Speaking of Bandwagon fans...

[Steely_J]

So in light of recent petty bickering, I got into a discussion with a friend about bandwagon fans. How do you feel about them?

You've been a fan for years, and you run into someone in a grocery store who flying your colors... you get to talking and you find out that they are "also a fan" of another team.. not just another team.. but a rival team. What does that do for you? Does that sour the conversation for you? Do you say something or do you keep it quiet?

Are there "acceptable" bandwagon fans, who maybe fall into a grey area? Or is it black and white, yes or no?

What's your take?

[eakephas]

Doesn't bother me.

I had a professor who came to class wearing a Steelers jersery after the Super Bowl and was talking about how much he loves them. Then he said, "I usually root for the Browns and Bengals too, unless they're playing Pit."

I hear things like this pretty frequently, actually. I think the vast majority of fans are "bandwagon," in that they don't fanatically follow one team and one team alone.

[dr1441]

I had this problem with a guy from my office. The week after we started 0-6 this year he sent out a big long email about how he was done as a Bengals fan blah blah blah. He said that in the next few weeks he would wear in a shirt to show support of his new team.

Well I be damned if this m'fer didnt wear in a Steelers shirt the next week on casual Friday. Now if you a fan of the Bengals and kind of like a team or player from the NFC well I could maybe see that but to go from a Bengals to a Steelers fan is just downright unexplainable.

I still haven't spoke to the guy about football ever since that day. I told him I lost all respect for wearing a Bengals shirt one week and a Steelers the next. And I be damned if this guy didn't cheer like he was a 40 year fan of the Steelers when they won the SB. I cant stand fans like this.

[browns town bengal]

Originally Posted by Steely_J

So in light of recent petty bickering, I got into a discussion with a friend about bandwagon fans. How do you feel about them?

You've been a fan for years, and you run into someone in a grocery store who flying your colors... you get to talking and you find out that they are "also a fan" of another team.. not just another team.. but a rival team. What does that do for you? Does that sour the conversation for you? Do you say something or do you keep it quiet?

Are there "acceptable" bandwagon fans, who maybe fall into a grey area? Or is it black and white, yes or no?

What's your take?

Im not a huge fan of bandwagon fans but they dont irritate me nearly as much as arrogant fans. Just because some people happen to like a team that does well doesnt give them the right to be arrogant or obnoxious. Unfortunately, there are fans of all teams that fall into that group. Some teams have more than others.

Here in cleveland I see alot of pitt and browns fans and I usually say nothing to them, but if I do I usually try and keep it friendly.

[bushy #2]

Originally Posted by Steely_J

So in light of recent petty bickering, I got into a discussion with a friend about bandwagon fans. How do you feel about them?

You've been a fan for years, and you run into someone in a grocery store who flying your colors... you get to talking and you find out that they are "also a fan" of another team.. not just another team.. but a rival team. What does that do for you? Does that sour the conversation for you? Do you say something or do you keep it quiet?

Are there "acceptable" bandwagon fans, who maybe fall into a grey area? Or is it black and white, yes or no?

What's your take?

no way no how!!!! usually people who are fans of multiple teams(especially rivals) no anbsolutly nothing about the game and even less about the teams there repping, i cant stand having a football convo with someone who doesnt even know the players names on their fav team......its kind of like talking to meaningless joe...that guy is so one dementional

[eakephas]

Originally Posted by bushy #2

no way no how!!!! usually people who are fans of multiple teams(especially rivals) no anbsolutly nothing about the game and even less about the teams there repping, i cant stand having a football convo with someone who doesnt even know the players names on their fav team......its kind of like talking to meaningless joe...that guy is so one dementional

I agree on the people who don't know anything about their "favorite" teams.

But as for people who cheer for multiple teams... You can't honestly tell me that you wouldn't be excited if you saw Akili Smith throw the winning touchdown pass to Tim Krumrie in the Super Bowl next year.

