
I've been a Lakers fan since the Wilt Chamberlain days in the early 70's. Even got to see Magic Johnson and the Showtime Lakers play in person. Best passer in the history of the NBA by far.
I needled Hoit on his blog stating the Lions will stay winless in D.C. Told him I like Jason Campbell in this game.
jon I do remember, because we were rooting for the Panthers. I like Delhomme a lot. My son and I have always called him, "The Homme."
Daytona is sports at its best in the last ten laps. I have always appreciated the pureness of racing during those moments.
What a great time to be a Lakers fan. I remember back in the 80's the rivalry between the Lakers and the Celtics was all anyone ever talked about. My Best friends family loved the Celtics. All I ever heard about was Larry Bird and Kevin McCale.( spelling?)
I will go check out hoit and then I am signing off for the night. Thanks jon for the comment!
oldskewler did you tell me that before? If so, I am so sorry to ask again. I have to say that I have seen the inside of Portsmouth Naval too many times. Thankfully, my Husband has since Ret. and we have Tri Care as our secondary, so we get to go to my family Dr. who has been mine since I was a child. Were you there when the new hospital went up? It is nice.
Naw, I was there in 1994. I went to my "C" school there. I was there for about 8 months. The hospital was in bad shape then. I went from there to Jacksonville, Fl.
Tricare is good if you don't have anything out of the ordinary wrong with you. I do insurance recovery for the Air Force in New Mexico now. My wife is acitve duty, so I now know how it feels to be a dependent.
There are just a few good military-run hospitals that I know of. In the Navy, Balboa and Bethesda are the "flagship" hospitals. The problem with military health care is the reason that the United States shouldn't go to a socialized health system. The greed of the insurance companies in our present (lack of a) system, is driving up costs to where routine Dr's visits are too expensive for anyone to afford. It is a real crisis. Federal law mandates that Drs have to charge the same price for care if insurance is present or not. Insurance companies tell you what they are willing to pay for procedures. It is always very inflated. It is the Dr's best interest to charge what the ins.co. will pay. The people on the short end of the stick are the people without coverage. I wish I could figure out a solution.
Sorry about that. I'll get off my soapbox now. Did your husband put in 20? Navy? Did he see a ship. I was a corpsman, so I was with the Jarheads. I never stepped foot on a ship after 6 years in.
A well written blog .
Thanks to Texascudaguy for the heads up on this one.
I understand Loyalty- Lions fan for decades -(ouch it hurts sometimes)
My son picked his team when he was 5 and still roots for them (Vikings) he is now 21.
It makes for some fun sometimes around here.
When the dust settles, the true fans know each other most of the time.
The same happens in many sports, either on paper or in person.
You see the same faces time and again, then the 'new guy' shows up claiming to be THE biggest fan.
Funny son, I don't remember seeing you on this bench/bleacher before?
Thank you for writing and inspiring 'cudaguy to write his which inspired me to walk down memory lane.
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I have been a Washington Redskins Fan all of my life. I come from four generations of "We bleed Burgundy and Gold" Redskins fanatics! I have three teenage sons who are following in this great tradition.
I also am a huge Cal Ripken fan. Congrats to his Hall of fame induction. I would rather go and see a baseball game in person, then watch it on TV. My oldest Son is doing his best to make his dream come true. He has played baseball his whole life, and is being scouted now.
I live in Virginia Beach, Va. I am a native, not a tourist. I work for Canon USA and I love every minute of it! I believe you should Love life, and Live for Redskins Football! HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!
Why and how did this happen? I really am curious to know the answer to those questions. You know as a Washington Redskin fan I have watched my team dominate the '80's, win a Super Bowl in the '90's, and then fall into all of the seasons that have come since. So for me when the Redskins finally make it back to the Super Bowl, the love and undying loyalty I have for them will make it that much sweeter. 
would suggest that you find a team and put all that you have into them. Come good or bad, hell or high water, be there proudly displaying their colors. So when someone goes to tear you down, you will finally know the sense of loyalty that comes from being a real fan!
I would like to close this with a quote on Loyalty from the Great Vince Lombardi. . .
