This story is coming totally out of left field, but it has nothing to do with baseball—my love for a game that has the shortest season, moves fast, and hits hard!!! I have taken this upon myself, and at my own expense I welcome comments from you, the reader.
I am brand new at this! I have never (until Saturday and then two more articles one on Sunday and one Monday) written a sports article, or any article for that matter for the potential viewing of millions! I am really enjoying these opportunities to express my opinions while also getting your takes on various subjects.
So I thought about what I would like to do here for the past few days, and decided that probably—well definitely against my better judgement...I will put myself out here and introduce myself, and share my story of love for my version of "America's Pastime," and how I became a fan of football.
In my opinion, football is America's sport, and there is no other game played exactly the way it is played here in the United States. There may be variations on it, and I know Canada has the CFL, but the rules are varied, the field of play is longer, and at the end of the season, there is no Super Bowl.
The arena football games are pretty fascinating to watch, because watching the game is like watching Speedy Gonzales; it's fast-paced action on a 50-yard playing field, and to make matters more challenging when a team scores, the placekicker has to be accurate to a "T." The uprights are less than half the width of that of a traditional football upright, and extra point attempts must be made with the ultimate precision.
But my real love lies in the NFL. Sure, I love the fast tempo of college games, but they are second to my love for professional football.
I grew up in North Carolina, about two hours west of Charlotte. Truthfully, I have been a Panthers fan since the organization's inaugural season. I was 12 years old, and from 1995 until 1999 I didn't really know why I was a fan or who played for the team other than that I liked the team's logo and colors, and I found the idea of the Carolinas having their own team was awesome!
I remember the later years better, especially the year we went 1-15. I was in high school that year, and I remember while on my way to school every Monday morning thinking to myself, "I hope the Panthers didn't lose another game." Well, out of the 16 times I thought that, I was at least happy the one time they did win.
After graduating from high school, I moved to New Jersey. I was born there. I still had family in Jersey with whom I wanted to spend time—experience life in the fast-paced northeast, and this geographic area is where I was faced with the first test of being hardcore faithful to my team would confront me.
One day I was asked, "Who's your team?" To which I replied, "The Panthers." I got the weirdest look, and then I was so graciously informed that since I live here now, it would be in my best interest to choose a local team.
19 comments Last one added 4 months ago — Leave a Comment
David Trent 9 months ago
Eric I know how you feel,i used to live in California when i was little in the Bay area,probably half of my family were faider fans an the other were whiner fans(still love my family)but when i moved to N.C. in 1998 i started to rout for a different team THE CAROLINA PANTHERS which made my life a whole lot better except that O1year,but when i went back to Cali my whole family was like what the h*ll is, out of my family im the only Panther. It feels good when i go back an make fun of there team. GO PANTHERS
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Eric Quackenbush 9 months ago
I hear you there David; I still live in NJ, and everyone I work with is either a Giants, Cowboys, or what I now call NY Bretts fan... I am a lone Panthers fan, and so far it's pretty fun talking to everyone since they're not in my division, and we compliment each others team's play. But, I have that Giants/Panthers game circled and I hope the Panthers absolutely SLASH the G-Men! GO CATS!!!!
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David Trent 9 months ago
hahaha while you got the Giants circled i got the Raiders circled on my calendar, I already got it checked, its going be funny when there all way in Cali there going to be saying that hes probably making fun us an enjoying that win, which i will. An i hope we beat the champs, cause this year its our time to shine, our time to lead the division, our time to be the face of the NFL. GO PANTHERS!!!
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charles bright 9 months ago
Eric, I'm thinking you must be from west of Shelby (2 hrs west of Banktown). I am from 1 hour west of Charlotte myself, though now I live in Myrtle Beach. I spent 5 years in Ca, 3 in Modesto and 2 in Fairfield - Castle & Travis AFBs. Loved the bay area (caught a ball at Candlestick) but did not like the San Joaquin Valley at all.