[Steely_J]

Originally Posted by dr1441

I had this problem with a guy from my office. The week after we started 0-6 this year he sent out a big long email about how he was done as a Bengals fan blah blah blah. He said that in the next few weeks he would wear in a shirt to show support of his new team.

Well I be damned if this m'fer didnt wear in a Steelers shirt the next week on casual Friday. Now if you a fan of the Bengals and kind of like a team or player from the NFC well I could maybe see that but to go from a Bengals to a Steelers fan is just downright unexplainable.

I still haven't spoke to the guy about football ever since that day. I told him I lost all respect for wearing a Bengals shirt one week and a Steelers the next. And I be damned if this guy didn't cheer like he was a 40 year fan of the Steelers when they won the SB. I cant stand fans like this.

UHg.... HUGE foul there. I can sympathize with people being ticked off that their team is losing and want to show that frustration... but to sport your rivals colors??? Hell no. That's just wrong. At that point I think it's your duty as a fan to express your disapproval of his actions/

Originally Posted by browns town bengal

Im not a huge fan of bandwagon fans but they dont irritate me nearly as much as arrogant fans. Just because some people happen to like a team that does well doesnt give them the right to be arrogant or obnoxious. Unfortunately, there are fans of all teams that fall into that group. Some teams have more than others.

Here in cleveland I see alot of pitt and browns fans and I usually say nothing to them, but if I do I usually try and keep it friendly.

I agree for the most part. If its a fan like one dr1441 said, then that bugs the shiz outta me... and given the situation would probably hear it from me.

Arrogant or obnoxious fans are always just that... arrogant and obnoxious. So yeah, no one likes that. But give me an arrogant or obnoxious fan who's also a bandwagon fan?? Oh man.. that's the worst combo.

[NashvilleBengalfan]

Bandwagon Fan....Switches support to whatever team/game/allegiance/belief happens to be successful at the time.

Not rooting for more than one team!

[Steely_J]

Originally Posted by NashvilleBengalfan

Bandwagon Fan....Switches support to whatever team/game/allegiance/belief happens to be successful at the time.

Not rooting for more than one team!

[Rayne]

Originally Posted by Steely_J

So in light of recent petty bickering, I got into a discussion with a friend about bandwagon fans. How do you feel about them?

You've been a fan for years, and you run into someone in a grocery store who flying your colors... you get to talking and you find out that they are "also a fan" of another team.. not just another team.. but a rival team. What does that do for you? Does that sour the conversation for you? Do you say something or do you keep it quiet?

Are there "acceptable" bandwagon fans, who maybe fall into a grey area? Or is it black and white, yes or no?

What's your take?

I humor the guy. At that point I know he's just on the wagon for a while and he'll get off eventually. Yes, it sours the conversation as I know this guy never suffered through anything and hasn't been on very long.

[34inXXIII]

I've said it before....I don't care for the practice of bandwagonning myself and could never imagine a situation where I would do so, but damn would I love for my teams to have an overwhelming number of bandwagon fans right now.

BTW, Steely, don't be so hard on yourself. I never considered your bickering to be petty.

[Luigi]

What Derek said about the dude going from the Bengals to the Steelers is outragous, but its nothing that going to bother me.

The only time it really bothers me is when an obvious bandwagoner is talking trash. A team just wins a championship and they jump on board and talk trash compared to my team. I want someone who has been through the thick and thin to talk smack to me not someone who just joins up while the team is riding high!

[JS-Steelerfan]

Originally Posted by Steely_J

So in light of recent petty bickering, I got into a discussion with a friend about bandwagon fans. How do you feel about them?

You've been a fan for years, and you run into someone in a grocery store who flying your colors... you get to talking and you find out that they are "also a fan" of another team.. not just another team.. but a rival team. What does that do for you? Does that sour the conversation for you? Do you say something or do you keep it quiet?

Are there "acceptable" bandwagon fans, who maybe fall into a grey area? Or is it black and white, yes or no?

What's your take?

