My Sportsman of the Year: Jimmy Haslam
December 10, 2014Nike unveils the LeBron 12 “Akron Birch” for Christmas Day
December 10, 2014
The Holiday Season is upon us, and for many, the holidays are a time of rituals and traditions. Here at Waiting For Next Year, we believe in tradition as well, and one of our personal favorites is the annual WFNY 12 Days of Christmas contest series! This is now the seventh year in a row we have done this contest, as hard as that is to believe.
How does it work? It’s simple. Every week day from now through Christmas, we will have a different contest with a different prize package to give away to you guys. It’s our small way of showing our appreciation and saying thanks for hanging in there with us for another year. Each day will feature a different, unique contest. Some will require getting a correct answer, some will be selected randomly among all entries, and some will feature haiku writing, of course. So check back every day for your chance to win one of our prize packs!
Previous Day’s Winner
Congrats to Daniel Carroll who crushed this contest on Tuesday. Just one day after nobody guessed the correct player, Daniel refused to give up. So he picked himself up off the ground,dusted himself off, and almost nailed LeBron James’ point total on the dot. For a while I thought my pick of 31 for LeBron was going to win, but then I got to Daniel’s comment and he picked LeBron for 36. So congrats to Daniel!
Today’s Prize Pack
On Day Three, WFNY would like to give someone gas. That sounds like a pun, but this is being written too early in the morning for puns. No, WFNY would literally like to give one lucky reader some gas. So we have a gas card from Get Go ready for you. And after you fill up your tank with all that gas, where are you going to drive to? Why not drive to Two Bucks and get yourself a nice lunch or dinner? Sounds like a plan to me! So today’s prize package is a Get Go gas card and a gift card to Two Bucks.
Today’s Contest
I was originally going to have everyone describe the perfect birthday cake for Johnny Manziel, but I was worried about everyone being able to keep it within WFNY’s family friendly philosophy, so I had to scratch that idea. But since we’re talking about the Browns, lets keep the contest there. I was listening to a an episode of This American Life recently that focused on regrets people had and one of them was asked whethere he would choose to do things differently if he could go back to the start. So here’s the question: If you had the power to go back in time and change your own NFL allegiance to a different team, would you? Why or why not? And if you would, which team would you switch to? There isn’t really a right or wrong answer for this one, so feel free to get creative. I realize this touches on some universal truths about fan loyalty that might make some people uncomfortable, but remember, you’ll never know any different. The moment you were to pick a new team, the current version of you would immediately be a lifelong fan of that team with only memories of that team and no feelings of affinity for the Browns whatsoever.
As this isn’t a right or wrong or closest to the number contest, the winner will be picked at random among all entries received before midnight ET.
To enter, simply leave a comment in the Comments section below1 with the answer to today’s question. For example, if I were entering the contest, I would say: There is definitely a part of me that would love to erase Browns fandom (is that a word?) from my mind. But alas, I find comfort in the struggle. It’s too much a part of who I am and I don’t want to change that. So I would somewhat reluctantly stick with the Browns.
See? It’s that easy. So what are you waiting for? Go get your best guesses in below, and good luck!
The Fine Print (in normal sized font) and Rules
Only one entry per person per day is allowed. This is very important. Anyone who submits more than one entry is immediately disqualified. Only one winner per household per year is allowed. Winners will be notified via email. Prizes will not necessarily be delivered by Christmas, but we will try our best to make it happen.
- and as always, please be aware of our Before You Comment guidelines and technical information [↩]
37 Comments
Nope. Not changing. Not now!
We’re only one year way…
I live in a region void of Giant Eagles, so don’t count mine.
I wouldn’t give up being a Browns fan for anything. Talk about an allegiance that builds character! Imagining rooting for any other teams seems like a weak cop-out.
I wouldn’t go back in time and change my allegiance from the Browns because losing for so many years will make it that much sweeter when we finally do win it all.
It is my belief that you are born into your fandom, unless your father does not like sports. Went to the last game in 1995, won’t ever forget it. Browns for life!
I wouldn’t go back and change my Browns fandom. I am 33 years old, and have gone through a lot of ups and downs with the Browns, but the struggle we have gone through will make a Browns Super Bowl victory that much more special.
This is a tough one for me, because I really started to watch football around the time the Browns left (I’m 29). At that time, I followed the Jaguars. Given the stipulation of forgetting everything, I wouldn’t trade in my Browns fandom, since I feel like cheering them on (especially in ’99) was in essence being a Clevelander (I no longer live there).
Now, if changing fandom meant growing up somewhere else…maybe.
Couldn’t do it…gotta stay with the Brownies
I would not because being a Browns fan (and the rest of Cleveland sports) is my cross to carry in life.
I wouldn’t give up my fandom of the Browns. After all the losing seasons what’s the point? I also think we are on the verge of a good team.
I lived in the Middle of New York during the years that Buffalo made it to and lost in 4 consecutive Super Bowls. I suppose I could go back in time and switch allegiances to the Bills, but that wouldn’t save me from years of heartbreak.
