When Fandom Morphs into Allegiance

Every sports fan has a defining moment in their lives that transforms them from casual observer to participant. It can translate into undying loyalty for many.

My favorite team is the Washington Redskins, and it always has been.

I do appreciate all other teams in all sports, and even a few particular teams more than others.

From the Minnesota Vikings "Purple People Eaters" era, to the San Diego Chargers years of "Air Coryell", to even watching a struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers franchise go from winless to within one game from a Super Bowl appearance in their first four seasons in the league.

Then there are other enjoyable moments watching the Baltimore Orioles have the best winning percentage in all sports from the 1960's to 1990's, the Washington Bullets go to consecutive NBA Championships from 1977 thru 1979, to baseball returning to Washington D.C in 2005.

Yet, my passion always remains full throttle with the Redskins. It stems from my childhood. Not just because my dad and big brother are huge fans, though that made it extra cool, but because of the honor and dignity the team showed both on and off the field.

The Redskins may be considered a religion to some fans in the local area, and their fan base has stretched long over the world since the team moved to Washington in 1937. They are a team that fans reach well below the Mason-Dixon line.

Many who have rooted for Washington even after other teams began to form in their own states from the 1960s to the '90s. Teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins.

To get a better taste of the rabidness of Redskin fans, you must realize the team has had all seats in their stadiums sold out for decades. The waiting list for available season tickets is said to last as long as 30 years.

One season ticket holder passed away several years ago. He did not bequeath his ticket to either his wife nor his son. Subsequentely, the mother and son went to court against each other gain possession of the tickets. That is just another example of the passion for the Redskins encapsuled.

My moment of realization for that feeling came to me in 1973 during the fourth quarter of a game against the visiting Dallas Cowboys, the Redskins arch rivals. Dallas had controlled the game up until that point, but was clinging to a 7-0 lead.

The Redskins Hall of Fame passing tandem, Sonny Jurgensen and Charley Taylor, then hooked up for a one yard scoring pass to even things up. The Redskins took the lead late into the game when Brig Owens, the Redskins starting free safety, took an interception 26 yards for a touchdown.

Dallas got the ball back, and were being led by Hall of Fame Quarterback Roger Staubach. Staubach was a master at the two minute drill, and he began to weave his magic in front of a packed and roaring house in RFK stadium.

With time almost completely expired from the game clock, Dallas had just one play left in them. Staubach calmly hit Walt Garrison at the one yard line. Garrison, known as a hard nosed running back, turned towards the goal with his momentum heading into the end zone.

Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, Ken Houston appeared. Houston , the Hall of Fame strong safety, lassoed Garrison and kept him an inch from scoring. The game was over, but a legendary moment was born.

Sitting there, with the glow on the television enveloping me, I could feel the aura of the moments pull me in. I was hooked. Not only could I fathom the passion, artistry, accomplishment, and love every one involved had for the game, but I knew the Redskins would be by my side for the rest of my journey on earth.

It is said, here in Washington D.C. , that it is law for a Redskins fan to want them to beat Dallas. Hall of Fame coach George Allen blessed us Redskins fans with that law.

In 1975, the Redskins were headed for their first season missing the playoffs after four straight years of having made it. The seasons highlight was when Billy Kilmer snuck in from one yard out in overtime to beat Dallas .

Dallas would go on to the Super Bowl that year, but Redskins fans were satisfied in knowing our team had handed them a loss that year. It is the way this rivalry has always worked. Each time you think you know what the outcome will be, the more surprised you will end up at the actual results.

The Redskins fielded one of the greatest teams ever in 1991. They sent seven players to the Pro Bowl after setting numerous league records, such as most points scored and yards gained by a team in a season, and ended up winning the Super Bowl.

They had started the season with eleven straight wins, and there were murmurs of them duplicating the 1972 Miami Dolphins perfect season. They then faced the Cowboys and lost.

The Cowboys won just one game in 1989, which happened to be against the 10-6 Redskins in the ninth game of the year. That loss probably cost the Redskins a chance of reaching the playoffs, as they would finish the season winning six of their last seven games.

These are just a few examples of how the rivalry keeps tradition alive. Long after the days where George Allen and Tom Landry instilled this antagonistic lore. Long after both men were inducted into Canton , and long after both men's deaths.

For myself, I was lucky enough to realize this happening just a few years into their budding opposition. My favorite sports team, the Washington Redskins, have always been about tradition. This loyalty has kept my own near and dear to their highs and lows.

Win or lose, I will always say, "Hail to the Redskins."