I guess it depends. If people are consistent (rooting for the same group of teams regardless of record), I guess it's no big deal. I've always been one that's been more motivated by my love for my own team and the sport in general rather than against any particular team (yes, even the other AFCN teams). So, even though I'm a rabid Steeler fan and am not given to rooting for other teams, I do understand folks that are more likely to be "fans of the game" rather than of any particular team.

People who bounce back and forth are a different story, though. It's one thing to start rooting for a team because they're winning, especially if you're young and just starting to make your own choices regarding a team to follow (as was the case for me in the 70s). But it's another to immediately leave that team as soon as they decline a bit.

Ultimately, though, it's a free country and folks can do whatever they want. I don't really think that it's a sin to be a bandwagoner, but I do think that people who are don't really "get it", nor will their experience be as good, because they will never experience what it feels like to transcend from abject frustration to championship ecstasy.

[eakephas]

Originally Posted by BlackandOrangeLuigi

What Derek said about the dude going from the Bengals to the Steelers is outragous, but its nothing that going to bother me.

The only time it really bothers me is when an obvious bandwagoner is talking trash. A team just wins a championship and they jump on board and talk trash compared to my team. I want someone who has been through the thick and thin to talk smack to me not someone who just joins up while the team is riding high!

Agreed.

But the idea of fans trash talking is kind of silly, anyway. I mean, what are they bragging about? They cheered for people that beat people I cheered for? All we did was watch, and it's hard to argue that somebody watched the game harder than somebody else... and even if they did, who cares?

[Brew Crew Grrl]

Ahhh arrogant fans.... I know one of those! Hate to bring up the past, but dude stood up clapping his hands and cheering in the PO game when Carson was injured. Hope karma gave him his since then.

I don't mind people who root for other teams, but I think its a little different when you just totally jump ship for another team when it goes sour. Its kinda like a marriage... through good times and bad.

[Steely_J]

Originally Posted by eakephas

Agreed.

But the idea of fans trash talking is kind of silly, anyway. I mean, what are they bragging about? They cheered for people that beat people I cheered for? All we did was watch, and it's hard to argue that somebody watched the game harder than somebody else... and even if they did, who cares?

Then why do you post in the smack forum?

Trash talking is part of the fun!

[steelman59]

Originally Posted by Steely_J

So in light of recent petty bickering, I got into a discussion with a friend about bandwagon fans. How do you feel about them?

You've been a fan for years, and you run into someone in a grocery store who flying your colors... you get to talking and you find out that they are "also a fan" of another team.. not just another team.. but a rival team. What does that do for you? Does that sour the conversation for you? Do you say something or do you keep it quiet?

Are there "acceptable" bandwagon fans, who maybe fall into a grey area? Or is it black and white, yes or no?

What's your take?

Well as a bandwagon fan I am going to demand an investigation. The descrimination shown towards us is beyond disgusting. We are teased, ridiculed, banned from any conversations, its just pathetic!

[Steely_J]

Originally Posted by Brew Crew Grrl

Ahhh arrogant fans.... I know one of those! Hate to bring up the past, but dude stood up clapping his hands and cheering in the PO game when Carson was injured. Hope karma gave him his since then.

I don't mind people who root for other teams, but I think its a little different when you just totally jump ship for another team when it goes sour. Its kinda like a marriage... through good times and bad.

A guy I work with is all about the Steelers when they win.. and all about the Packers every other time... makes me nauseous really... I noticed that when we went 8-8 he talked to me and said "your Steelers and my Packers" .. then when we made the run this year it was "How bout my Steelers???"

I just said... Your Steelers? They weren't your Steelers when they were 8-8! Remember who you're talkin' to now.

And our "Colts fans" all of the sudden weren't fans this year until December... and of course when they beat the Steelers. That always irks me.. "Hey! Look who's team lost in their own house!"

[Carp]

Originally Posted by eakephas

Agreed.

But the idea of fans trash talking is kind of silly, anyway. I mean, what are they bragging about? They cheered for people that beat people I cheered for? All we did was watch, and it's hard to argue that somebody watched the game harder than somebody else... and even if they did, who cares?

