I know Andrew Mason already covered Fan Fair, but he didn’t spend most of the time taking pictures with fans and playing mascot football.  Fan Fair is quite the event.  It’s rare throughout the league that EVERY player and EVERY coach is available to the fans for at least a little bit over the course of two days.  Over those two days we had about 14,000 fans in the building.  Some of the lines were long, but I think most people were pleased.  A lot of people that come every year may notice the lines getting longer, but there’s nothing that can be done about that.  There are a limited number of players and coaches, and the attendance keeps going up.  Basically we are a victim of our own popularity.  Not a bad spot to be in though.  Anyways, lets get down to the nitty gritty.  Or as my grandma says the knitty gritty.

Saturday I spent most of the day signing autographs.  The first time I attempted to make about a 1/4 lap around the concourse.  I had an hour to do it (I’m a mascot, not Hidalgo-I need a break).  After about 45 mins,  I had gone approximately 20 yards.  As soon and people saw me, it was on.  Pictures, signing shirts, balls, trading cards, magazines, programs-I even signed a forehead.  I tell you, I love Broncos fans because they are so passionate, but at one point I got a little spooked.  I was surrounded on all sides with shirts, balls, programs jammed in my face.  I did my best to sign everything I could, but the reality is, there is no way I could ever sign everything.  Which means there are people that were waiting for my autograph that didn’t get it.  This really bothers me.  I REALLY try to make sure everyone is happy, and knowing that I wasn’t able to get to everyone gets to me.  So if you didn’t get an autograph, I apologize.  Heck, send me a letter and I’ll send you an autograph.

Between signings, I brought some of my furry brethren to the stadium to take on some lucky(and talented) kids for a little football.  It was a tough game, and even saw some injuries.  Air Miles had to leave the game just a few plays in because he pulled a hammy (zipper). He’s listed as day to day, but the doctor (seamstress) feels he’ll make a full recovery.  Our first offensive series didn’t go to well, it was 3 and out. 

On the next series we fared better, but we needed the boost of a guest wide receiver.  It paid off in the form of 6 points.  I launched a 3/4 field bomb that found it’s way into the sure hands of Sack Attack member, Justin.

The kids didn’t quit though.  Twice they came back and answered the call with very timely touchdowns.  The last of which was about a 15-yard reception that had about 30 yac yards tacked on.  The most unlikely of heroes.  This kid was all of 3 ft. tall, but had soft hands and(thanks to a low center of gravity) amazing lateral moves.  I had a chance to shut him down just yards from the goal line, but he proved to be too elusive.  The Mascots had just about two minutes to march down the field and knot the game up at 18, but we weren’t able to capitalize and the kids emerged victorious, 18-12.   We all walked off the field with heads held high, knowing we did the best we could.

Sunday was more of the same.  Signing, Signing, and more Signing.  With no mascot game to worry about, I had more time to, you guessed it, sign autographs.  I did take a break to help out with the Quarterback Challenge.  We had 4 targets set up at different yardage.  Each contestant had a chance to win $820.  First you have to just hit Air Miles at about 10 yards.  He ended up catching most of them, save the odd crotch shot.  Then a chance for $100 at about 15 yards.  20 yards was $200, and for the grandaddy of them all hit a moving target from about 30 yards away for $500!  The moving target was in the back of a Gator driven by yours truly.  I tried to help people out, but the truth is, it’s hard enough to just get a ball 30 yards, let alone hit a moving target.  Just ask the 10 wannabe Elways that competed.  I think only one guy actually hit the last target.  I mean, just hit the target(4′X8′) not get it in the hole. 

So we open up our house to all our fans, and just like a party, it’s great to see everyone and we had a blast!  But eventually we have to pull an MTV Cribs and show you to the front door and get back to work.  We’re still cleaning up from that party, I hope Mr. Bowlen doesn’t find that stain that I put the area rug over…

Tags: Autographs, Fan Fair, Mascot football

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