Being a fan is about much more than just watching games and keeping track of a team's players. After all, fan is short for fanatic.
fanatic: a person whose strong admiration for something is extreme and unreasonable
Painted faces, dressing up like Darth Vader, wearing the same pair of underwear every game -- we all support our teams in different ways. Each fall, I put my time, energy, hopes, dreams, and a few tears into rooting for my Detroit Lions. Although my team has not won a single playoff game since 1991, that doesn't take away an ounce of my passion or my belief that this year is their year to win it all.
There is little I won't do to help my team win, regardless of if it's a silly superstition or a tradition I refuse to break. Pictured above is my oldest son, father-in-law, and I on a Sunday. We're getting ready to cheer on our Lions. As you can see, we are wearing Lions jerseys, which is just one of the requirements of properly watching a Lions game with my father-in-law.
Prior to arriving at his house, I pick up fast food, usually taco bell, which I adopted from Justin Verlander's former routine of eating it before each game he pitched. I also bring a six-pack of beer, and the first beer I drink must be a beer brewed in Michigan (Detroit is of course is located in Michigan). Coasters, bottle openers, koozies -- all must be Detroit Lions branded items. When the Lions are down, I may take off my jersey until they regain the lead.
My father-in-law has his unique rituals as well, including saying a chant before each field goal kick. We also celebrate every touchdown and victory with a single high-five.
Do these crazy traditions and superstitions work? Absolutely not, but remember, we're fanatics, what we do doesn't have to be reasonable.
Craziest Game Day Rituals
Fans aren't the only ones with crazy rituals before or during a game. My routines feel pretty mild when compared to what several athletes do in preparation for a game.
- Jason Terry
Ageless wonder Jason Terry, at the age of 40 is still in the NBA, and is known to have one of the oddest rituals. The night before each game, Terry sleeps in the shorts of his opponent. Well, we've all heard of the expression involving walking in another man's shoes, right? Terry would rather wear their shorts.
According to a Bleacher Report article, "they can't be the fake ones us fans buy; they have to be purely authentic--game day shorts."
- Les Miles
The sometimes controversial college football coach Les Miles is an intense individual who likes to get a good taste for each game...literally. "Before every game, and during the game when he gets stressed, Miles will take a big chomp of the grass on the field." I wonder which college football field has the best tasting grass?
- Jason Giambi
Former MLB slugger Jason Giambi may have the oddest and most uncomfortable ritual of them all. "Jason Giambi admitted that whenever he was in a slump he would wear a golden thong to the game." I'm not sure how a thong increases your batting average, but players deserve to be fanatics too.
What are Your Game Day Rituals?
I want to hear from you! When it's game day and your team is getting ready for a big game, how do you show your support? Please comment below!
Source: Bleacher Report (10 Weirdest Game Day Rituals)
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