The Ford Hall of Fans, a program designed to recognize the most passionate NFL fans from all across the country, has recently announced the six football fanatics who will be considered for induction into the prestigious club this year.
“All six of these superfans embody what the Ford Hall of Fans is all about – passion,” said Jim Peters, Ford US Brand Content and Alliance Partnerships Manager. “Even in a year as difficult and challenging as 2020, these fans continue to proudly support their teams week in and week out.”
Meet the Nominees
Kristi Brown (Arizona Cardinals) - This former Cardinals cheerleader now works as a labor and delivery nurse. She is a second-generation season ticket holder and attends Cardinals training camp every year. Following her son’s Chiari Malformation diagnosis, Brown shifted her efforts to raising awareness to help find a cure for the disease. She was presented with her nomination by Cardinals Hall of Famer Aeneas Williams. “The Ford Hall of Fans is what diehard fans’ dreams are made of,” said Brown.
Justin Laveing (Pittsburgh Steelers) - Affectionately known as “T-Dog,” Justin Laveing enjoys organizing tailgate parties that safely practice social distancing. In addition, he spends his time organizing meetups and autograph signings for a Steelers fan club with more than 2,000 members. In addition to podcasts, and memorabilia market management, Laveing also stays involved in his community as a volunteer for Toys for Tots, for which his tailgates and home serve as drop off locations. He was notified of his nomination by Steelers Hall of Famer Lynn Swann. “I want to give everything I can to Steeler Nation so that everybody enjoys it as much as I do,” said Laveing.
Wayne Mabry (Las Vegas Raiders) - This 37-year season ticket holder spends two hours perfecting his face paint and wardrobe before every Raiders home game in order to transform into his fan persona, “The Violator.” When outside the Black Hole, Mabry serves as an ambassador for the Raiders who believes in the unifying power of football and fandom. Often, Mabry spends his time feeding veterans or lending a hand to children battling with cancer, autism, and cerebral palsy. His nomination was announced by Raiders Hall of Famer Howie Long. “Being a superfan is about serving others and giving a positive vibe to people,” said Mabry.
Jamie O’Pelt (Dallas Cowboys) - Having grown up in Texas, O’Pelt has been a Cowboys fan for his entire life. These days, you can find him watching his games in his Cowboy-centric fan cave. Outside of the house, you’ll likely see him riding around in his hand-built passion project, a Cowboys-themed 1933 Ford Hot Rod. Each year, he drives the vehicle thousands of miles to Cowboys events like training camps and meetups. O’Pelt was informed of his nomination by Cowboys Hall of Famer Randy White. “I always recognized the benefits of a group working toward one common goal and the camaraderie of a team,” said O’Pelt.
Ray Prisby (Cleveland Browns) - Known among the Browns faithful as the one and only “Showdawg,” Ray Prisby only wears Browns colors in his everyday life. In addition, he displays an encyclopedic knowledge of Browns history and statistics. Since 1961, this United States Air Force veteran has put together an extensive memorabilia collection which has been featured on Ball Boys and put on display at the Cleveland Browns museum at FirstEnergy Stadium. Prisby has also written a children’s book which features a character who is a massive Browns fan. Pisby was informed of his nomination by the incomparable Browns Hall of Famer Jim Brown. “I love to see young Browns fans’ faces light up when I give them a Browns gift because it’s totally unexpected,” said Prisby.
Tony Roccograndi (Baltimore Ravens) - Roccograndi grew up watching football alongside his father. Later in life, Roccograndi was able to take his father to Ravens games in person. Today, the 24-year season ticket holder cherishes bringing his own family to Ravens games while teaching them all about the sport of football. He has become a dedicated collector of Ravens gear, including rare Super Bowl memorabilia. Roccograndi also attends tailgates at the Firefighter Union Hall, where he helps raise funds for the families of firefighters killed in the line of duty. Roccograndi’s nomination was given by Ravens Hall of Famer Ed Reed. “I think of my dad every time I attend a Ravens game,” said Roccograndi.
More About Ford's Hall of Fans
Ford and the Pro Football Hall of Fame launched the Hall of Fans two years ago with the induction of Miami Dolphins fans Roger Avila (a.k.a. “Dolfan Maniac”), Pittsburgh Steelers fan Rick Holman, and Chicago Bears fan Don Wachter (a.k.a “Bearman”).
Last year, the Ford Hall of Fans inducted legendary superfans like the Denver Broncos’ Rob Garner (a.k.a. “Rescue Rob”), the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Keith Kunzig (a.k.a. “Big Nasty), and the Kansas City Chiefs’ Janel Carbajo (a.k.a. “Puppet Lady”).
Fans and supporters can help the nominees by voting at www.fordhalloffans.com/football through Feb. 1. The winners will be honored at the Pro Football Hall of Fame during 2021 Enshrinement Weekend in Canton, Ohio.
“The 2020 football season presented challenges for everyone associated with the great game of football, but these ‘superfans’ found opportunities to support their favorite teams in every way possible,” said David Baker, President & CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “We are proud to join Ford once again in recognizing and honoring fans’ passion, commitment and devotion. We look forward to seeing the outcome of the fan vote and new members to the Ford Hall of Fans this year.”