You are so right on Super Bowl XXXVIII. You just knew we were going to win the game and the only thing to prevent it was if Casey kicked the ball out of bounds. Which he did of course.
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Eric Quackenbush 9 months ago
I was about an hour or so southwest of shelby; I grew up in Henderson County, NC.
Yeah, Super Bowl XXXVIII was the best by far that I can remember! The last two quarters I was on the edge of my seat, but cheat or no cheat, the Pats won, and now we gotta plug along this year, one game at a time. Fly under the radar, and show all the naysayers (again) that we are NOT who they think we are! I'm not saying that it's gonna be easy, there are gonna be a few tough teams to play, but I don't see any reason why the Panthers shouldn't go deep into the playoffs, if not all the way and bring home the trophy!
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Austin Penny 9 months ago
nice article man
always nice to meet another true blue panthers fan.
good luck dealin with all the yankees up there!
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Eric Quackenbush 9 months ago
Eh, all the yankees aren't too bad; I get a good laugh out of one of the guys I work with, he's from Ireland and his opinion is the Giants are unstoppable this year. Good luck I tell him. Anyway, thank you for the compliment, and it's nice to make acquaintance with a fellow Panthers fan!
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Dreu H. 6 months ago
Hey again Eric!
I just tripped across this article, I know it's a bit old but I wanted to leave you a comment.
We have more in common than just being Panther fans and attending the same preseason game. I too moved from NC to NJ. I still live there unfortunately (lol), in Northern NJ. With all of the coincidences I'm convinced that we've probably crossed paths at some point in time. The world is a small place after all.
I'm surprised that you picked the Eagles of the 3 teams in the area though. I'm still a bit ticked at them for the way the fans behaved during the 2003 playoffs. I remember the Panthers fans that drove up to the game coming back bruised and battered (literally) from encounters with angry Eagles fans. Even a female that got punched in the eye by a guy simply for wearing a Panthers jersey to the stadium. There were several news stories about it. I guess I'm still holding a grudge.
When I get back from Iraq we should find a sports bar with NFL Sunday ticket and watch at least one Panthers game. I'll drag the hubby along and if you're married, you can drag the wifey. Us dislocated Panthers fans have to stick together. :)
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Eric Quackenbush 6 months ago
Hello again Dreu!
I am happy you looked through my archives! I totally opened up for all to read about my "fandom" in this article. I grew tired of explaining my love for two NFL teams, so now I give everyone a link, and if they have questions later I'll answer them, lol.
I had a few reasons for picking the Eagles. I may have stated them in the article, but I'll just run through them on here real fast.
For one, I am a fan of football. For me the love of the game is greater than being a fan of any one team, even though I do hold prejudices against other certain teams, as any fan would and should (it's fun).
When I moved here, as I said, not only was I encouraged to pick a local team, but I really wanted a team that I could cheer for and see their games every weekend, no matter who they were playing.
My father, who is a Giants fan, told me "no, you can't 'jump ship," (blah, blah, blah), but I told him my intent was merely so I could have a team to follow. My father and I get generally get along on most things, and I figured it would be fun to have a little rivalry, so I picked Philly.
I like the Eagles, because much like the Panthers, they're an "underdog" team. I was also drawn to the bad reputation of Eagles fans, and I like the attitude amongst those lunch pail type players on the team.
I wouldn't be surprised if I may have even seen you at some point of the lightning storm intermission, as there were seemingly so few Panthers fans there, so that too would even be possible.
I think that pretty much any teams' fans can be just as distasteful in the way they treat opposing teams' fans, but it varies. I'm sure some of us Panthers fans have some skeletons in the closet when it comes to that, lol. I remember that post game trauma though. Eagles fans were crying, and all...I was happy though, lol.
I would definitely be up for watching a Panthers game with you guys! Yes, us dislocated Panthers fans definitely have to stick together.
