If you’ve ever wondered what dedication to your team really means, look no further than the commitment of Jets fan Liz Mueller. When she found out the Super Bowl was being hosted at her hometown stadium, she signed up to be a security guard — and stayed on for three years. But Liz’s fandom doesn’t stop there, as the Jets lifer has done everything from build a basement shrine to her favorite players to being crowned the Queen of the Jets by the team itself, tiara, and all.
The NFL launched the Fan of the Year contest presented by Captain Morgan to celebrate extraordinary fans who inspire others through their love of football and bring an “original spice” to what it means to be a fan. In collaboration with the 32 teams, the NFL collected nearly 35,000 submissions from fans vying for the chance to represent their team as a nominee. The contest will identify one winner among the final 32 nominees to be named the ultimate NFL Fan of the Year at NFL Honors in February 2022.
Here’s how Liz brings her spice to every game for the green and white.
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How would you describe your own original spice and how you bring it to your team?
LM: My original spice begins at the top of my head and ends at my feet. I never attend a game without a positive attitude, a win in my heart and a smile on my face! I call this “bringing the sunshine” and “bringing the positive.” My spice is happy salt with a little heat!
Why do you love being a fan of the New York Jets?
Liz Mueller: I have been a 100%, lifelong, diehard, bleed green & white NY Jets fan since 1971. I love being a fan of the NY Jets because of the passion of my fellow fans, the memories I’ve had with my dad, my uncle, and my late husband. Fellow Jets fans are my second family; we know victory and we know disappointment and it never affects our love of the team! When we visit other stadiums, and we see our extended family members donning green and white — what a feeling! We hug, we high five, and we are genuinely happy to see each other, each and every time even if we’ve never met before.
What is the original spice of Jets fans?
LM: NY Jets fans are the best in the NFL! They have the most spirit, the most spice, the biggest heart, and incredible passion! They are the most loyal group of fans.
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What is the most rewarding part of being a fan of the Jets?
LM: I love being a Jets fan because it means meeting other fans that you know have a huge heart, incredible passion, and a love that runs deep to their core. Once a Jets fan, always a Jets fan.
How did you become a Jets fan?
LM: I became a Jets fan because everyone in my family was a Giants fan; I wanted to be different! I wanted to be my own person, have my own Identity, and most of all I wanted a team to call my own. It was the best decision ever!
I first started going to games at the old stadium with my dad and uncle and since then I’ve loved the Jets so much that I’ve never missed a game. When I was a little girl, I sometimes skipped Sunday school just to watch the game and would get in trouble with my mother.
How do you like to watch the game?
LM: If I’m not at a game or visiting another stadium, I’m home with my girls, glued to my TV or at my local pub with my neighbors and the Jets faithful. And when we’re watching at home, it gets loud! All my daughters show up along with some neighbors, so it ends up being almost 20 people watching and cheering on our team.
How do you spice up game day?
LM: Game day rituals begin two days before game day. First, I need to figure out who will be going with me; occasionally friends and family go just to tailgate, even If they don’t have tickets. Then the menu planning begins, and we leave for our incredible stadium about 9:00 a.m.
