A Great Story Of An Amazing Alabama Fan

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So as we made it to our seats in the stadium, we were early of course, and fast approaching kickoff, the two seats to my left were empty. I noticed that there was an awful lot of crimson surrounding me when two young boys all decked out in their Clemson gear came rushing up the steps. I immediately knew that these would be my next door neighbors for a game that I was certain they would lose.

Slower up the stairs behind them was a man who I suspected was their Dad but was confused because there was literally only two empty seats as far as I could see. I was 4 seats from the isle and was correct when i saw them politely ask the young couple on the end if they could squeeze by. Sure enough, my two neighbors. The Dad had immediately began to give instructions to the two boys about safety and what not to do or say and to behave. Attentively they both nodded and I instantly knew that the Dad was leaving them there unattended.

By this time, he'd made eye contact with me and as I adapted to the situation, it was apparent that I wasn't the only one around me concerned that these two boys (9 and 6 years old) were being left alone, in enemy territory. So quickly to dis-spell the discomfort of him leaving his kids and those rolling eyes around me, I told the Dad, they would be in good hands and that he shouldn't worry about them at all.

He explained to me that they were from SC and that for Christmas, he'd promised his boys that they'd be going to this game and without tickets in hand, had made the trip to Tampa. His story continued that somehow a Bama fan had sold him a pair of club level seats for face value and that now his wife and he would be able to go into the stadium (mom had planned to hang outside of the stadium).

Because of such a good deal, he was now able to afford the boys two tickets and the two club level seats. Good fortune for the whole family allowed everyone to watch the game, albeit the sons in enemy territory.

Now, my first question to Dad was this, why wouldn't you sit with one kid and your wife the other, to which he explained, they are inseparable and do EVERYTHING together and would not have it any other way. Coming from a pretty tight knit family, I got it.

Ok, Cool, two Clemson tiger cubs by me to watch us demolish their team. Again, I assured Dad that they were in very capable hands and I would make sure that their experience was a good one.

Fast forward a bit to the game getting ready to start, we shook hands and made our acquaintances and Dad hurried off to his seat with a big smile and thank you! It was at that point I told the boys that they could cheer on their team but couldn't cheer when something bad happened for or to Bama. As we talked and they informed me about every single player on Clemson's team (believe me they had plenty of knowledge), they began to get comfortable with me.

It was during this time that I took notice at how well mannered they both were, yes sir, no sir, please, and thank you. The anthem and fly over were just getting ready to start and I brought them into a little huddle and explained to them that the people in our military were the reason that we could attend this game and watch it being free. They nodded and agreed and excitedly jumped into their chairs and almost the exact same time, began their salute to our flag. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched them and neither moved, Id bet that neither blinked during the entire singing of that anthem. While the college aged kids behind me laughed and joked and half-way were paying attention to the flag, these two kids never moved.

At that point, I thought to myself, boy, these parents have done an outstanding job! As the game started and Bama jumped out to a 14-0 lead, their faces were extremely disappointed. I huddled them up again, and said "boys, there is an awful lot of ball left to play, its not over". So just those words pepped them back up.

Clemson began to rally and scored and they were right back in it. The smallest one had to go to the bathroom and so did I, so we all three went downstairs. As we got finished, they wanted to get a drink and said that their Dad had given them $10 to buy a large drink that they could share because it had free refills. So I told them that I would buy them each one and to keep their money. Adamantly, they refused and said that their Dad had given specific instructions to buy one drink with that $10.

I told them that I would buy them some food then, to pick out what they wanted. Each of them were beaming with excitement as they decided on what to get the older one explaining the prices to the younger one. They finally decided that they wanted to share some nachos after a quick scuffle about the youngest wanting a hot dog. Needless to say, I wouldn't have any of it and we ended up with 2 nachos, 2 hot dogs, 1 large popcorn, and three drinks.

They were so grateful and you'd think that I had given them a winning lottery ticket. We returned to our seats and Bama had scored again, and sure enough, here comes the disappointment. Again, we huddled and I said again, "boys, there is and awful lot of ball left to play, its not over"

As we got to halftime, and watched the bands, we talked, mostly about Clemson, and they were losing the game but having the time of their lives.

Moving on to the end of the game, I could feel the momentum changing and Clemson getting into the game, Bama's defense was tired and those boys were going nuts. As the teams traded touchdowns, and Bama went up a score, we huddled once more and I said again, "boys, there's an awful lot of ball left to play, its not over".

Dejected both knew they were probably defeated but never lost hope and focused on my words. They got fired up! They got loud! They were the two biggest Clemson fans in that stadium. As Clemson drove the ball down to the goal line and it was apparent that Bama would lose the game, they huddled me up and said, "there's not an awful lot of ball left to play, but its not over"

Of course, Clemson scored and won the game and I wish you all could have seen their joy and excitement. Soon after and with most of the seats around us cleared out, the Dad came bounding up the steps to celebrate with his sons. Pregnant mom was close behind and I stood and watched as they celebrated.

Just before our group left, I told the guys to hold on for a minute and I went down to say congratulations to the boys. As I got there, I saw tears streaming down Dad's face as he hugged those boys. Mom stood by and watched the faces of those kids and she too, began to cry. Both boys ran over and hugged me and said thanks for everything.

I reached into my pocket and handed the youngest back the $10 their Dad had given them for the drink, gave him a wink and told him to put it in his pocket. Lastly, the Dad came over and hugged me as well and was very grateful for looking after his boys.

It was then that I realized, I had gone to the greatest game that Id ever witnessed and my team lost. But it wasn't the teams that played on the field, it was the team of that family that impressed me the most. We lost the game and yeah it sucked, but I couldn't help but think about my son and my family.

I made a vow then, I'll never go to another one without Jack by my side. That is what it is really about. Now, I couldn't even tell you the kids or the Dad's names but what a time we had!!!!! BEST. GAME. EVER. and we lost. ROLL TIDE!!!

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