I don't know if you got to see any of yesterday's game, but what a thriller that turned out to be!
I'm so relieved we got the first round bye and a game at home.
Panthers are looking REALLY good right now.
It was great to hear from you, take care, and go Cats!!
"Keep pounding."
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Dreu H. 6 months ago
That's cool, I will overlook your Eagles fandom and appreciate you for the Panther fan that you are. lol.
The Panthers are looking great right now. I didn't get to watch the whole game but I did get to listen to it on the internet. I LOVE technology. The final 2 minutes were on AFN though so I got to watch. I almost didn't because I was so upset listening their 20-point lead disappear in 8 minutes. But of course, I had to. I was a mess until the clock ran out. The Lt. Col. that was watching the game with me was telling everyone the next day how it was more entertaining to watch me than it was the final 2 minutes of the game. I tend to be a bit dramatic I guess. :)
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Eric Quackenbush 6 months ago
Thank you for having the kindness to overlook my "shortcomings," lol.
I too was listening to the game through the Panthers' website on the Field Pass feature I believe it's called. I was over at the neighbors' having dinner around mid-fourth quarter, as I figured the Panthers had the game bagged. I was wrong. I was taunting the Giants fans we were having dinner with, and one of them said to me, "what are the Panthers doing down by one?" I said, "no way; why you gotta be like that?" Then I looked as the score came back up again, and I was like oh, man! So I had a feeling that being down by one with a couple minutes left, we would be okay. Fortunately the network switched to that game, and John Kasay came through for us in the second-biggest clutch moment of the season!
I've been pretty tolerable this season with the Panthers--with the exception of the first meeting against Tampa Bay. I was screaming at the computer, lol.
After that win, I was relieved and a little less upset. The Eagles game afterwards was awesome as well! 44-6 over Dallas? It can't get any better than that, either.
Well, my picks for this weekend are the Chargers beating the Colts, Eagles over the Vikings, Falcons topping the Cardinals, and Ravens beating the Dolphins.
Either tonight or tomorrow evening I'm going to try and put a wild card weekend picks article together. Also, check out my Panthers post game slideshow if you haven't already. "Panthers Leap Ahead of Saints, Fall Behind, Then Claw Their Way To a Win, 33-31."
I look forward to hearing more comments from you, and talking about our Panthers!
Go Cats! :)
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Ron G. 4 months ago
Good stuff. I became and Eagles fan because of my father. He was born and raised in NY, but somehow wound up an Eagles fan. He couldn't get down to Philly for Eagles games often, so he bought Giants season tickets, and sold off all but their annual Eagles game. I began hanging out in Philly in my mid teens, and fell in love with the city. As such, my love for the Eagles grew even more, and I've been suffering through the ups and downs since the mid 70's. Though most Eagles fans in the city wouldn't accept your "other team" explanation, what the heck...if they're not in the same division, and you're capable of hating the Cowboys, Giants & 'Skins, it's all good.
BTW, just heard a rumor Boldin is backing off his trade demand. However, I STILL don't like Houshmanzadeh for the Birds. I like his skills, but this team needs a guy that can break free for big gains..make big plays. TJ just doesn't bring that element, and would just be another of what we already have-though an upgrade in what we already have.
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Eric Quackenbush 4 months ago
Thanks for the comment and compliment, Ron.
Wow that takes a lot of guts (mostly dealing with the whiney fans) being an Eagles fan in NY, and how he managed to make that decision is amazing!
As far as whether or not the fans in Philly would accept my explanation, it wouldn't sway my love of both teams. I can respect those who live in the market of their team and have been lifers, but I don't have that privelege. If it helps matters any, I've been a fan of the Eagles for seven years now; pretty much have never missed a game, unless I was at work; I've been to training camp three years in a row now, too. I love to hate Dallas, the Jints and Deadskins as well. I'd never take TO back--even if that was the only way we'd go to another Super Bowl. I wouldn't want him on the Panthers either.