This Mitchell and Webb Look skit fits this perfectly!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN1WN...x=0&playnext=1

[Brew Crew Grrl]

Originally Posted by Steely_J

A guy I work with is all about the Steelers when they win.. and all about the Packers every other time... makes me nauseous really... I noticed that when we went 8-8 he talked to me and said "your Steelers and my Packers" .. then when we made the run this year it was "How bout my Steelers???"

I just said... Your Steelers? They weren't your Steelers when they were 8-8! Remember who you're talkin' to now.

And our "Colts fans" all of the sudden weren't fans this year until December... and of course when they beat the Steelers. That always irks me.. "Hey! Look who's team lost in their own house!"

Ohhh that would have just burned me up. Were they still "his Packers" this year after stinkin it up at 6-10

I've always been partial to the Pack myself. No... not because of Brett Favre or the fact that overall they've been much more successful than my Bengals. Its moreso due to the tremendous history surrounding the team, Lambeau Field, and the unwavering dedication of Winconsins to football as a whole. One of these days I will go to a Bengals/Packers game at Lambeau and money will be no matter. Its on my bucket list

[steelman59]

Originally Posted by Brew Crew Grrl

Ohhh that would have just burned me up. Were they still "his Packers" this year after stinkin it up at 6-10

I've always been partial to the Pack myself. No... not because of Brett Favre or the fact that overall they've been much more successful than my Bengals. Its moreso due to the tremendous history surrounding the team, Lambeau Field, and the unwavering dedication of Winconsins to football as a whole. One of these days I will go to a Bengals/Packers game at Lambeau and money will be no matter. Its on my bucket list

AH admit it Brew, it turns your guy on when you put on the cheese head, thats why you like them.

[Steely_J]

Originally Posted by Brew Crew Grrl

Ohhh that would have just burned me up. Were they still "his Packers" this year after stinkin it up at 6-10

I've always been partial to the Pack myself. No... not because of Brett Favre or the fact that overall they've been much more successful than my Bengals. Its moreso due to the tremendous history surrounding the team, Lambeau Field, and the unwavering dedication of Winconsins to football as a whole. One of these days I will go to a Bengals/Packers game at Lambeau and money will be no matter. Its on my bucket list

Yeah.. he was all black n' gold after the first playoff game. Hell.. even then he was saying how the Steelers were gonna lose to the Ravens... uhg... Toolbags...


As far as the Packers go, I know a lot of Steeler faithfull will take them as their NFC Team. You know what I mean.. not a jump ship or anything.. but a NFC Team who you don't mind seeing do well. I personally don't like to do that much with football. I'll wish teams well, but if they ever come up against the Steelers, it's all war. For instance... It was cool to see the Cards do what they did this year. I was expecting them to lose to the Eagles. As soon as it was evident we were gonna play them... I could give less of a crap about their cinderella season!!!!

[Brew Crew Grrl]

Originally Posted by steelman59

AH admit it Brew, it turns your guy on when you put on the cheese head, thats why you like them.

Dude... you haven't seen my gametime apparel yet?! Check it!

Originally Posted by Steely_J

Yeah.. he was all black n' gold after the first playoff game. Hell.. even then he was saying how the Steelers were gonna lose to the Ravens... uhg... Toolbags...


As far as the Packers go, I know a lot of Steeler faithfull will take them as their NFC Team. You know what I mean.. not a jump ship or anything.. but a NFC Team who you don't mind seeing do well. I personally don't like to do that much with football. I'll wish teams well, but if they ever come up against the Steelers, it's all war. For instance... It was cool to see the Cards do what they did this year. I was expecting them to lose to the Eagles. As soon as it was evident we were gonna play them... I could give less of a crap about their cinderella season!!!!

Couldn't wait to stomp all over Fitzgerald's glass slipper and smash it into a million pieces could ya Was still a helluva game... not exactly the outcome I wanted, but still a helluva game!






***oh and hells no that is NOT me in the picture!

[sloppy lombardi slaps]

You can follow other teams, and even be a fan of a team in the other conference, but that's it.

[The Noob Avenger]