Could be relocating to Tampa (1 Viewer)

[Mystery Achiever]

i echo remus's sentimnet. i grew up watching the eagles with my dad, but have spent most of my adult life in the ny metro area. i could never stop being an eagles fan. but i really missed having a local team to follow - and the eagles weren't very good when i moved here, so it was hard to see even see them on tv exc. for the two giants games . i finally adopted the jets as my local team (obviously couldn't be the giants). it does help that they're in different conferences, so there aren't many conflicts.

 

[Tenderknee]

Never change your team allegaince... I could never think about rooting agianst the Broncos/Cornhuskers/Red Sox/Avalanche and it doesn't matter where I move....

I can already tell how old you are.You are definitely 30-something.The Bronco, Huskers, and Sox all were good when you were growing up.I don't know about the Avalanche since Hockey is a communist sport.You liked a team for the players that originally caught your attention.Most people seem to like a team for 2 reasons: they're good or they live there.That being the case, I see no reason not to change teams if you live there.Just as, there is no reason you can't cheer for your alma mater if you went to Duke,just because for most of your life you liked the Tar Heels.If you have to live somewhere, work somewhere, attend school somewhere,there is no reason you can't be a fan of that place.Just wear your Browns practice tee under your new Tampa Bay jersey.

 

[smlevin]

Hell no. God knows the Tampa area is clogged with enough bandwagon fans as it is.I don't care where I live...Bucs/Rays/Lightning/Magic, no questions asked. I couldn't even imagine pulling for another team just because I moved.

This is stupid.You should always root for the Browns, but it is good to support the local team as well. I think Cap is more pissed at people who lived in Tampa their whole lives and then started liking the Bucs only when they got good. The fact that the Bucs are in the NFC and the Browns are in the AFC should make this easy for you.I may be moving to Chicago or Detroit, and I will buy season tickets and root for them, even though I grew up in Tampa and am a die hard Bucs fan. I will ALWAYS like the Bucs more than any other team, but that doesn't mean I should hate the Bears or the Lions. I would encourage my children to be fans of the local team ahead of the Bucs though, given my above scenario, although I would hope they'd choose the Bucs anyway.

I echo the sentiment that you don't have to HATE the local team, but you must always LOVE your team more. Seems homeboy here is thinking about dissing the Brownies in favor of the Bucs just so he has some folks to hold his hand and sing Cumbaya as the local team either wins or loses.

 

[MU Seminole]

If you don't stay a Browns fan you never were one in the first place. If you end up as a Bucs fan it should be for the right reasons, though as someone earlier said, if it was Arizona, the point may be moot.My example is close to the thread's starter. I also grew up in a midwestern town (KC). I moved to Tampa in high school ('85). Actually my high school is almost caddy-corner from the old Tampa Stadium (could see it from campus). I remained and still remain a Chiefs fan first, and a Bucs fan second (but still a Bucs fan). This is after living in Tampa for about ten years of their pathetic history, before they gained respectability. I think part of it has to do with how long you live somewhere and your age. Since I still partly 'grew up' in Tampa I feel more loyalty to the Bucs than if I had been older. I've since lived in Orlando and Jax, as an adult, and now South Florida, and allegiance hasn't happened in any of these places (ORL obviously for hoops).Now I live in Fort Lauderdale. Am I a Dolphins fan? Hell no.I got my undergrad at Florida State. I got my Master's at Florida. Am I a Gator fan? Hell, oh HELL NO. If it happens, it happens, but it should be for the right reasons. I don't think allegiance is mandatory once you sign your new lease. I've never liked any Miami team, and that won't change now. However, if I was indifferent I could see myself rooting for them, winners or losers.

 

[Capella]

Hell no. God knows the Tampa area is clogged with enough bandwagon fans as it is.I don't care where I live...Bucs/Rays/Lightning/Magic, no questions asked. I couldn't even imagine pulling for another team just because I moved.

