Film director Spike Lee has been in the news quite a bit recently for some controversial comments, but the fact is he's always grabbing attention as the New York Knicks' biggest. fan. period. As a Brooklyn native who's love for basketball runs deep, he doesn't just support his team, he literally embodies it.
There isn't much actor and comedian Will Ferrell won't do for a laugh. It's this kind of dedication that makes him a truly exceptional USC Trojans football fan. As a proud alumnus, Ferrell has kept close ties to USC over the years, teaming up with former head football coach Pete Carroll on several hilarious pranks and stunts to help inspire the team. Click here to watch his famous portrayal of Captain Compete at a USC football practice. He also took a turn as the "legendary" Coach Chuck Berry in another classic spoof.
Despite his crazy antics, Ferrell is all business on the field with his Trojan spirit always in full effect. However, for this A-list fan, game day isn't the only occasion to get decked out from head to toe in USC cardinal and gold. Ferrell has often been spotted out and about representing his favorite team. Here's the proof:
Trojan or not, it's hard to resist a fan who would run around
half-naked dressed as a pretend superhero to get his team pumped up for the
season. That kind of passion is exactly what makes college sports great. It's a special brand of enthusiasm that few possess, but funnyman Will Ferrell is bringing it to the masses, one side-splitting parody at a time.
What do you think of Will Ferrell's hilarious hi jinx with the USC football team?
When you think of Jay-Z, three things come to mind: Rapper, Mogul and New York Yankees Fan. For years, the Yankees hat has been a fixture of the Brooklyn-born star's wardrobe, popularizing it as a recognizable symbol of hip hop culture.
Jay-Z famously rapped on his hit, "Empire State of Mind:" "I made the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee can." No one can argue with that. He's a loyal New Yorker and his fitted Yankees hat is his medal of honor, a badge he wears to show the world how proud he is to be from the greatest city in the world.
Jay-Z has rocked his signature Yankees hat everywhere from interviews and special events to performances and of course, Yankees games. In fact, it's hard to find a picture of him not wearing one. Let's take a look at the many hats of Jay-Z:
One thing is clear from these photos: the man knows what he likes. Although he might switch it up for a special occasion, Jay-Z prefers the traditional look, which is why the Yankees hat has become his trademark, not to mention a marker of pop culture that will never go out of style.
He's one of the most passionate celebrity sports followers, but most fans can't transform their team passion into a lucrative business deal. In April 2012, Jay-Z announced a partnership with his clothing line, Rocawear, to be the team's official sponsor for the 2012 season. For the fan inside the man, also known as Shawn Corey Carter from Brooklyn, NY, this must be a dream come true.
As the NBA season winds down, the excitement keeps building for fans of the five remaining teams in the Playoffs. Spurs, Thunder, Celtics, Sixers and Heat loyalists have endured a long season and the finish line is finally in sight. While most fans show their support by watching the games, buying season tickets and sporting team jerseys, some go far above and beyond the call of duty to prove their allegiance. From the looks of them, it's clear they wear their pride on their sleeves.
Aside from what's happening on the court, these Famous Fans are the real spectacle, so in tribute to their steadfast support all season long, let's meet some of the last fans standing:
There are basketball fans and then there is James (Jim) Goldstein, multimillionaire and quite possibly the NBA's biggest Superfan. He began watching NBA games at age 10 and was hooked by age 15 when he was hired to keep game statistics by his hometown team, the Milwaukee Hawks (now the Atlanta Hawks). He doesn't have a favorite team, but says he's a fan of the NBA, in general. He refuses to disclose how he made his fortune. His business card lists just his name, contact information and three things: fashion, architecture and basketball.
So what exactly qualifies him for the illustrious title of "NBA Superfan?" Let's break down Goldstein's stats:
Attends between 110 and 120 games per year, including traveling to cities to attend playoff games
Attends about 95 percent of home games for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers
Counts players like Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash, coaches, owners, announcers and NBA Commissioner David Stern as friends
His reputation certainly precedes him, but he's not just known for his love affair with professional basketball. He also has a flamboyant sense of style, not just for a sports fan, but for anyone.
The Commish isn't kidding. Not only does Goldstein show up to a record number of NBA games, he gets noticed. His passion for high fashion (including John Galliano, Gucci, Dior, Roberto Cavalli) might lead you to believe he's not a true sports fan, but looks can be very deceiving. According to players, coaches and owners who have become his friends over the years, he's a true student of the game. In fact, with the amount of time he spends watching basketball, he could teach the class!
It's time to see the "NBA Superfan" in action:
No matter what you think of Goldstein's style, one thing is for sure - he goes big (and definitely doesn't go home during playoff season). "NBA Superfan" is certainly a heavy title to uphold, but he seems willing and more than equipped to handle it. That definitely deserves a spot on his business card.
