| |
Day in the Life of a Titans Fan - John Dunn
FOX 17 News – By: John Dunn
Middle Tennessee is crazy about the Titans right now.
But some fans have taken their craziness to a whole new level.
We’re talking about people who live for game day, and bleed Titan blue.
We spend a day in the life of a Titans fan.
"How are you buddy?" says Jim Hearn.
When the Titans play football, Jim Hearn is there.
His home in Brentwood is full of Titans gear.
You’ll also find his mother Alyne.
"You ready for the game?" asks Jim.
Fanaticism runs in the family.
"Oh, wouldn't miss it for nothing," says Alyne Hearn.
Jim Hearn is a successful businessman, but when the Titans play:
"I will not act more than my shoe size on game day, so that's pretty much what I go by. (John asks) And what is your shoe size? (Jim) 12," says Hearn.
Hours before kickoff, Jim and his friends board a school bus with style.
The trip to LP Field begins.
"Man my heart starts racing, I start salivating, I mean everything, all kinds of emotions, cold sweats," says Hearn.
Arriving outside the stadium it’s time to get things started.
"Yes, yes, we're here, alright let's get unloaded everybody," says Hearn.
The tailgating in the parking lot is almost as important as the game on the field.
"Don't get any better than this," says Hearn.
But the mild-mannered Jim Hearn is only part of this story.
"Hasn't been a game in 10 years I hadn't had this on," says Hearn.
With kickoff approaching it’s time to suit up.
"Everything is coming together now," says Hearn.
A transformation is taking place.
"Wings so we can fly," says Hearn.
Ladies and gentlemen meet Crazy Jim.
"Time to do battle. On to the field," says Hearn.
Like a soldier heading off to war, Crazy Jim assumes his spot on the front line.
"Let's get this show on the road, man let's get this show on the road," says Hearn.
The life of a superfan includes plenty of pictures, the repeated appearances on the Jumbotron, and even the occasional autograph.
"There you go," says Hearn.
But most importantly it’s all about the game.
"Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it," says Hearn.
"It's an event, it's not just a game, it's an event," says Hearn.
From the front row, Jim is hard to miss.
There’s the costume, the signs he holds above his head, and plenty of noise.
“Yeah Alge, good job Alge, that a boy, way to work,” says Hearn.
And when the Titans score a touchdown, Crazy Jim couldn’t be happier.
Another victory for the boys in blue.
"21-31, baby you did it," says Crazy Jim.
The game may be over, but Jim will be back.
"Good game guys, good game," says Crazy Jim.
And his front row seat will be waiting.
There’s a good chance you’ll see Crazy Jim when the Titans play at LP Field.
The cameras seem to love him. He’s been on national television more than 100 times.
Day in the Life of a Titans Fan - John Dunn
|
|