This is stupid.You should always root for the Browns, but it is good to support the local team as well. I think Cap is more pissed at people who lived in Tampa their whole lives and then started liking the Bucs only when they got good. The fact that the Bucs are in the NFC and the Browns are in the AFC should make this easy for you.I may be moving to Chicago or Detroit, and I will buy season tickets and root for them, even though I grew up in Tampa and am a die hard Bucs fan. I will ALWAYS like the Bucs more than any other team, but that doesn't mean I should hate the Bears or the Lions. I would encourage my children to be fans of the local team ahead of the Bucs though, given my above scenario, although I would hope they'd choose the Bucs anyway.

No, what's stupid is not knowing that the guy said he was choosing a WHOLE NEW TEAM to root for, not supplementing his rooting interest in the Browns with the Bucs. He basically said he was ditching the Brownies for the Bucs. If he wants to root for the Bucs as an "NFC team" fine, what do I care. But I just couldn't understand someone completely dropping the team they grew up with, under any circumstances.And I am of the opinion that you can't have other rooting interests in the NFL, or really any other professional sport. Choose a team and stick with it. Anything else is a cop-out. "2nd or 3rd teams", lol. Pick a team and stick with it through the thick and the thin. I don't have another major-league baseball team to root for since the Rays suck. I root for the Rays and that's it. Actually that's a lie...I'll root for whoever is playing the Spankees in October.

 

[Stinkin Ref]

oh my god what would he do if Clev and TB met in the...nevermind

 

[pack100]

By even considering a switch tells me you are not a true Browns Fan. You survived the Modell fiasco...

 

[S.K.A.]

Listen bastards,

The Raiders are my team because Phoenix/Az didn't have football when I was growing up, but back off! Cardinal fans don't need anymore persecution. All you hardcore fans that are bashing the Cardinals ought to sit in on an early game here. Then you will truly appreciate how hard it is to be a Cardinal fan. Sitting on an aluminum bench in 110 degree weather to watch the west coast Bungles takes commitment. This is where the seeds of true fan support are sown. The only problem, as someone mentioned before, is that we have a lot of transplants from cold weather, depressed economic rust belt natives.



BGP, I have to agree with the majority here. You have severe loyalty issues and should give up football fanatacism all together.

"A double minded man is unstable in all his ways" -James 1:8 KJV

"And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." -Luke 9:62 KJV

 

[gem IV]

...There's one guy in town here that hangs a Steeler flag in his lawn. On Cleveland soil? Are you kidding me?

That guy I have respect for.But you...well nevermind, just know that you're screwed. You no longer have a team.

[if the Brownies do well you were never a "real" fan and everyone will call you on it.

If you choose a new team, you're a front-runner/bandwagon jumper. Lose-lose.]

 

[JZilla]

I grew up on the Niners (though not in the Bay Area), have lived in Baltimore for 8 years now, I've supported the Ravens since they got here and I consider myself a fan of both teams. It's not that hard, since there's no traditional rivalry there, just like with the Bucs and Browns. But it's pretty weird that you're asking a bunch of people to basically tell you how to feel. If you're really thinking about no longer being a Browns fan, that probably means you never really were one anyway.I'd still take the Niners over the Ravens if it came down to it, and I'd rather be a heritage fan of an outside team than a bandwagon fan of a local team anyday. Besides, Bucs fans are a little fruity and have avatar complexes.

 

[BGP]

I dunno, it still sounds incredibly stupid to not root for the city that you live in. I don't have respect for it. If you live in Boise, Idaho and don't have an NFL team, I can understand it. Maybe if you live parts of the year in two different cities, I can understand "dual citizenship" rules. Otherwise, get with your city! If I am in Berea, Ohio and walk into someone's den decorated with Raider gear, I'd be like "who is this goof?"The one solid arguement for sticking with the old home team is that you haven't really "settled in" yet. I may move to Tampa this fall, but maybe it doesn't work out and I move elsewhere. So I think I should get some unspecified amount of a grace period. More than 1 season. 5 seasons? 10?At what point MUST I begin rooting for Tampa teams is the question. 5 seasons? When I have kids and BGP jr is wearing pewter?I dismiss the charge of "bandwagon jumper". A bandwagon jumper is someone that roots for the Rams in 1999, Ravens in 2000, Patriots in 2001, and Bucs and 2002. I'm just rooting for my city.I'm still working out the kinks here.

