JoeSportsFan

[The following "Fan of the Week" column was written a year ago, today to describe the odd mix of fans willing to travel to the NFL Pro Bowl.  As our internal fan scientists guessed, all is still valid.]

The 2008 NFL Pro Bowl has come and gone. Like alot of other fans, the game completely passed us by this year. We tuned in for about 15 minutes this year - some of the opening ceremonies and the last few minutes of the NFC's 4th quarter comeback.

We can talk all day about what the game isn't...meaningful, inspiring, relevant. They're certainly all valid points, mixed with the inability to stomach The Worldwide Leader for another pigskin Sunday.

But after looking through the photo gallery of a loyal reader, we can tell you one thing the Pro Bowl IS: a fan hunter's paradise.

Note the photo below:

probowlScene.jpg



Our most-tenured fan hunters observed the situation, and came with the following conclusion...

With the remote distance of the Hawaiian Pro Bowl, the event leads to an eclectic mix of an abnormal generalized fan base. From our expert calculations, the following groups exist as prime percentages of the Pro Bowl fandom.

1.- American tourists visiting the island anyway. Old people especially love Hawaii.
2.- Foreigners.
3.- The most extreme of the extreme football fans - willing to spend their last dime on flights, hotels, and game tickets just to get a glimpse of their "guy" in action.

It's a dizzying array of oddities at the Pro Bowl. During the 17 weeks of regular season action, the general population of normal human beings has the ability to permeate the imbeciles. But, there's nothing like the Pro Bowl. Throw in a few mascots directing traffic in the Hawaii streets, and you've got yourself the opening bar scene in "Star Wars" - one of every size, shape, and color.

We leave you with final image from the 2008 Pro Bowl. Whoever said true love doesn't exist is a complete jackass.

favreoldfans.jpg

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Alonzo Moseley, February 10, 2009 02:02 PM
If you're the real John Madden, I suggest you go to the doctor and get tested for a tapeworm.
Narco, February 10, 2009 01:02 PM
Is there a doubt in anyones mind that the old lady on the rascal has no fucking idea where she is?
John Madden, February 10, 2009 01:02 PM
I'm the one in the Bart Starr jersey
Bill Simmons, February 10, 2009 01:02 PM
That's me saluting the Navy guy. Just trying to be patriotic, you know. I was actually in a hurry to meet up with Chad Ford....I mean, the Sports Gal, before the game. He...I mean, she, was waiting for me by the salted nuts stand.
Packer Backer, February 13, 2008 08:02 AM
Mannnnnn, that'll be me and my wife 30 years down the road!At least I'll finally get to go to Hawaii!Note: you can tell from the blanket they must be old hippies...a dime-bag says that gramma's backpack is filled with Maui Wowie!
Bart Starr, February 12, 2008 10:02 AM
Sebek...you really should scour that mascot picture a little more...first, the mascot is Jaxson De Ville...of the Jags...now I don't get into mascots all that much but I'm here to tell you that dude might be the best mascot in the National Football League...he routinely jumps off the scoreboard or lights prior to kickoff (of course, he's got a safety rope but you couldn't pay me enough to try that stunt) and I've seen him do a full 360 on a bike...and land it...in full costume. Enough of that...did you catch Mr. Jean Shorts saluting Mr. Too Tall Navy Guy? Great stuff...
Jason, February 12, 2008 10:02 AM
Wonder what's in Granny's backpack.....
Greg H, February 12, 2008 07:02 AM
Great observation about the guy taking the leak. It also looks like the guy standing next to the set of speakers on the right in taking a picture of the madness with his camera. He must be a fan hunter.
Patrick, February 12, 2008 07:02 AM
The only way the Berman guy is actually Berman is if Huey Lewis and the News is performing on stage.
Barry Duffman, February 12, 2008 06:02 AM
Man, there are so many great things about that first picture. I think that is Berman in the Hawiian shirt with the band. Also, it appears that the guy in the Steeler's hat (standing between Eagle's nerd and homeless lady) is taking a leak. Bravo gentlemen, bravo.
Sebek, February 12, 2008 06:02 AM
The "mascots in the street" picture is good stuff - but it got overridden by the Favre lovebirds. I love that there's a mascot directing traffic, a man in skin tight jean shorts, and sailor that appears to be around 7' 2".
jimmy, February 12, 2008 06:02 AM
If you haven't done so already, I highly recommend checking out the "mascots directing traffic" link located above. Great stuff.
TF, February 12, 2008 06:02 AM
The only reason we can be sure that's not the real Tiki is that we know he would never intermingle among the commoners. Even if he did want to attend some sidewalk performance, he would demand to sit in some sort of makeshift celebrity suite.By the way, the site looks great, JSF!
Badsin, February 12, 2008 06:02 AM
Ohh man that Eagles fan is totally out of his element, hes probably wondering why there isnt a pizza shop, funnel cake stand or fudgie wudgie man every 50 feet like there is at the Jersey shore.
Tim, February 12, 2008 05:02 AM
Is that Tiki Barber?
Sebek, February 12, 2008 04:02 AM
No high res photo available right now - but I'd like one as well. Growing old your with spouse and love for Brett Favre is something we all aspire towards.
Ryan, February 12, 2008 04:02 AM
Do you guys have the high-res version of the Favre photo? I want to post it on my wall.

Steve Lyons

"I can't play worth a crap. Maybe I could do TV."

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