Growing up in NE Ohio the Browns become part of you. At this point I wouldn’t change a thing. But if I was born elsewhere and didn’t have loyalties to Ohio, being a Packers fan probably wouldn’t be to bad.
By one year away, you mean 2015 Superbowl this upcoming February. I see that you let your guard down…
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I’ll just put my entry here too. It’d have to be a region of the country that I lived in for a time. That opens up NEO (Browns), Sacramento(SF and Oakland), SoCal(Chargers, Oakland, Rams), Arizona(Cardinals), and Texas(Cowboys, Texans).
Oakland – sure, if I wanted even more misery with my heartache. plus, they left LA though I’m covered on both angles there. Pass.
Rams – they left LA, off the table.
Cardinals – the Bidwells? Pass.
Texans – I wouldn’t get to start cheering for the NFL until I’m an adult or have to go through the same left and return that we did with the Browns and still no championship. Pass.
Cowboys – cheer for Jerry? Pass even if I would have gotten to cheer for 3 SB wins.
SF – Too easy. Grow up with Montana, pass off to Steve Young, finally a small dropoff at Garcia, but competitive. The few years they stunk with the York mess, they used to build up a talent base for their current run of good teams. No pain, no gain. Pass.
Chargers – fun team even when they are bad. they got the QB controversy we all dream about (both QBs were the correct answer). great uniforms. no championship. Lots of hope & promise, but plenty of angst to test your mettle as a fan too. Really tempting and they are the 2nd NFL team I cheer for now too.
Naw, I’m sticking with the Browns 🙂 Noone does Orange better!
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I wouldn’t do it, but if I had to, first team that comes to mind would be the Packers. Seems like somewhat of a front-running answer, but I have always liked them to a certain extent – maybe it’s the cold weather connection, maybe it’s that they have likeable players, maybe it’s that they’re publicly owned, maybe it’s that, even though they’ve been good for years, their fanbase isn’t insufferable (then again, I don’t really know any Packers fans personally). And it probably couldn’t be another team in the AFC. And on a completely distant connection, my dad went to Wisco, so I’ve always had a slight affinity for the state.
I would not change. One of my favorite parts of my childhood was the sense of community of rooting for the same team as my family, neighbors and friends at school. It would not have been nearly as fun with a different team.
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The only way I could have possibly had the chance to change my allegiances would have been if my family moved. I’ve lived in other areas of the country and felt the loneliness of being alleged (word?) to an out of town team. Part of the reason to root for the home town team is the camaraderie of the home town fans. I was born with the Browns and still bleed brown and orange. That will never change, nor could I ever imagine a life where I would have jumped on another bandwagon, no matter what that Vikings family tries to sell me.
Let me be the first to say, I would absolutely give up my allegiance. I tried to five or so years ago (settled on the Falcons, operating under the assumption I remember liking the Browns) but realized it inside me and unchangeable. Anyone who says it will feel better because of the last 15 years sounds like a person in an abusive relationship who thinks it is the only way and one day things will change.
I would not change now, this is the most hopeful I have been since shortly after they returned. If I could forget the Browns, not exactly sure who I would go to:
Dolphins, my uncle is a fan
Steelers, plenty of friends who are fans, and why not enjoy the success
Eagles, probably this, although I would still be missing a super bowl win
If you had the power to go back in time and change your own NFL allegiance to a different team, would you? Why or why not? And if you would, which team would you switch to?
I would not change. There will be a day win the browns win consistently and it will be good to say that through it all I’ve been a browns fan all along.
I actually moved to the area when I was a kid, and have learned to enjoy the draft culture and sense that we can blow any lead (2013 @ patriots). I just think the underdog status with just a pinch of hope fits my personality so I would not change allegiance.
It would be too easy to go back in time and tie myself to a winning franchise. I prefer to be in misery with my fellow Clevelanders.
Nope. Wouldn’t change. No way. Browns til I die.
Nope…I was born a loser Redskins fan and I will die way too early as a Redskins fan.
I’d stick with the Browns. I like the fact that there are Browns Backers EVERYWHERE.
Plus, it’d be weird to be an Indians, Cavs, and “other NFL team” fan. One of these things is not like the others…
Awwww. So I just realized in my example, the thing that represents “not the Browns” is a “W”. That’s about as accurate as it gets…
Ditto. Even when they’ve been bad they’ve been non-toxic, when they’ve been mediocre they’ve been watchable (Majkowski, James Lofton, John Jefferson) and when they’ve been great they’ve been epic with a friendly, rabid and deserving fanbase. What’s not to like. And what’s better than football in a snow globe …
No way would I change. When people root for another team that has more excellence, they’re still complaining/unhappy every year they don’t get to the superbowl. So the Browns have taught me to appreciate the little things – like celebrating a touchdown instead of a field goal when we’re still loosing.
Passion is what makes like interesting. The Browns are easy to be passionate about – good and bad. Wouldn’t change my allegiance if I could.
Well, during the bleak times, when we did not have a team at all, I didn’t watch a single NFL game. I chose to work Sunday shifts because I really didnt care about missing football (and I worked at a sports bar, so I was hoping to cash in {anyone who has ever worked in a restaurant knows how awful Sundays are}).