What do you think of James Goldstein's intense devotion to the NBA?
XO,
The Style Ref
P.S. - On top of his super fandom, Goldstein's also famous for having a pretty incredible house in Los Angeles that's been featured in countless architectural magazines. Click here to check out some spectacular photos.
Major league soccer is a worldwide, cultural phenomenon that drives fans to do and wear some crazy things. Some make us laugh, smile, stare or buy ridiculous yellow whistles called vuvuzelas. As soccer continues to gain mass popularity in the U.S., TSR decided to profile some of the league's famous fans from right here in the States. For multiple, sometimes scary and confusing reasons, the Seattle Sounders FC fans jumped right out.
Seattle Sounders FC fans are serious about soccer
The Seattle Sounders FC is an American soccer club that competes in MLS, representing Seattle, Washington. Founded just a few short years ago in 2007, this team has formed a loyal, unrelenting following that rivals the fan bases of the most prolific teams in the country - in any sport. Their supporters have reason to rejoice:
In their first two seasons, Seattle has sold out every league match, set MLS records for average attendance and led the league in season ticket sales.
The club qualified for the MLS Cup playoffs in each of its first three seasons.
In 2009, Sounders FC became the second expansion team in MLS history to win the U.S. Open Cup, and in 2010 became the first ever MLS team to repeat as Open Cup champions.
On October 4, 2011, the Sounders became the first ever MLS team to win the U.S. Open Cup three times in a row, defeating the Chicago Fire 2–0.
That's impressive. Part of their success could be due to the incredible home field advantage that the Sounders fans provide. They're loud, proud and not just in a yelling, screaming and slurring kind of way. Their unique style is their not-so-secret weapon that conveys their intensity, but instills a little fear, too. Maybe that's the point.
In any case, there is definitely strength in numbers - in their debut season, the Sounders enjoyed the largest average attendance in the MLS with 30,943 fans per game. With that many devoted fans clad in elaborate, over-the-top and occasionally scary fan armor, TSR can't help but give the Sounders fans the spotlight.
In honor of Friday the 13th, check out some striking photos of these famous (fear-inducing) fans:
Clowning around at a match
The stakes (and the hair) are high for the fans
Halloween comes early for these fans
The product of passion and face paint
Real fans don't let fans dress down
What do you think of the Sounders fans' loud, proud style?
Every team has fans (well, the majority anyway), but some teams have special fans known for going above and beyond the call of duty. TSR fondly refers to these devout followers as "famous fans" for their unwavering, daring and sometimes embarrassing displays that often win them five seconds of fame that night on Sports Center.
For this edition of Famous Fans, let's pay a visit to the Beef Studs at the University of South Florida in Tampa. As a large university founded in 1956 with a growing, national athletic presence, the Beef Studs are relatively new to the scene, but that doesn't stop them from making a statement. Meet the Beef Studs!
A Beef Stud
A Beef Stud is no ordinary fan - no sir, a Beef Stud is a unique creature. The traditional costume consists of a bullhorn helmet (to represent USF's mascot, the bull), a grass hula skirt, and most importantly, green and gold body paint. Other random items can be added to complete the look. Sure, he looks like he just dumpster-dove to put his outfit together, but that's what any true Bulls fan would do, right?
A Beef Bunch
The Beef Studs and their ladyfriends, aptly named the Beef Babes, are one of USF's most recognizable student organizations. Their official mission: "To raise awareness of and to promote spirit of: The University of South Florida and all of it's athletic programs; on-campus, locally, and nationally."
Their tailgate at Raymond James Stadium where the USF Bulls football team plays is impossible to miss and they welcome anyone who isn't afraid of some stubborn body paint. One courageous Sports Illustrated reporter documented his Saturday with the Beef Studs when the Bulls traveled to Auburn in 2007. That game would turn out to be one of the biggest wins in school history as the Bulls beat the then-No. 17 Tigers, 26-23 in overtime. Read Joe Rienzi's story here.
Beef Babes Represent
It may not be easy, but the Beef Studs are a shining example of dedication, no matter how ridiculous you look. However the season turns out, USF can count on the Beef Studs to be there on gameday wearing almost nothing but their green and gold.
Bringing the Beef
What do you think of the Beef Studs? Does your school have a similar fan group?
XO,
The Style Ref
P.S. The USF Beef Studs are in rare form in this video created for the "Be Respect-A-Bull" campaign to promote a higher level of pride, sportsmanship and honor at USF. I beg you to please remember, the Beef Studs are not representative of all USF students and alumni. :)
