Nov 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) reacts before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Bandwagonism. What is it? It’s a term I just thought of, although I am sure I am not the only person in the world who has thought of this term. So, what is the definition of Bandwagonism? I would define it as fans who blow with the wind, and find themselves always cheering for a front-runner, or the popular team.
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As a fan of the Denver Broncos, and a Colorado native who moved away as an adult, I am accused of Bandwagonism all the time. I find myself making those same accusations at people who are currently fans of teams like the Seattle Seahawks. How dare you like a team that you were not a fan of until they got good?
It is really nice to be able to say that I have been a fan of the Broncos my whole life. Through thick and thin, my family and I sat down on Sunday and watched the Broncos. We walked to training camp in Greeley, Colorado when it was just down the street from my childhood home. I feel a sense of ownership of my beloved Blue and Orange.
So, what is the crime of Bandwagonism? Is it not being able to enjoy your favorite team, so you latch on to the best thing around to make yourself feel better? Is it a lack of loyalty that makes true, lifelong fans cringe at the thought of people crowding onto the ride, taking up space? Is it a superiority complex? That, “I was here first, who are you?” mentality. Probably all of the above, and a few other things that I can’t think of.
I find myself making those same accusations at people who are currently fans of teams like the Seattle Seahawks. How dare you like a team that you were not a fan of until they got good?
There are a few factors that pull fans in. Success is an obvious key to a team growing its fan base. Winning is the cure for all that ails you. It is also important to have star power. In an honest moment, I bet most of you will agree that you loved the Chicago Bulls in the 1990’s because of Michael Jordan, and that is OK. It is also important to have a good rival. To love one team usually means hating another. How many new Boston Red Sox fans are out there because of their rivalry with the New York Yankees?
What I am really curious about is this, earlier in the football season there were several articles that came out calling the Denver Broncos the new, “America’s Team.” The Twitterverse was abuzz with proud Bronco fans. Memes, and FaceBook posts blew up my page. Instagram went nuts with fans posting pictures of their proud little faces. The internet was painted orange and blue.
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So why, after some struggles, have Bronco fans turned on those fans dubbed, “bandwagon?” Does it not take some new fans to become America’s Team? Fandom is a curious devil. It creeps up on people. One minute you hate something, and the next you find yourself kind of liking it.
A team’s fan base is important, and I would argue that the Denver Broncos have the best, most loyal fan base in the NFL. However, it is interesting to watch fans turn on those that choose to cheer for our team, but at the same time take pride in being dubbed America’s Team. It is impossible to gain such an honor without some people switching allegiance.
Dec 22, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) looks to pass in the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
I was born into Broncos Country. I spent summers at the University of Northern Colorado watching John Elway, Mark Jackson, Tom Jackson, Karl Mecklenburg, Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharpe, Steve Atwater (this list could get really long, so I am going to stop here). I will never leave, no matter where I am. However, I like the fact that MY team has made people want to be a part of it. Will they stay forever? Maybe not, but I refuse to be rude to guests in my house.