Recently I was asked if I would ever change my NFL allegiance. It was a fair question as, once again, the Bengals are in the midst of a disappointing season. I’ve watched quite a bit of horrible football over the course of my life, and the vast majority of it stems from my birthplace.
I was fortunate when growing up to have a neighbor with season tickets. The man’s son and I were friends so he would take me to quite a few games when his wife wasn’t interested in attending. Our family really didn’t attend sporting events so this was quite a formative experience for me.
One of the greatest things I saw in person at a game took place 35 years ago today. And it wasn’t even an athletic performance. It had snowed that week and, coming off a Super Bowl run, there were high expectations for this late season game. After the referees blew a call in favor of Seattle, some fans started pelting the field with snowballs. I hadn’t seen anything like that in my life.
At this, Cincinnati head coach Sam Wyche crossed the field. He grabbed the PA microphone and told the crowd to identify snowball throwers so they would be ejected. He ended his announcement with a now iconic quote:
“You don’t live in Cleveland, you live in Cincinnati.”
At the time, the Browns were one of our fiercest rivals. The coach’s mocking of that city in our own state ironically made us more proud of our own.
I own a t-shirt with the quote on it and often have to explain to younger fans its significance. It perfectly encapsulates why I still love a team that consistently breaks my heart. For better or worse, the Bengals represent my city. As I travel across the country for work, I readily admit that Cincinnati is not the most glamorous town. Yet there is something about it that’s subtly amazing. I’ve lived my whole life here and I’m not sure if I will ever leave.
As such, the Bengals are part of my story that I can’t shake. When they win, our city is a better place.
Last week, Frank, my friend’s father who would take me to games, passed away. While he was a somewhat peculiar man he was always most generous to me, cultivating my passion for sports and this city. We haven’t talked much in recent years but I will always remember his kindness. If the Bengals can ever win a Super Bowl, he’ll be the first person I think of.