As far as wide receivers go, I don't really know what other really viable options in the free agent market there are; perhaps go to the draft, maybe find someone--hopefully he works out well enough, and maybe acquire a wide receiver next year. *Sigh* I don't know, lol. It's definitely not as great of a market for wide receivers this year as it's been in the past. I guess Houshmandzadeh is more like Stallworth was, but probably a little better than him.
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Ron G. 4 months ago
I get crap from Eagles fans, AND Giants fans for being an Eagles fan from NY. When I go for cheesesteaks, or to Chickie's & Pete's down there, I listen to "Here comes New York. Shouldn't you be following the Vagiants or Bretts?" And I actually DID live down there (part time) for a few years.
TJ is better than Stallworth, in my eyes. To me, Stallworth and Jackson are similar, minus the hammy issues that have plagued Stallworth. But in the long run, Jackson would be more of what you'd look for in a #1( in so far as being able to make the "big play") than TJ, minus experience. I think TJ plays a good "wing man" for Chad, and is perfectly suited for that role.
Funny- I get lambasted on the EMB for comments like that(you want to be entertained, read the Eagles Message Board, Talk About the Eagles), as well as pointing out that although TJ went on 950 ESPN radio saying he'd love to play in Philly, with McNabb, etc. (which has Eagles fans SCREAMING for Reid/Banner/Heckert/Roseman) to get him), he also went on radio (I believe it's KJR) in Seattle, and said the same things about the Seahawks (would love to mentor their 3 young receivers, play with Hassleback, as well as go back to his "roots"-went to Oregon St. & still has family and business in the region). Eagles fans don't want to hear that. They hate 2 things- reasoning and reality. They believe EVERY good free agent wants to play in Philly. Every receiver wants to play with McNabb (Then, when said receiver and McNabb don't click due to McNabb underthrowing/throwing behind, all of a sudden, the receiver stinks!). Your boy Peppers says he wants to play in a 3-4. What are ALL Eagles fans saying? "Get Gross and Peppers." Tell them "Peppers wants to play in a 3-4. Is JJ going to change his scheme?", you get "He'd come here, especially if the money is right. Why wouldn't he want to play for Jim Johnson?"
ANyway, keep up the good work. Glad Dennis turned me on to your stuff...
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Eric Quackenbush 4 months ago
Lol, the Vagiants, that's a good one. I'm sure for the most part the Giants and Eagles fans are busting your chops, but screw 'em all! You know what team you're a fan of. I haven't tried Chickie and Pete's other than at the stadium, but I did have my first taste of Pat's Steaks, and oh my God! They are out of this world!
Given another season or two, Jackson should definitely become a #1 receiver. He was looking great towards the end of the season. He has great leaping ability, and once he gets his hands to do the things that #1 receivers do, he'll be awesome!
I remember when we got TO, and I really had mixed feelings about it. I knew the Eagles were going places with him, but for how long, was the feeling I also got. TO made McNabb look awesome, and McNabb had the receiver who would reach for overthrown passes and dive for worm-burners.
That's another quality I like about Eagles fans. We want it all, and we want it now.
Houshmandzadeh is shopping himself around. I guess he feels he's good enough to be a #1 receiver, which probably every receiver in the world thinks they're the #1 guy.
As far as Peppers and Gross go, I would/will hate seeing either one of them leaving Carolina, but I'd love seeing either of them playing for the Eagles, too. I wouldn't want Jim Johnson to change his scheme, and I know he won't. The man doesn't take crap from anyone. If Peppers coming to the Eagles is something Philly is considering, then I'm sure if they wave the right amount of cash under his nose he'll put his "X" on the dotted line. However, I don't like the lack of heart I've seen Peppers play with, and maybe that was because he wasn't feeling it in Carolina anymore. Irregardless, if he's not feeling it, he shouldn't let his lack of effort affect his team's chances of winning.
