Sports fans have been an important part of the explosive success both collegiate and professional athletics has enjoyed. In 2013 a recognition award show was created to honor fans and their contribution to the sports industry it's called the What A Fan Awards. Its has been held in Orlando Florida for the last three years and has now been relocated to Los Angeles California beginning July 15th 2016. Over the coming weeks we're going to introduce you to some of the countries most devoted fans of all genres of sports in their own words.
Giants fans are bred into the family – that’s how I became a Giants fan because my dad is a fan, his dad was a fan…. I had no choice. So I have been a Giants fan my whole life... 30+ years! Games Attended: 14 consecutive complete seasons, all home and away games All home games since the Meadowlands opened in 1976. All 5 Giants Super Bowls, I can’t talk about Superbowl 35. It cannot be mentioned. On the field at the end of Superbowl 46.
Why should you be selected winner in this category?
My passion for the New York Giants is born out of respect for an incredible game and understanding that fans play an important role in the experience. I am not “that guy” getting blitzed and foul-mouthed at a game. This is a stone cold sober passion. It’s all about the game and the team and keeping the experience about healthy competition and fun. I only cheer forward. As there are role model players such as the Eli Mannings of the game, I believe so should there be fans with the same class, integrity, and professional morality and ethics. It is my goal to emulate and represent these same qualities. My life has been shaped by New York Giants, a world-class organization. If selected, this ultimate honor could elevate my fortunate story of fandom and serve as a role model to fans, which is important in this increasing day of fan violence.
What triggered your passion for sports?
I have been passionate about sports longer than I have memories. It has always been in every corner of my life - from my job, to my hobbies, to my overall way of being. It started with being bred as a Giants fan, it continued in organized sports throughout my whole life (baseball and football) that continues, and now I coach and teach. There is nothing like teamwork, commitment, and competition. Football is, and always has been in my blood. In fact I'm pretty sure I bleed Giants blue.
Favorite sports moment?
My favorite sports moment was in Superbowl 42, "the Great Escape" with Eli Manning, followed by the Tyree catch (matched to date only by Odell Beckum's one-handed catch). On the NY Giants year end DVD I was featured after this clip grabbing by head saying "Oh my God! Unbelievable!" To be a part of this sequence is amazing and an incredible honor (and fortunate editing!) . It was the "un-official" birth of License Plate Guy as shortly after, social media erupted and the rest is history.
Who would you like to meet and why?
I would like to meet Tim Mara, the original owner of the NY Giants. He purchased the team in 1925 for $500. First, I'd talk him into giving me a piece of the team (and seats of my choice....) Seriously though, I would ask him what he saw in this team (not even a franchise at this point), what goals and visions he had for the organization, and if he could fathom what football has become today.
What charitable programs are you involved with?
I'm involved with NY and NJ Special Olympics for the Giants Snow Bowl annually. I also am an ambassador for the MetLife Easter Seals in NJ. I just put together my first annual charity softball event for St. Jude's at Provident Park in Pomona, and was very fortunate to have Odell Beckum, Andre Williams, DaMontre Moore, Steve Weatherford, David Wilson, and Prince Amukamara to name a few.
How does your family feel about your passion for sports?
My family is the reason I am able to continue following this dream - and I've found that I've created a Giants family of friends that I look forward to hanging out with and cheering with on the road.
How was your character or outfit created?
I wore my first license plate, G1ANTS, to a game when I was 16 on a bet from my dad. To date I now have 30+ plates that have been sent to me from fans around the country. They are all authentic license plates that are NY Giants themed. I started making my custom jerseys with a buddy who moved overseas, and these have become as much a part of my "routine" as the license plates.
How important is it to you to have an award show for fans?
It would be great to have a show to interact with fans and talk about sports and issues. I have found social media to be a great way to meet and talk with fellow fans and athletes - with over 19,000 followers on Instagram and 10,000 on Twitter I think that the Giants have a draw and conversation that many would like to hear! On a side note, I love the show Ellen - I would so be like her and give everything away! Giants Football meets Ellen, hosted by License Plate Guy would be the BEST. EVER.
What would winning mean to you?
It would be such an honor to be recognized in this way. I am fortunate to have the support of family and fans, and deep friendships with many of the players. To be honored in this way personally would make sense of the last 14 years spent going to every single game home and away. More than that, I think it would encourage people to follow their unique dreams, live out loud and be who you are - authentically and without apology.
Learn more about the What A Fan Awards by visiting www.whatafanshow.com and if you or someone you know are devoted, passionate and dedicated sports fans let them know they too could be Nominated for this honor!
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