I gave up the NFL completely from 1995-1999. So H-E-double hockey sticks no. I am a Browns fan, not an NFL fan.
So take it a step further: assume you are denouncing your Cleveland fandom entirely for another city. Let’s take this team by team…
Pittsburgh and Baltimore – OH HELL NO
Cincinnatti – I don’t HATE the Bungals the way I hate the other two teams in the division, and I have nothing against the Reds, so I suppose Cinci is a viable option, although I would prefer a city with a team in the 3 major leagues.
Patriots – pahk the cah in the Hahvahd NO
Dolphins – sorry, the Heat ruin it for you. Oh, and the fact that sports fandom in Miami is a joke. No thanks.
Bills – they are the Browns of the AFC East…but no NY team is ever getting my allegiance
Jets – see “Bills”
Colts – they tanked a game that prevented the Browns from making the playoffs. You’re out
Texans – arguably the best player in the league, I hate Dwight Howard but might not if I was never a Cleveland fan and do like the Rockets history, but the Astros kinda put a stink on it. Still, a viable option
Jags – you can’t be this bad and be your city’s only team. You’re out
On to the NFC…
Cowboys – too bandwagony, no thanks
Eagles – rabid fanbase, occasionally good baseball team, and a basketball team that will be great in a few years thanks to all the tanking…viable option! Oh, and in-state rivals with Steelers? Bonus points!
Giants – see “Bills”
Washington – I don’t need another mascot controversy, although I do kinda like the Nationals, and I would definitely like the Wizards if I wasn’t a Cavs fan. Viable option!
Cardinals – Good/great team sans great QB? Yes please! Throw in the D’Backs and Suns..Viable option!
49ers – Cali is easier to root for than NY, but behind the recent Niners success (before this season) and the Giants dynasty, might be too bandwagony.
Seahawks – definite possibility. I love the Mariners thanks to all the goodness they trade to the Tribe. As a Clevelander, I understand what it’s like to lose a team, so I would love to be there when the Sonics come back. And throw in the Sounders for good measure! I think Seattle just jumped to the front of the pack!
Rams – I’m sure the city is cool, but a lack of an NBA hurts.
Bears – I do love Chicago, but could never root for the Bulls or White Sox.
Lions – I do love Michigan, and I actually have always liked the Lions, but could never root for the Pistons or Tigers.
Packers – already explained in another comment why this would be possible, and throw in the Bucks whose young team I really like. The Brewers, though, knock them behind Seattle.
Vikings – The T’Wolves have to be one of the worst teams to root for, although I wouldn’t definitely embrace Wiggins and Bennett again. I suppose they’re viable, but probably towards the bottom of the options.
Atlanta – love the city, but the Braves ruin it for me.
Panthers – lack of an MLB team hurts
Saints – lack of an MLB team hurts, although I wouldn’t mind rooting for Anthony Davis
Bucs – lack of an NBA team hurts.
It’s almost 5 o’clock, or I would tally up the viable options.
I would not change my allegiance. I’m 26 and barely remember the decent teams of the early 90s, but I wouldn’t want to root for any other team. Being a Browns fan builds character.
If I had to change allegiances I would probably go back in time and be a Bills fan. Mostly because the Bills are the Browns east franchise. Same Lake, same crappy weather, same football futility, better colors.
The only way this could possibly happen would be if I were born and raised in a different city. The only city who’s big three (four in their case) sports teams have sustained success over the past 28 years is Boston. How fun could it possibly be to have one of your hometown teams win a championship every couple years? I’m actually asking because I certainly have no idea. Cleveland “fandom” builds character and makes years like 2007 (“The Year of Almost”) all the more bittersweet. Here’s hoping 2015 is more sweet than sour. CLE for LIFE.
There’s no way I would ever change. Browns fan till I die. Fairweather fans are one of my biggest pet peeves.
But if I HAD to choose another fan base to be a part of, it would be the Packers.
The high school football team I played for was 2-8 my junior and senior year. My senior year of basketball we were 5-22. I rooted for the Cavs, Tribe, Browns my whole life. My college went 1-10 my freshman year and 0-10 the year after that. Having hope and perseverance is something I learned through being a Cleveland sports fan. Even though I’m out of the area my 4yo is still a Browns fan. That was a chance for me to give him a chance to start new in a way, but I think he will learn more by sticking with the family heritage. Next year though…
Every team (and person) has storms to weather. I wouldn’t change my fandom simply to put it at another time. Ohio born and raised, and sticking with the Brownies.
I can’t imagine doing it, so this is a hard exercise, but I don’t think I would. There’s something to being part of a dedicated group of fans like we have been, through thick and thin, through the worst times and the OMG WHY US, GOD!? times, that hopefully results in that ultimate payoff one day when we finally get to enjoy a winner. I admit I actually wonder sometimes how I’ll feel the year after they finally win one: Will it be the same? Will we be able to appreciate it as much? Will we be spoiled or even just somewhat uncaring? I don’t want that to happen, but I sure as heck can’t wait to find out. 🙂
Thanks again guys! Happy to say I’m not eligible the rest of the way