I like Jordan Gross in either situation; Eagles or Panthers. He has size, he has strength, and he's nasty like Runyan is. My only question, is if Runyan's not resigned, and the Eagles were to sign Gross, would Gross be allowed to keep his #69 from Carolina?
Again, thanks for the comments, compliments, and I'm glad Dennis turned you on to my stuff as well.
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Ron G. 4 months ago
Dennis was at Pat's this past weekend(I usually get my steaks there, but I'm friends with Tony Luke for years, and get along with the guys at Geno's, too. I can talk chesesteaks for hours, comparing & contrasting). I was at Chickie's Saturday night. That's pretty much where I hang out down there-though I have a few other spots. I told Dennis today that he needs to do Philly MY WAY. Chickie's is just a fun spot, with great eye candy, and a TV the size of my living room. And the damned crab fries are addictive.
I don't see the Eagles getting Gross (though I'd love it). The Eagles aren't big on retiring numbers, at least until a player gets into Canton. I think 69 would be available on the off chance they can get him. I'm not discounting Runyan's return, however. The surgery was successful, but the rehab process is going to be awhile, which will limit his offers-if he gets any. I can see the Birds offering him SOMETHING- even though Reid doesn't normally do that for the old and crippled. I have this sneaking suspicion that they'll offer Runyan something instead of Tra. Don't know why- just a strange feeling. Dawkins situation will also be something to watch. He was AWFUL in the NFCCG, and seems to have forgotten how to tackle. It was costly.
One thing people don't realize regarding Owens/McNabb: McNabb's rating was supposedly (I'm not big on stats- rarely read them- I think many stats DO lie) better in games Owens missed, than those in which he played. I won't lie- I was ALL FOR getting him. As a matter of fact, I wasn't for dumping him until he wore the Irvin jersey on the flight home from Dallas, and did his sit ups. Sure, he was an idiot. But he wanted to play, and wanted to win. Sometimes I have doubts about the quarterback. He needs to shut up and play well. I don't buy his "I want to retire an Eagle" speeches. I feel strongly that he's the master of opening mouth and inserting foot. I think he's a hell of a player. But he NEVER is accountable. He plays the victim card at every turn. Losses are never on him. And I have no use for that (and I'm no fan of Kolb, either). Nor do I have tolerance for those who blame him for any and everything. I thought he was one of few bright spots in the NFCCG. But for him to say "I gave us the lead. It was 25-24, us, when I walked off, and I waited to get back on the field." is absurd. His first half play was hardly awe-inspiring, just as the defense was awful. He and the defense each played 15 good minutes. His other quote "This reminded me of the St. Louis game, when they handed the ball to Faulk like 9 straight times, because they were terrified of our offense getting back on the field." The ONLY year I remember teams being afraid of the Eagles offense was the Owens year, prior to his injury. Bottom line- it takes a "special" receiver to catch McNabb's worm-burners, and a contortionist to catch the high & behind balls.
P.S.-Penn St...can't watch them. Don't know why, but I have a dislike for them. A strong one. I've bee friends with Blair Thomas for about 15 years. To this day I tell him he needs to forget he played there when I'm around. Very rare is the Big 10 running back that's successful in the NFL.
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Eric Quackenbush 4 months ago
Dennis was at Pat's? In Philly? Yeah the crab fries from Chickie and Pete's are one of a kind for sure.
As far as Gross coming to Philly, you never know. However, with Peppers wanting out of Carolina, I can't see the Panthers letting Gross go as well as Peppers. That would be a real shocker.
In defense of Dawkins and the Eagles defense, they at least looked alive during the NFC Championship, and made some plays. The Panthers defense looked ridiculous a week prior.
Owens is pretty much just a name now. He really hasn't done anything in Dallas except run his mouth and made a few plays, and he was only a little better in San Fran. He had his best year in Philly, and then his head wouldn't fit in his helmet anymore. He has the skill and talent, but he just annoys me any more. In fact I enjoy when he screws up.
