FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Is this kind of lame of me to do? Perhaps.

However, just ask yourself this: Will you ever have a chance to give a Hall of Fame speech? Probably not.

Me? Definitely not. So I'm milkin' this cow dry.

The FanNation Hall of Fame...many people are laughing reading this, none more than I. I started coming on here to get an idea of what the sporting world feels about certain issues in an effort to market my blog. I don't even really market it here anymore. It's an enjoyable way to beat writer's block as I hack away on my blogging obsession.

To get to this point, though...it's kind of cool! I'd like to thank all of those I've gotten to know, and more importantly, the ones who engage me in heated back-and-forth, as it increases my interest and love of many sports. Thank you all for voting me in the September, 2007 class of the FanNation Hall of Fame.

DJ, It is also great to be inducted beside you, as I feel you are truly one of the most well-rounded members here. Participation, record, writing, comments, blog submissions, the fact you're not a jerk-off...no one has all of those as much as the Great DJ...

A personal thanks to GoatHCW, who fanmailed me to tell me about this group in the first place, then to say he nominated me. FN could not have had a better inaugural Hall of Fame inductee than My Favorite Ravens Fan (next to RavensFan...another great member to consider).

No one gets his hands dirty and mixes it up better and with more success than GoatHCW. He's fiercly loyal, fiery, competitive and, like many other members here, doesn't lose TDs - he's just a little behind when time runs out.

Rest assured, though, he's going to work the next sap who comes along like it's his job.

After listening to GHCW defend the Ravens, you can't help but have a mutual respect for them.

And I f'n HATE the Ravens!

So congratulations to you as well. You are probably the most prolific TDer in the history of this site. Definitely an elite member, and you belong where you are.

And to follow Coletrain's induction is also truly an honor. He and I have had several conversations during the days we both became addicted to this site. True story...somehow or other, I asked him how old he was, and he told me to guess. I'm usually pretty good at nailing people's ages.

"I'd say like 22 or 23."

"I'm 16."

"Oh."

"But 16 is the new 26!"

I still feel justified in guessing it, because he has such a great sense of humor (has to be one of the funniest people on here) and just sort of an older presence about him.

But congratulations, my friend...may you listen to the Doors for the remaining of your days, and equally, may I never again have to hear any of their songs.

Thanks to DetroitFan, hiya, Packers and C-Moore for making the effort to do this while asking nothing in return. It's a very political process, and the only people who will sing your praises are the frauds like me who ramble on during induction speeches. Just kidding. I'm not a complete fraud. Just an overrated one.

The efficiency in which you put this group together really doesn't have a rival on this site. I hope for your day as well, because group organization and management is definitely a characteristic that should be, and is, Hall worthy.

I selected Steeler Mike to put my jacket on for me...but I don't know if he accepted or not. Have it go on record, though, Mike Jacketed me (does that sound bad?), and I chose him due to the fact that, because I'm on the older side of the site (no offense, Krobe), I wanted to have him make me look younger. Just kidding, Mike. Much like myself, Mike has a passionate love for the Five-Time World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers, but Mike also adds a deep knowledge of all aspects of the game of football, and (shout out to) the Atroo Grou refers to him as Yoda with good reason (and intentions).

He's the kind of guy you learn something from when talking the game. I thought he was fitting of helping me out. And as soon as he gets in here, I'd be glad to return the favor.

Lana finished an extremely close second to Mike, and I would like to thank her for her insight on everything in the Peyton vs. Brady category, as well as her inspiring level of competition. We usually end up talking about other things though, and she's a very knowledgeable person (especially about the Staal brothers), and instrumental in many of the groups and tournaments we've had.

Anyway...so yeah...I would like to bring attention to the newly formed FanNation Elites group put together and run by future Hall of Fame member (and future NFL offensive coordinator, with Mike's help) BigBen68. Contact him for admission.

Outside of that, I've rambled far too long...thank you, God bless America, and God bless the Pittsburgh Steelers.

HERE WE GO STEELERS, HERE WE GO!