 

[BGP]

I think you are an insult to Browns Fans everywhere. I am a Lions fan and I will cheer for them until the day I die. A friend of mine feels the same way. He was relocated to Minnesota and lived there for 20 years still cheering for the Honolulu Blue and Silver during 20 of the Lions worst years. He endured all the jokes and the criticism but he still is a Lions fan.

I'm sorry but I have no respect for a guy who moves from Detroit to Minneapolis for 20 years and doesn't become a Viking fan. You root for the city you live in. That is as lame as it gets.

 

[BGP]

I'll prove once and for all I'm right. If you truly root for the TEAM and not the CITY, then:1. Baltimore fans should have rooted for Irsay's Indianapolis Colts. Its still the same team except that instead of YOU moving out of the town, the team did.2. Browns fans should root for the Ravens.3. Steelers fans should be just as loyal to the Eagles! (from the Steagles days). :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: Gooooooooooo Steagles!!!4. Houston fans should root for the Titans.5. Chicago and St. Louis should still root for the Cardinals.See how stupid this really is? You root for your CITY not your TEAM. Would a Lions fan that moves to Minneapolis still pull for Ford's franchise if the team then moved to LA? I would say yes because he's proven he has no honor!

 

[BGP]

I really can't blame you for trying to come up with a reason to not have to root for the Browns. Seriously, stick with the Browns. I can't believe that you'd even ask that question. I couldn't stomach rooting for anyone but the Black and Gold, no matter where I'd ever move to.

In that case you're a true Steagles fan then. After all, they merged with the Eagles, and you said yourself you'd stick with them no matter what! Your team colors are black gold, silver, and green!

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

See how stupid this really is?

I sure do. Probably not the way you do, though.

 

[JZilla]

I'll prove once and for all I'm right. If you truly root for the TEAM and not the CITY, then:1. Baltimore fans should have rooted for Irsay's Indianapolis Colts.

A lot of them still do. It's kinda weird.Hey do what you want to do, I still don't get why you're asking us. I understand rooting for the home team, and I do, even though I'm not from here, and I'll even go so far as to say I hate this ####ing place.From another angle, I'm a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan and I don't root for the Orioles at all. This is really because I think their owner embodies everything that's really wrong with MLB, much more than the Steinbrenners of the world do. Different topic I suppose. I would never root for that team, but I would like to see DC get a team and would probably root for them (though would never abandon the Cards).That's the thing... you can root for the home team and still root for the team you grew up on.... that is UNLESS they are traditional rivals. And in that case, ie our Lions friend in MN, I don't see how you can just bail out on your lifelong favorite team, no matter where you are.There are a zillion Steelers fans here in the Baltimore area (I guess this is where they all came when they ran out of jobs?), and they aren't ashamed to show it. But I will give them some props, for the most part they cheered on the Ravens when they went to the Bowl.I don't fault anyone for hanging onto their hometown team in the land of a division rival. I'd probably do the same. Hell, I don't root for the Redskins at all, and I go to more of their games than Ravens games (friend has season tickets). Maybe I'd consider it if they changed their name to something other than "N######" and quit picking up gimmick players and coaches.

 

[WadeGarrett22]

Why would you ever want to root for someone other than the greatest professional sports franchise in history?Should you change allegiances never come back Benedict!

 

[BGP]

JZilla presents a strong case. Thank you for the post. He brings to the table an interesting question:"Do you get one free pass to root for the team you grew up rooting for?"This is sort of a "childhood exemption law". I could see some kind of "dual citizenship" rule working under these guidelines. I would say that you would still have to root for the city you live and work in as well. The grey area is when the two teams happen to be bitter rivals (Steagles/Browns). I would grant this fan asylum and allow him to root against his current home team in head-to-head matchups. However, the circumstances surrounding said fan's childhood allegiance might disqualify him or her. If your childhood team was NOT from your hometown city, you may not qualify for this exemption. However, if the city you grew up in had no NFL team or at least no clear rooting interest, you would then qualify anyway.If "dual citizenship" is granted, I would expect said fan to root for their original franchise regardless of what city said original franchise moves to in the future.That was a really good thoughtful post JZilla!

