Are the Green Bay Packers the favorite NFL team of the UK fanbase?
It seems that as far as favorite NBA teams go, there are usually just a few options for UK fans. Many choose the Boston Celtics, for their history and now for Rajon Rondo. Certainly the Houston Rockets have taken on a UK following for Chuck Hayes and Patrick Patterson. And maybe the Wizards have a decent percentage of the fanbase now. Sorry, but the Kings and Cousins have not got their yet. Point being, Kentucky fans generally have 3-5 teams that 95% of the fanbase consider their favorite.
But when it comes to the NFL, I never have got a sense of what teams draw the most interest and why. It seems the Steelers fans have come out pretty hard the past 5 years due to their success. I am on the record saying it's amazing how many Bengals "fans" there are, but only when they win 10 games. For the other 95% of their seasons, they have no fans. There are Colts fans scattered in the state, and some Titans fans in the southern regions, especially Bowling Green. But, is there any team that gets the majority of favoritism in the UK fanbase? A couple options:
-Cleveland Browns
Why: This is my favorite team and the reason in simple: TIM COUCH. Maybe the best player from Kentucky in the last 50 years, Couch was the first ever draft pick of the new look Browns, and despite what people depict him as now, he actually had success in Cleveland until getting injured. Once that happened, the fans turned on him and his production dropped. But, Couch gave me a reason to cheer for them, maybe he did for you too. Plus, they are fairly close to Kentucky.
-New York Jets
Why: Two main things the Jets have going for them. First, the Terminator John Conner plays for them. Secondly, they are cocky as hell. It's something that turns some people off, but really appeals to some also. Let's be completely honest. The Kentucky basketball team has been pretty cocky the last 2 years. But when you back it up, it can be quite interesting. The Jets have made 2 straight AFC Championships, so they have backed it up. And Conner makes a nice addition.
-Green Bay Packers
Why: Defending Super Bowl champs, so the bandwagon fans can jump on board. Plus, Randall Cobb is there now, and he was the most popular player since Couch. Plus they have the history and already have a national following. They play an exciting style and have other players (Rodgers, Hawk) that seem to be personable.
So, is there a correct answer? And if there is not an NFL team that holds the majority of the fanbase, what would need to happen for a team to get that majority? Is is simply which UK players go where? What would it take?
Discuss This Article
Comments have moved.
Join the conversation and talk about this article and all things Kentucky Sports in the new KSR Message Board.
KSBoard