What Team Would You Cheer For If the Packers Suddenly Folded?
What if the Packers suddenly folded-which team would become your "favorite"?
By JohnRehor
It has been a very nice couple of days for Packers fans.
Sunday witnessed the Packers complete and total dismantling of the Titans in what some consider the most complete game under the Mike McCarthy regime. A day which saw the offense roll up over 55 points and over 450 yards while limiting the Titans to under 200 yards and coming within one minute of a shutout, Packer Nation was united in celebrating a first class beat down.
The past few days family and friends gathered to celebrate the Christmas holiday across the globe. As part of the tradition, the exchange of gifts was done, and smiles once again were plastered on the faces of many Packer faithful. All across social media were pictures of proud Packer fans showing their new additions to their collections. It was quite a sight to see.
All in all, a very nice couple of days for Packer fans.
But what if the Packers, the team we all love, disappeared forever? How would these past few days, along with many other things in our lives, have been different?
A regular visitor to the Eat More Cheese Facebook page and die hard Packer fan proposed this possibility when he asked the following question:
If the Packers folded tomorrow, gone from the NFL, what team would you be rooting for?
Almost seems like the impossible, right? But what if it happened?
It is difficult to imagine the NFL without the Packers. After being part of the NFL for over 90 years, to suddenly have them disappear seems hard to comprehend. So much history, so much nostalgia, the Packers ARE the NFL. However, things do happen, and it could happen.
As a fan, I could not imagine the Packers not being in existence. Green and gold runs through my veins, as it does all Packer fans. It's who we are. It is almost impossible to explain to non Packer fans what being one means. It is in our DNA.
So what if the Packers folded tomorrow? Which team would my allegiance go to?
I will firmly state there is no way in hell the Bears, Vikings, or Lions would become "my team." Zero. None. No way. I just could not do it. I'm not even going to explain why I feel this way. If you are reading this, you probably feel the same way. It's just not going to happen.
The East Coast teams get dismissed almost as quickly. The Giants, Jets, Patriots-ugh. All nos.
Carolina, Miami, Tampa? Absolutely not.
How about the West Coast? Could the 49ers, Seahawks, or Raiders become my new favorite team? Chances are no.
This is a very difficult question to answer. After a lifetime of cheering for the Packers, I cannot think which team would suddenly become my favorite if the unthinkable were to occur. Chances are, it would be the Indianapolis Colts, if for no other reason they are geographically close to me. But it would not be the same as being a Packers fan. Ever.
What team would become your "favorite" if this were to happen?
Comments (14)
December 26, 2012 at 09:09 am
Very tough question. Possibly would just be an NFL fan without a fav team. In the short term would follow some of the Packer players, especially Rodgers, Matthews and Cobb. Prob be a fan of whatever team Rodgers goes to til he retires. Otherwise, the Colts are a good possibility.
December 26, 2012 at 09:16 am
Let's face it, it has happened every year except 3 since I've been old enough to be a Packer's fan in 1989. I was able to cheer on the Pack for the entire year for the seasons of 95-96, 96-97, and 10-11. Most of the time, I try to find some reason to cheer for some team rather than remain neutral.
I try to do my best to cheer for Wisconsin, so if the Packers aren't an option, maybe a former Badger or Wisconsin native. This year's decision would be easy for me. I would cheer for Russell Wilson. From the excitement of his 1 year at Wisconsin to his stellar rookie season, it's hard not to get excited about him.
I would use the same approach if we had no Packers forever. Or I guess you could ask a Cornhuskers fan, their "Pro" team turns over their roster every 4 years.
December 26, 2012 at 10:39 am
Cleveland Browns
December 26, 2012 at 11:51 am
I don't know why you even put voice to this horrible idea. If this indeed did come true the the question would be moot because the only way this happen would be the world has ended and there would be no longer be an NFL.
JohnRehor
December 26, 2012 at 08:38 pm
Not sure whether this comment is meant to be insulting, or funny. Maybe a bit of both?
December 27, 2012 at 07:01 pm
It wasn't meant to be insulting. More of a karma thing. I just don't like to put negative stuff out there like that. To say it gives it form. I can't imagine life without the Packers and I don't want to.
Green Bay Packers forever!
JohnRehor
December 28, 2012 at 08:19 am
Gotcha. Couldn't tell just by reading. Wish this thing had different fonts for different meanings.
January 04, 2013 at 04:06 pm
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December 26, 2012 at 12:42 pm
Probably the Redskins because my wife's family is from the DC area and are pretty rabid fans.
Also might pull for Denver because I like Peyton.
And I know this is probably heresy, but as a Wisconsin alum, I'd be tempted to pull for Russell Wilson.
December 28, 2012 at 07:49 am
Seahawks (Russell Wilson and John Moffit) and the Texans (JJ Watt). Whoever has the most state ties.
March 19, 2013 at 04:25 am
If the Packers were gone I would become an empty, hollow shell of a fan. I would simply band wagon from one team to another, rooting for whomever was hot at that moment and then behaving as if I were a casual observer when they failed. I would have no soul, no drive, vigor, or passion. An empty shell; like a Dallas fan.
April 04, 2013 at 08:16 pm
If the Packers folded, I doubt if I would follow any team. It's like when the Packers are out of the SB hunt, I just cheer for good games. I could never EVER root for the Indy Colts after they moved from Balt. I have never forgiven them. I could root for the Steelers though. But wouldn't be a die heart Steelers fan like I am for the Packers.
June 19, 2013 at 06:35 am
Cleveland Browns.
November 12, 2013 at 01:32 am
I would give up watching football. Football without the Packers would be completely meaningless and empty.