How far would you go to show your love for your favorite team? A little face paint, a wacky ensemble, a cheese-hat perhaps? At any given NFL game, there is never a shortage of wild and crazy fans.

But there are definitely some that are crazier than others. These are the football fanatics that everyone in the stadium or at home watching will recognize because they are present at EVERY single game. They are sporting their signature, one-of-kind fan gear. They are quieting a crowd of 75,000 people with a single hand motion. They are the NFL “superfans.”

And being a “superfan” certainly has its perks. From special parking passes, season tickets and game balls, to “Hall-of-Fan” honors, these guys are treated like royalty. Anything to help your team win, right?

Here are some of the ultimate football fanatics and their signature gametime fashions:

“Fireman Ed” – New York Jets

Signature fashion: Jets fireman’s hat; Bruce Harper jersey

Ed Anzalone, who is better known as “Fireman Ed,” is one of the most well-known fans in the NFL. He is an actual NYC firefighter, which likely inspired his look. Though his outfit is plain and simple, his presence is major. He has the ability to silence an entire stadium for the Jets’ famous chant: “J-E-T-S, Jets! Jets! Jets!” Earlier this season, Fireman Ed was given a game ball from Jets coach Rex Ryan after a victory over the New England Patriots. And perhaps the spirit of Fireman Ed will help the Jets as they continue their playoff run?

“Captain Dee-Fense” – Baltimore Ravens

Signature fashion: Purple navy cap, Ravens colored camoflague pants and Captain Dee-Fense tee

Wes Henson, also known as “Captain Dee-Fense,” is a retired Navy Veteran. He wears his Captain Dee-Fense uniform as proudly as he wore his military uniform, and feels that when he sports the Ravens colors, he is representing the fans and the City of Baltimore. Captain Dee-Fense was born out of a question a young girl asked him at a game. “Are you the “Captain of the Defense?" Since he always believed that defense wins championships, the Captain Dee-Fense name and persona was only natural for him.

With an AFC Championship between the Jets and Ravens still a possibility, Captain Dee-Fense might be headed into battle with Fireman Ed.

“Saint Vince" – Green Bay Packers

Signature fashion: Green robe, Vince Lombardi mitre, championship stole

This crazy Packers fan wins the award for best costume, with his unbelievable attention to detail. His attire closely resembles that of a Roman Catholic Pope. Saint Vince is never without his green and yellow stole which lists all of the years that the Packers won a championship and his mitre even has an image of Vince Lombardi. And Saint Vince has another great accessory at each game; he's always accompanied by his wife, "Cheese Louise" and her signature cheese bra.

“The Black Hole” – Oakland Raiders

Signature fashion: Black (obviously), silver paint, spikes

The Raider Nation is the unofficial name for the fans of the Oakland Raiders. They are particularly associated with a section of the Oakland Coliseum known as "The Black Hole," (sections 104, 105, 106, and 107) which is usually occupied by the rowdiest and craziest fans. These fans are so intense, they've even been known to intimidate the opposing team’s kickers. 
And that's no surprise as you'll find these fans in gear including black and silver face paint and spikes. Yes, spikes.

“Hogettes” – Washington Redskins

Signature fashion: Women’s dresses, garden party hats, pig snouts

This group of 12 male fans was founded in 1983 have become a regular fixture at Redskins games. Not only are the Hogettes known for their outrageous costumes, but also for their charitable contributions, as they provide support for a variety of organizations including Ronald McDonald House and March of Dimes. And what about the womanly get-up? Well it all began when the founder of the group went to a Halloween party at his grandmother’s old-age home, wearing one of her dresses as a costume.

Since we're talking about super-fans, it would only be right to mention the Denver Bronocs "Barrel Man," Tim McKernan. Sadly he just passed away last month, but he had frequented Broncos game for over 30 years, wearing his signature orange barrel with suspenders, cowboy hat and boots.

- Glam Gal -

View Original Post at aglamslam.typepad.com

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