Courtesy of the NFL
Each year, the NFL recognizes 32 passionate fans for their unwavering dedication and commitment to their teams and communities. The NFL Fan of the Year award is the highest honor that fans can achieve. However, it is more than just a celebration of loyalty — it highlights the deep connection between fans, teams, and their cities as well as beyond the field and into the community as they channel their dedication to their teams into creating change in their communities.
This past year, Detroit Lions superfan Megan Stefanski won the 2024 Ultimate Fan of the Year. Megan has never missed a home or away game for over a decade and uses her fandom to impact the lives of her community. Her infectious enthusiasm, commitment to charitable efforts, and tireless support for the Lions have set the bar high for the 2025-26 season. Below, we look at some top contenders for 2025 Fan of the Year!
Courtesy of the NFL
Captain SeaHawk - Seattle Seahawks
Courtesy of Captain SeaHawk
A legendary figure in the Seahawks fandom, known for rallying the 12s and creating an electrifying atmosphere at Lumen Field, Captain SeaHawk attends every home and road game and can usually be found in his Seahawk headdress, honoring the roots of Seattle. The Seahawks logo came from his native tribe! In addition to his dedication to the Seahawks, Captain Seahawk and his wife, KamHawk, raise money to support various charities in the Seattle area. As a Seahawks superfan myself, I can only aspire to this level of dedication. Though my screaming at the TV and yelling my lungs off at the games should count for something!
Bengals Captain and Who Bae - Cincinnati Bengals
Courtesy of Spectrum News 1
Cincinnati Bengals superfans, Jeremy Conley “Bengals Captain” and Jessica Conley “Who Bae”, have been lifelong fans who fell in love over a “Who Dey” on their first date, with their love for each other and the game growing ever since - a match made in ‘Who Dey’ heaven! In addition to their passion for the Bengals, the two have been fixtures in their community, supporting Freestore Foodbank, the Pelotonia community supporting cancer research, and various Bengal charities. Who Bae (Jess Conley) also runs Tigress Talk, the first and only Bengals YouTube show completely hosted by women to spread awareness and raise money for charities like H.E.R. Cincinnati and Women Helping Women.
Pati "The Horns" Cream - Houston Texans
Courtesy of the NFL
As a member of the Bull Pen, one of the Texans’ rowdiest fan sections at NRG Stadium, Pati “The Horns” Cream shows her undying support for the Texans every gameday, bringing lots of big horn energy! Pati is the true definition of a super fan - with her homemade horned cowboy hat and blinged-out Texans outfit, she always brings style and energy to game day. Not only is Pati a super fan and active tailgater, but she also uses her super fandom as a way to inspire unity amongst others and advocate in her community for domestic and sexual violence, homelessness, and bullying.
Dale McCord - Washington Commanders
Courtesy of the NFL
Dale McCord was born into the Washington Commanders fan base as his family has had season tickets in their family since 1981. His passion and love for the Commanders extend beyond the field as he strives to make the fan base more inclusive. Dale is a member of the deaf community and works closely with the Commanders as a fan captioner to provide closed captioning in the stadium and sign language interpretation during the national anthem for the deaf and hard-of-hearing fans so all fans can have an exciting gameday experience!
Ryan and Bill Schell - Buffalo Bills
Courtesy of the NFL
Oh, Canada! As International Fan of The Year nominees last year, Ryan and Bill Schell have been season ticket members since 1999, driving over 2 hours each way from Southern Ontario to attend every single home game! Outside of the game, both fans are first responders and bring their same level of Bills passion to their communities as Bill works as a paramedic and Ryan in the fire service. If there is one thing we know about the Bills Mafia, it is that they are a dedicated group. Whether it is breaking tables or diving long distances for gameday, Bills Mafia always shows up, and the Schells are no different!
The Role of Fans in the NFL: More Than Just Spectators
Courtesy of Pioneer Press
NFL fans aren’t just passive observers (believe me, we are anything but passive); they are a vital part of the game-day experience. Their energy fuels the players, their traditions build legacies, and their communities shape the identity of a franchise. Whether it’s the seismic sound of the 12s, the legendary tailgating culture of Bills Mafia, or the iconic fan chants, fans create an environment that directly impacts the momentum of the game.
Even the Hallmark Channel has noted the dedication of NFL fans with a Kansas City Chiefs Christmas movie celebrating the passion and love that extends beyond the field. Fanbases are about more than just cheering; they create community, camaraderie, passion, and family. The intensity of fandom can sometimes seem "crazy" to outsiders, but to those who live and breathe their teams, it is pure dedication.
Celebrity Fans
Courtesy of TMZ
One of the most notable names in sports and entertainment crossovers is Post Malone, who has fully embraced his love for the Dallas Cowboys. His collaboration with Raising Cane’s and the team is the first of its kind, further blending music, sports, and fan culture. These collaborations show how the influence of celebrity superfans continues to grow, bringing new eyes to the sport and strengthening connections between fans of different backgrounds.
The Swfitie Effect: A New Era of NFL Fandom
As a Swiftie myself, it would be impossible not to acknowledge the massive impact Taylor Swift and her fanbase have had on the Kansas City Chiefs. With her relationship with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, Swifties have flocked to the NFL, increasing viewership and engagement in ways never seen before. The crossover between music and sports has brought new audiences to the game, proving that fandom transcends traditional boundaries. Whether you’re a lifelong Chiefs fan or a recent convert via the Swiftie movement, the passion remains the same.
The Future of NFL Fan of the Year
Looking ahead, the NFL Fan of the Year award will continue to showcase the people who make the league special. With social media, team collaborations, and growing celebrity influence, the future of fandom is evolving. Whether it's through viral moments, charitable work, or game-day traditions, NFL fans are the heart of the sport. As we await the 2025 honoree, one thing remains certain—football is nothing without its fans!
Edited by Elle Chavis
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