 

[JZilla]

That was a really good thoughtful post JZilla!

Archive this please

 

[gem IV]

I'll prove once and for all I'm right. If you truly root for the TEAM and not the CITY, then:1. Baltimore fans should have rooted for Irsay's Indianapolis Colts. Its still the same team except that instead of YOU moving out of the town, the team did.2. Browns fans should root for the Ravens.3. Steelers fans should be just as loyal to the Eagles! (from the Steagles days). :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: Gooooooooooo Steagles!!!4. Houston fans should root for the Titans.5. Chicago and St. Louis should still root for the Cardinals.See how stupid this really is? You root for your CITY not your TEAM. Would a Lions fan that moves to Minneapolis still pull for Ford's franchise if the team then moved to LA? I would say yes because he's proven he has no honor!

You just don't get it.

 

[smlevin]

I dunno, it still sounds incredibly stupid to not root for the city that you live in. I don't have respect for it. If you live in Boise, Idaho and don't have an NFL team, I can understand it. Maybe if you live parts of the year in two different cities, I can understand "dual citizenship" rules. Otherwise, get with your city! If I am in Berea, Ohio and walk into someone's den decorated with Raider gear, I'd be like "who is this goof?"The one solid arguement for sticking with the old home team is that you haven't really "settled in" yet. I may move to Tampa this fall, but maybe it doesn't work out and I move elsewhere. So I think I should get some unspecified amount of a grace period. More than 1 season. 5 seasons? 10?At what point MUST I begin rooting for Tampa teams is the question. 5 seasons? When I have kids and BGP jr is wearing pewter?I dismiss the charge of "bandwagon jumper". A bandwagon jumper is someone that roots for the Rams in 1999, Ravens in 2000, Patriots in 2001, and Bucs and 2002. I'm just rooting for my city.I'm still working out the kinks here.

I think this post just dragged the intelligence quota of the entire board down 20 points.Cheer for the city - who cares - but why in the heck would you abandon the only NFL team you've ever followed. I started cheering for the Dolphins in 1971, when I was 4 years old, while I was living in Massachusettes (my grandparents lived in Miami and I liked dolphins, the animal). I eventually moved to Miami (when I was 7), bu I'm almost two decades removed from Miami now. I've lived in Boston for 5 years, Providence for a year, San Fran for six months, Telluride, Colorado for a year and Denver for 13. Your argument is that I was supposed to switch my team loyalties each move, even though I've been cheering for the Dolphins since I was 4 years old. You simply do not get it regarding fan loyalty, and none of us will make you feel "OK" with your thought process here. Again, I say you are looking for some hand holding during NFL games and the team playing doesn't matter one bit as long as everyone else around you is cheering at the same time. You seem to be the prime example of someone who needs approval from others to feel good about yourself. Sorry for the harsh, but I agree that this thread should be archived.

 

[BGP]

You seem to be the prime example of someone who needs approval from others to feel good about yourself. Sorry for the harsh, but I agree that this thread should be archived.

This thread is purely jovial in nature. If you can't recognize that, I dunno what to say. Still, its very interesting to see how different people approach their NFL fandom.

 

[Colt Of Personality]

This for me, really seems to be a non-issue. First off - you can root for whoever you like, no matter where you live. Nobody should tell you differently - It's called "America".That being said, I TOTALLY see your point about rooting for a city - and I agree. When you move to Tampa you'll be listening to the local sports radio, reading the papers, watching the local broadcasts of games, coaches & players shows, etc... how do you NOT feel some affiliation with the team and the city?I have lived in the Philadelphia area - have been an Eagles fan all my life, but if I moved to another area - I'm sure that in time, I would adapt a new allegiance to the local team. I would always have a place for my heart for the Eagles - but part of being a fan for me is enjoying the camradarie and excitement of the city I live in. That's just me.I feel that for myself, rooting 100% for a team in another area which I don't live would be difficult. It be like rooting for Ohio State while attending the University of Miami. Shouldn't there be some sort of local allegiance? To me there is - but again, it's my opinion and how I feel - you need to do what's in your heart.

