Superfans Into The Heart Of Obsessive Sports Fandom: The Unbelievable Stories of Fans Who Live, Breathe, and Bleed Their Favorite Teams

Sports fandom has always been an intense and passionate affair, with fans displaying undying loyalty and devotion towards their favorite teams or athletes. However, within the realm of sports fandom, there exists a special breed of fanatics known as "superfans" - individuals who take their obsession to a whole new level. This article delves deep into the heart of obsessive sports fandom, exploring the incredible stories and experiences of these super fans, and shedding light on the captivating world they inhabit.

The Birth of Superfans

Sporting events have provided a platform for passionate individuals to come together and celebrate their shared love for a particular team or sport. However, the term "superfan" was popularized in the 1980s when the world witnessed an explosion of fanaticism during the rise of professional wrestling and basketball.

Superfans often go to extreme lengths to showcase their support, from painting their bodies in team colors to attending every single game, home or away. These avid supporters are driven by an insatiable desire to show solidarity and immerse themselves in the action, becoming an integral part of the team's success.

Superfans: Into the Heart of Obsessive Sports Fandom

by George Dohrmann (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15127 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	208 pages

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The Unbreakable Bonds Between Superfans and Their Teams

For super fans, the connection they have with their favorite team goes far beyond casual interest. They develop a deep emotional attachment to the successes and failures of their teams, experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions which often mirrors the players' journeys on the field.

The dedication of these fans is not restricted to simply watching games on TV or attending matches. Superfans actively seek ways to support their teams financially, traveling miles to cheer them on from the stands, even in adverse weather conditions. Some super fans have taken their loyalty to astonishing heights, going as far as getting team logos tattooed on their bodies or naming their children after favorite players.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Superfans

Being a superfan is not always a bed of roses. The intense emotional investment in the success of their teams can lead to heartbreak and disappointment when the desired outcome is not achieved. Many super fans have stories of near-miss championships or crushing defeats that haunt them to this day.

Super fans often bear the brunt of ridicule from friends and family who struggle to comprehend their level of dedication. They are sometimes labeled as "crazy" or "obsessed," but for these fans, their chosen team serves as a source of inspiration and belonging, giving their lives an extra dimension of excitement and purpose.

The Transformative Power of Superfandom

Despite the challenges faced by super fans, the benefits they glean from this extraordinary passion cannot be denied. Superfandom has the power to bring people from various walks of life together, fostering a sense of community and unity among supporters who would otherwise never cross paths.

Moreover, super fans often find solace in the camaraderie they share with fellow supporters. The feeling of belonging to a community of like-minded individuals provides a sense of identity and purpose, and sometimes even leads to lifelong friendships.

The Superfans Who Take Fandom to Another Level

While all super fans exhibit intense dedication, some take their fandom to an entirely new echelon. These are the fans who go above and beyond, capturing the attention and fascination of fellow supporters and the media alike.

One such case is that of John "Fireman" Smith, a die-hard football fan who attends every single game of his favorite team dressed head to toe in a full fireman's uniform. Not only does he display unwavering support, but he also manages to inspire the team with his energetic chants and infectious enthusiasm.

Another remarkable story is that of Susan "The Face Painter" Johnson, a dedicated basketball fan who never misses a game and paints her face in intricate designs to demonstrate her unwavering loyalty. Players and coaches have come to recognize her presence and acknowledge her contribution to the team's spirit.

Superfans are the lifeblood of sports, injecting unparalleled energy and passion into the world of games and competition. Their dedication goes beyond mere fandom, often bordering on obsession. Yet, despite the challenges they face and the sacrifices they make, they find solace and a sense of belonging within their chosen community of fellow supporters. Superfans remind us that the love for sports is much more than entertainment; it is a deeply enriching and transformative experience that defies explanation.

Superfans: Into the Heart of Obsessive Sports Fandom

by George Dohrmann (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15127 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	208 pages

FREE

A Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist pulls back the curtain on the extraordinary inner lives of America’s most obsessive sports fans.

There are fans, and then there are fanatics. In this wondrously immersive look at American sports fandom, George Dohrmann travels the country to find out what distinguishes an ordinary, everyday enthusiast from that special breed of supporter known as the superfan. In Minnesota, Dohrmann meets newly minted generals of the Viking World Order, a Minnesota Vikings affinity group organized along military lines. In Oregon, he shares a few beers with a determined soccer fan who amassed—almost singlehandedly—a four-thousand-strong cheering section for the fledgling Portland Timbers. In Illinois, he talks with the parents of a five-year-old boy whose intense hatred of Tom Brady went viral on YouTube. Through these and other intimate profiles, Dohrmann shows us the human faces behind the colored face paint, the real people inside the elaborate costumes who prowl the stands and parking lots at stadiums from coast to coast.
                   
In addition to the fans themselves, Dohrmann also talks with the experts who study them. He uses the latest thinking in sports psychology—some of it learned during a spirited round of miniature golf with a group of professors at the annual Sports Psychology Forum—to unravel the answers to such burning questions as: How does fandom begin? What are its effects on everyday life? When does it go too far?

For everyone who’s ever body-painted their torso with the team colors of their alma mater before heading off to a sports bar—or even just screamed at their television during the NBA Finals—Superfans offers an entertaining and insightful exploration of the many ways human beings find meaning in something bigger than themselves.

Featuring photos of the Rally Banana, Timber Jim, the officers of the Viking World Order, a pair of Kentucky Wildcats tattoos, a Kevin Durant jersey torched by a jilted fan, and more.

Plus analysis of the . . .
Arizona State Sun Devils • Chicago Bears • Dallas Cowboys • Green Bay Packers • Indianapolis Colts • Milwaukee Brewers • Nebraska Cornhuskers • New England Patriots • Oklahoma City Thunder • Philadelphia Eagles • San Diego State Aztecs • Seattle Seahawks

“Well reported and meticulously researched . . . Dohrmann is a respected, diligent sportswriter and has been so for years—you don’t get Pulitzers for message-board posts.”—The Wall Street Journal