Hi, Iḿ Sharkey. Iǘe been born in the Netherlands, so I didn't grow up with American Football. Consequently I don't know much about the game and I habitually miss most of whatever is happening on the field. Still, I became a fan of the game during '97/'98 (for whatever reason, I don't remember) and began following the Amsterdam Admirals. So naturally I began following what happened during the 1999 season to the most prolific Admirals player ever: Kurt Warner.
Now this was in the days that there wasn't too much video available online, and that, strangely, is how I became a Giants fan. Because in those days the only way for me to follow the NFL live were the internet radio-stations, coupled with the (at the time very bad) flash application for GameDayLive on NFL.com. Now I didn't have to listen to the Rams games (apart from the first quarter or so) because the Greatest Show on Turf won just about every game they played. So after I was reassured that the Rams had another win I searched for other interesting games on the various internet radio-stations. Well, with Kerry Collins playing, you shouldn't be surprised that almost every week I wound up tuned in to the ongoing Giants games.
Naturally, being attracted to the game of football, but being forced to listen to games instead of seeing them, this ill prepared me for understanding the nuances we see on the field (I've been wondering for years what the hell 'shotgun' meant, but with the introduction of internet video and a less crappy connection, I finally know). Still the magic of radio commentary pulled me in, and I found myself rooting for the Giants the entire season I listened and watched arrows on GameDayLive, right into the Superbowl... which -of course- was the only game in ENTIRE year that was broadcast in the Netherlands, in the early hours of the morning. I was gonna watch, hell, I was gonna be PREPARED! Beers, weeners, etc. (I didn't know about tailgating at the time, but instinctively I channeled the tailgating experience in my own home..)
Well... Ever since then, I've been a Giants fan, richly rewarded in the 2007 season when I least expected it. And I thank whoever's responsible for internet video and fast connections... even though I remain clueless about the nuances of the game...GO GIANTS!! (...and Spags and the Rams...)
Cheers,
Sharkey