 

[PoppaPump]

If you moved to Tampa when they had a crap team and jumped on the bandwagon then... I would say to root for them.. but don't jump on now that they are the SB Champs..Stick with the Browns. Its always more fun to be the villain....

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

BGP = BANDWAGON LOSER

 

[cstu]

BGP = BANDWAGON LOSER

Looks like he brought the Browns with him

 

[Mr.Happy]

BGP = BANDWAGON LOSER

You know you are pissing someone off when you can send them on a half-hour scavanger hunt.

 

[BGP]

BGP = BANDWAGON LOSER

You know you are pissing someone off when you can send them on a half-hour scavanger hunt.

:rotflmao: I was actually discussing moving to Tampa again about 20 minutes ago. Someone is psychic or something.Yes, this was a fun, jovial, meaningless thread. Move along...

 

[Facemask]

I say go ahead and root for Tampa, i think it is cool to root for the team in the city you live in.Dont listen to these other jokers.

 

[Mik789fl]

I grew up in Cleveland, and have only been a Browns fan. I've lived my whole life in Cleveland. But, there is a good chance I may get a job offer in the Tampa area. If I move, it would be next month. The most important thing is, of course, the football aspect of it. Do I stay a Browns fan? Do I get a grace period of 1/2/3 seasons as a transplant before making a decision? Do I become a Buccaneer fan right away? Do I root for both? What is the proper way of going about this? Thanks!

Don't let the Dog Pound know your even considering this.

 

[Steeler]

I have lived in Florida for 11 years.I am a still a Steeler fan.I will always be a Steeler fan.:stillers:

 

[Workhorse]

Moving to Atlanta next month and getting Direct TV so I can watch the Pats and Sox down south.I refuse to change allegences.

 

[Colin Dowling]

BGP = BANDWAGON LOSER

You know you are pissing someone off when you can send them on a half-hour scavanger hunt.

:rotflmao: I was actually discussing moving to Tampa again about 20 minutes ago. Someone is psychic or something.Yes, this was a fun, jovial, meaningless thread. Move along...

Well, considering there isn't an NFL team in Cleveland, I'd say that in the event you moved, you could cheer for whoever you wanted.

 

[Vic Vega]

Stick with your team, but go see the Buc games - it's a lot of fun. There is a lot of white trash, but sometimes they are entertaining too.

 

[Lehigh98]

I grew up in Cleveland, and have only been a Browns fan. I've lived my whole life in Cleveland. But, there is a good chance I may get a job offer in the Tampa area. If I move, it would be next month. The most important thing is, of course, the football aspect of it. Do I stay a Browns fan? Do I get a grace period of 1/2/3 seasons as a transplant before making a decision? Do I become a Buccaneer fan right away? Do I root for both? What is the proper way of going about this? Thanks!

This, in and of itself, proves that you are not even a true Browns fan.I don't understand how people can just switch?

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Yes, this was a fun, jovial, meaningless thread. Move along...

I've been meaning to ask you about your exercise routine. Do you use backpedaling as an everyday workout or do you only try it occasionally? TIA.

 

[Chitown Mole]

I'm a big NFL fan. Bigger fan of the game than I am of team colors, uniforms or logos. I have travelled a ton in my life (I'm 40) and always followed the local team because that is the team that gets the most coverage in an NFL city. For instance, I had season tickets in Nashville when I lived there for two years and I couldn't help but get into the local team. Now live in Houston (again) so I naturally pull for the Texans (ex-Oiler fan). I'm sure if I lived in Seattle I'd eventually pull for them. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[Mr.Happy]

This is a great question. Seriously, you are rooting for dirt or laundry? Aren't sports supposed to be about enjoyment and entertainment? I want to hear opinions on this.

