I Bleed Honolulu Blue and Silver: the Story of My Fanhood

I grew up in a small town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I was always a huge sports fan growing up, and my love for sports seemed to intensify as I grew older.

I was born into a family of Lions fans. Both my older brother Jim and my dad were fans and they spent football seasons watching the Lions games together. I longed to watch the games with them, and eventually I got my chance, and never looked back.

Over the years, I became more familiar with the players and the coaches. I followed games more closely and understood them better after I began playing football in middle school.

The more I grew up, the more I made my presence known on game days. I was a much different fan from what my family was used to. I talked to the television during the games, and often screamed at it, as well. My brother and father needed time to adjust to this, because it wasn't their style.

After my older brother moved out of the house, and my father lost interest in the games from the years of losing, I remained in the living room, glued to the television.

I would say I have been a Lions fan for about ten years now, and with each passing season, I become a stronger fan. I was lucky enough to witness the great Barry Sanders in action for a few years.

The last few years, however, have not been so lucky. I sat through the Matt Millen era, which was the worst in eight years in Detroit history, capped off by a win-less season in 2008. The Lions became the first team to finish a season 0-16.

I attended my first NFL game last season at Lambeau Field as the Lions finished their season, without a win. It was difficult to swallow, but I stood in the stands of Lambeau Field and rooted for my team, and will gladly do it again next season, and for many seasons to come.