I take great pride in writing this as I am tremendously excited to join the Walk-on Redshirts team for the 2025 season. My love (and addiction) for college football dates back to 1989. I was eight years old, and I remember my dad had a house full of buddies who were losing their minds over a Penn State comeback win. I had no idea what was going on, but it sure looked fun. I have followed the sport every day of my life since that day.
That is my earliest memory of the sport, but there have been thousands since. I remember Desmond Howard “striking the pose.” In a way, I am still hurting about Ty Detmer stealing Rocket Ismail’s Heisman, as Christmas wasn’t the same that year. I can vividly see Rick Mirer hitting Reggie Brooks for two against Penn State in “The Snow Bowl.” I can hear the legendary voice of Keith Jackson as Vince Young scampers to the right corner of the endzone for a touchdown and a national championship. Tua to Smitty. Cam’s Iron Bowl Comeback. Tebow’s speech. The list goes on and on; if it has happened in the last four decades in college football, I’d love to talk to you about it.
These days, as I am WELL into adulthood, I build my travels around this beautiful game. I had the pleasure of tasting the Mint Snap Pea Toast at City Grocery before visiting The Grove in Oxford. I’ve watched Saquon run wild during “The White Out” in Happy Valley. I lit a candle for my newborn daughter at The Grotto in South Bend. Another list that could go on and on. Again, I could talk for hours.
These days, on the weekends when we aren’t attending games, I watch with the same group of buddies. One loves Alabama. Another is a West Virginia guy. I respect the fandom; it’s a huge part of the pageantry. I have always rooted for Notre Dame and most recently Penn State as I’ve moved closer to State College. I still want the Irish and the Lions to win, but it is more than that. I chase memories now. I want the best story. I want to discover the next great coach. I want to see which recruit will one day hoist the Heisman as I sit next to the Christmas tree and take in how much his life has just changed forever. I want to be able to say, “Oh, Athens, Georgia? “Walker’s” is one of the best establishments I have ever experienced. I want my future grandson or granddaughter to come to me and say, “Grandpa, what can you tell me about Tommie Frazier and his Cornhuskers?” and give them a lesson. That is what I am chasing. All of that nostalgic rhetoric has led me to WORS. I started following the guys about 15 months ago and liked what they do. They have been gracious enough to allow me to participate in a very special brand that they have worked hard to build. I don’t take that challenge lightly, and I thank them for allowing me a space to share my football thoughts. I’m excited to be a small part of their adventure and share it with the thousands of like-minded college football junkies across the world. Let’s go!
