LANCASTER − If you live in Ohio you’re either a Cleveland Browns or Cincinnati Bengals fan, right?
Not necessarily.
While both teams obviously have their share of fans from the Buckeye State, so do other teams. The Eagle-Gazette asked people on Facebook who their favorite NFL was, and they mentioned several teams as the 2024 NFL season kicks off this weekend.
For example, city police chief Nick Snyder is a San Francisco 49ers fan and went to the Super Bowl in Las Vegas in February to watch his team play against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Jan 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) blocks against the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
“I’ve been a fan ever since the second grade,” he said. “One of the older kids at my bus stop gave me a Joe Montana pencil eraser after we won our pickup street football game before school. I became a fan simply because of that gesture alone.”
He’s not alone, as Kaitlyn Reef is also a 49ers fan.
“Found a favorite player on the 49ers and have been a fan for about 10 years now,” she said. “I love the fan base, the overall attitude of most of the players on the team, as well as most of the people inside the organization. We’ve suffered a good bit of heartache in these last 10 years, but when we’re playing at our best, the excitement is infectious and it is sooo much fun to watch.”
Of course, given the proximity to Pittsburgh, the Steelers are also well-represented in Ohio. In fact, former Pickerington North Panther Godwin Igwebuike played for them last year.
Misty Ritcchie-Richardson is one of the many local Steeler fans.
“Steelers all the way,” she said. “Raised in Pennsylvania, but born in Ohio. Have been to games in Ohio and Pennsylvania and nothing like a Steeler game in Pittsburgh.”
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Godwin Igwebuike (48) reacts after a play Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
The Dallas Cowboys also have local fans.
“I am a big Dallas fan,” Hollie Saunders said. “But my sister, Valeria, is a huge Dallas fan.”
While central Ohio is nowhere near New Orleans, that doesn’t mean there aren’t Saints fans here.
“New Orleans Saints because of Drew Brees choosing to remain there and help rebuild after the city was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina,” Stephy Lynn said.
Jake Smith also roots for the Saints.
“Lancaster, Ohio, has been my hometown most of my life, but I have family from Louisiana and growing up I spent a lot of time with them,” he said. “My Uncle was a devout Saints fan and I enjoyed the time spent with Unc. My mother and father were Steelers fans but it just ain’t me. So I took the Saints as well.”
Dec 31, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints safety J.T. Gray (48) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
Then there’s Jason Kennedy. He’s a Denver Broncos fan.
“I was born and raised in Ohio,” he said. “My favorite team is the Denver Broncos. I was named after my grandfather Denver. Been a die-hard Broncos fan since 1972, I was 4 years old.”
Some fans like teams from a warmer climate, like Cody Alan Richardson.
“Jacksonville Jaguars,” he said. “Due to when they came into the league as an expansion team in ‘95. That was when I was getting into football at the age of 5 and said ‘You know what, why not?’ Have been a fan since. You don’t find many Jags fans in Ohio.”
jbarron@gannett.com
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Twitter/X: @JeffDBarron
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Ready for some football? Local NFL fans go beyond Ohio’s borders
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Publish date : 2024-09-05 01:06:00
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