What It Means to Be a Fan

[dmek25]

deep down, i really think they all get it. its just to different degrees. good post schneed. i do care about the tragedy. but in the end i am a redskin fan. and while the faces of the organization have changed over the years, im still here cheering for the burgundy and gold every Sunday. i am like most around here. bitching at the dumb penalties, wondering what our coaching staff is thinking at times. yelling for portis, moss and the offense to keep on doing what they do. loving London Fletcher, and will miss the jacked up daily by Sean Taylor. but it is still the Washington redskins that keep me coming back come Sunday i fully expect these guys to put it on the line, and play up to their capabilities, because that's just what a pro does. battles thru adversity, and performs to the best of their ability

[AlvinWalton'sNeckBrace]

I almost posted something regarding this a few weeks ago. I haven't been able to see many games this year and I have had to make a committed effort to limit the time I spend on following the team. Every week I am on the edge of my seat for four hours and I usually have some amount of quizzes or tests the next day. After its all over, I ask my self what the point was? Why did I just waste my time with that? This whole season, and recently this tragedy have really brought home what my fandom means to me. It means being heartbroken after every loss because its one less chance my now blind grandfather has to smile during the week. It means knowing somewhere my brother is still trying to figure out how to make the play-offs. It means I'll spend every off season hoping and praying that we get it right. It means watching my videotaped copies of the 88 and 91 Superbowls over and over again. I was born in the same hospital at the same time as Dexter Manley's son. He gave my dad his autograph in the waiting room. John Riggins carried my brother around on his shoulders in the parking lot of RFK.
This tragedy has opened my eyes. No matter what, I will never forsake my fandom. Its just a game, but it also represents so much more. Thank you Sean for all the memories, for even in death, bringing us closer together as fans. Your presence will be missed. We'll be thinking of #21 every time we yell HAIL TO THE REDSKINS.