As for McNabb, I love the guy, he's the best QB the Eagles have ever had, and he's probably frustrated with the core of receivers he has--kind of that urgency to win the big game and running out of years kinda deal. The two guys I particularly like as receivers are Jackson and Curtis, but Philly definitely needs that #1 go to threat.
Why you gotta burn my Nits like that? Lol, that's ok. I can't watch them, either, mostly because they're rarely on TV around here. Otherwise, I do like them; I'm trying to get into school there, and I can't say as I disagree with you a whole lot on the Big 10 running back scene.
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The Madness 4 months ago
Eric, thanks for directing me to this one to start off with, it was a great read. As an Eagles fan, I an appreciate you picking us as your secondary team. You're right about not having the privelage of having a team your whole life. Also, as far as picking a secondary team, you could have picked any team, but you chose the suffering of an Eagles fan. I've had season tickets since 2000, and honestly, I have pretty much stopped caring about people wearing other teams jerseys, except the cowboys really. I definitely got angry the last day of the season seeing romo jerseys. For the most part i would say 95% of the people down there will boo someone wearing an opposing jersey in a friendly way. The worst I've ever seen it was the game here against Pittsburgh in week 3. There were a pretty decent number of them and they were obnoxious. Outside of the first time TO came here with the cowboys, it was the craziest regular season game I've ever been to. That Carolina NFC championship game almost made me give up my tickets. I rememebr walkin out of there saying "If they don't get TO, I'm not renewing. Then I renewed 2 months later. Then we did get TO, and he tore the tam in half. You should definitely check out Chickie's though. Tony Luke's are my favorite cheesesteaks, but there are a ton of great cheesesteaks around. The key is the roll, and I don't know if you have a place called Fresh Works around you, but they have incredible rolls. I look forward to reading you more.
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Eric Quackenbush 4 months ago
Thank you for reading and the kind words, Section.
I didn't want the flash and flare of a Giants fan--plus they whine waay too much, the Jets...just...stink, and the Eagles are just a badass team. Their defensive style is just like my Panthers' defensive style was in '03. That's when my Panthers were rockin, but in any case I love both teams, and while I love both Charlotte and Philadelphia, I would say Philly holds the edge on "awesome city." I've been to NYC, Atlanta, DC, and Baltimore, but Philly is about the coolest city I've been to. I wanted to be a fan of a team that is good, and hadn't won a Super Bowl yet. Both my teams are in that group. I want to be a fan who experiences my teams' first Super Bowl win; not just a Dallas Cowboy fan or Pittsburgh or San Fran. Anyone can pick those teams and just be a part of the crowd, knowing nothing about their team/s. I want to struggle through the years with mine. I want to be mad at my teams and their decisions, because when it works and I'm proven wrong, it makes winning that much sweeter. Philly and Carolina have both provided those experiences for me.
Dallas and Pittsburgh fans mostly, are like listening to nails on a chalkboard; and I detest that stupid question of, "how many Super Bowl rings do you have?" "None you dummy, I don't play for either team, and when was the last time you won a playoff game (Dallas fans)?" Pittsburgh Steeler fans I don't encounter too often, but when I do they seem like they're in another world.
I was frustrated with the 3 losses in the Championship game the Eagles suffered, and a little bit when the Panthers won it--the Eagles and Philly tend to grow on you. I was happy when they got TO, but I also knew in the back of my mind that it was only a matter of time until he started stirring up trouble, but he was integral in getting us to the Super Bowl.
I'll have to check out Chickie's&Pete's next time I'm in town, which should be in the next month or two. I think we have Fresh Works around here, I know the name sounds awfully familiar. I'll have to keep an eye out.
I appreciate your comments and reading, and I look forward to reading more of your articles as well! If you haven't already, check out my story on the Eagles' Vince Papale. Setting the record straight vs. Disney's rendition: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/124531-the-unembellished-story-of-vince-papale
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