 

[Bobcat10]

BGP, you must not have moved yet cuz you still listen to 850 and 1100.If I were to move, I'd still be diehard Browns fan (the Backers are everywhere in huge numbers), but also follow the local team and probably become a "fan" of that team. Not diehard fan though.

 

[myhousekey]

I grew up in New Orleans. I have been living in Dallas for the last 5 1/2 years. I'm still a Saints fan and enjoy watching the Cowboys suffer.

 

[Bobcat10]

I grew up in New Orleans. I have been living in Dallas for the last 5 1/2 years. I'm still a Saints fan and enjoy watching the Cowboys suffer.

You bring up a good point. If I moved to certain places (like Dallas, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and a few others) I would not become the casual fan of those teams based on my 27 years living. It would bring great joy to live there and root against them still. But there are many tolerable teams/cities where becoming a casual fan would be easy.

 

[RoarinSonoran]

Stick with allegiances. Growing up in the 70's here in Phoenix, all we had were the Suns and minor league hockey Roadrunners. I don't really care for hoops (except March Madness) and I can take or leave hockey (is that game still played?), so I had to look elsewhere for major sports.For baseball, one of the local radio stations aired every Dodger game, so I picked them up, and hooked onto Boston as well (perhaps cuz they're the Yankees' arch rival and I detest the Spankmes?). When the Dbacks were born, they became my team 1a to my Dodgers' team 1 (Bostom dropped to team 1b or 2?). I still wear Dodgers' shirts/caps when they come to play the Dbacks. But I still hold LA and Boston dear in my heart, and have so for 30 years. Pretty cool having my teams with two World Series championships in four years, plus LA back in '88. For football, I hooked up with the Vikings, Dolphins, Packers, and Steelers growing up. They just came off as clean organizations. While I still like them all, recently I've gravitated moreso towards the Vikings, I suppose mainly because my wife is a da Bears fan. :horns: My wife is a da Bears fan who lived most of her life in Wisconsin, so that's an allegiance that won't go away either. Jump on the Cardinals' bandwagon (the one with three broken wheels) just because they moved here? Hell no, why would I want St. Louis' sloppy seconds? I've been to a handful of Cardinals games, and it was always to root for the other team.I keep a passing interest in the Suns, and the Coyotes are a handmedown team as well (although without all the baggage that the Cardinals brought), so I can take or leave them, but would take them both over any other team in the leagues.

 

[nerangers]

Born a Pats fan, Die a Pats fan. I moved to PA three years ago. I live between Eagles and Steelers country. I stayed a Patriots Fan though. I drove up for both Super Bowl Parades from PA (will again this year too! ) My Kids have become Eagles fans, but that is because they are young. I like watching the PA teams play, but if they face the Pats you know who I am rooting for! Could be a rought next few weeks playing the Steelers this weekend and hopefully the Eagles in the Super Bowl! LOL

 

[JohnnyU]

I've been a Colts fan for 39 years and I lived in Baltimore for a total of 6 months in my life (late 90's) and have never lived in Indy. Maybe that answers your question.

 

[Pick]

The cement has been poured for a change of team allegiance.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

I moved to PA three years ago. I live between Eagles and Steelers country.

Your avatar suddenly makes sense.

 

[apalmer]

BGP is not alone. Former Browns fans are deserting their team by the thousands, and, just like BGP, they're directing their attention to the mighty Steelers. Reformed Fans Link.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Still a great laugh!

 

[Wingnut]

Hell no. God knows the Tampa area is clogged with enough bandwagon fans as it is.

I don't care where I live...Bucs/Rays/Lightning/Magic, no questions asked.

I couldn't even imagine pulling for another team just because I moved.

I never understood the whole "Root for this team because you live nearby" philosophy. Root for who you like, regardless of geographic location.

And I second the sentiment that there are too many bandwagon fans 'round here. The funny thing is they ALL say theyve been a Bucs fan since they came into the league, which is total BS. Some, yes. The majority, no.

 

[Quez]

Welcome to Tampa, cheer for the Buc's, but when they play eachother next season I think you must go Browns.