NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: RANDY PIERCE

Since 1988, Randy "Zip" Pierce has missed exactly one home game. Even after being diagnosed with an unknown neurological disorder and losing his sight. Whether at his home (decked out head-to-toe in Patriots gear) or at the stadium, Randy and his guide dog are known and loved by all of the Patriots community.

How did you fall in love with your team? What is your first memory around your NFL team?

In 1976 I was 10 years old and our country was celebrating the bicentennial. The New England Patriots had an exciting team and I was captivated by the patriotic enthusiasm of the times. While there was some enthusiasm for sports in my family, we lived in a baseball and hockey region. I wanted to develop in my own way and so I began to learn and understand the world of football. There was a lot of drama that season right up until an error ultimately ended our chances, but not my enthusiasm for a young and exciting team led by my first NFL hero. I have an autographed football from that year that is so rare the New England Patriots asked me if they could store it in their museum, The Hall at Patriots Place, because they cannot find another.

How, when and why did you start dressing up, collecting or becoming more than a regular ordinary fan?

In 1988 when I graduated from my university, I became a season ticket holder, which I am to this day. Those were some difficult years for our team, including a 1-15 season, and in those times a good fan did everything possible to enhance the excitement of the day and help encourage support for the team. On Sunday afternoons I focused my hopes on quality plays. Then I began painting my face, the other parts were added slowly. Once I added the Patriots' flag-cape, the patriotic persona developed.

Year by year I added to the outfit. In 1996 I began my fan website which created a forum to bring fans together from around the world. The enthusiasm for fandom rose to a higher level. It reached a pinnacle in 2001 when the team selected me as their Fan of the Year. The tragedy of 9/11 made the Patriots' patriotic Super Bowl victory into serendipity. Any fan's crowning moment is likely to be their team's first Super Bowl victory, but to have it be the same year your team selected to honor you, as their fan, is simply a ludicrous and fantastic dream come true.

There have been many highlights since, of course, and hopefully many still ahead. I simply feel incredibly fortunate to have been a great fan in the right place at the right time.

What is your favorite NFL moment or team memory?

There are simply hundreds I could choose from; tailgate stories are often filled with sharing these highlights. Having the Lamar Hunt Trophy handed to me after the AFC Championship victory was astounding for certain, but no moment will ever replace the magic of my front row, balcony seat in New Orleans for that February 3, 2002 evening.

My friend Jose Acevedo stood next to me as the world went silent for an instant. The score was tied 17-17 and we were against "The Greatest Show on Turf" which everyone thought was unbeatable. We all held our breath as the upstart-team, my Patriots, took center field. The pigskin flew and immediately my friend Jose shouted to my blind eyes "Good! Good-good-good-good-good-good! It's good!" The next moment I was drowning in the noise and jubilance. I was 36 years old and the prior 26 years of fandom had done everything to convince me this moment would never happen and yet here it was. Confetti was flying and my team was hoisting the Lombardi trophy.

For all the fan-centric aspects that fandom uses to draw attention to and build excitement for our team, it is ultimately that team's success that fills our hearts. For me that moment will forever be the day my team achieved the prize I had dreamed of for them.

What distinguishes you from other fans of your team?

Honestly, I'm proud to stand with so many great fans and I don't necessarily think anything beyond fortunate circumstances set me apart. I won't say anyone loves my team more than me, but neither do I feel the need to suggest someone else isn't also a great fan of this team. I support them through thick and thin. There are some fans who do not, but there are plenty who do this as well. I have some untypical circumstances for certain, but the real truth is I'd rather join them in sharing and celebrating our passion for the Patriots rather than separate myself from them – there's enough that divides us in this world and that's simply not who I am or what I'm about.

How did you get your nickname / develop your superfan persona?

The nickname came from college where a misunderstood middle initial and my quick running strides earned me the nickname "Zip." When I was first programming my website for the Patriots I persevered some anonymity by using that nickname and when the team went to the 1996 Super Bowl that nickname became a little famous around New England. Over the last few years since my medical challenges and achievements have brought me out of my wheelchair I've let some of the costume go, but the reputation has stayed with me, because it's the passion and fandom that made my story and not the glitz of the garb.

What is your favorite keepsake or piece of memorabilia?

This is fun as there are so many treasured pieces in my collection. With the Super Bowl happening on my year as FOTY, the Super Bowl ring is particularly special to me. I have replica of the ring, which is sealed in acrylic and it sits in a place of honor in the Patriots' shrine I have in my home. These mementos remind me of all the teamwork and dedication required by players, coaches, and even we fans for so many years to bring us this reward. We've earned another three rings since, but that ring is just a bit more cherished than all the others.

When did you start collecting / building your fan cave?

It began slowly in 1993, but by 2003 I simply had so much that I built a massive addition to my home to house the Patriots' shrine. It's a 24 x 24 room with an additional section for the big screen TV. We all watch the games together from there, surrounded by so many pieces of Patriots' lore. The irony is I've never seen most of them since I've been totally blind since 2000. If I ever get my sight back, the room will be a treasure trove for me for certain.

What is your game day ritual? How do you prefer to watch the game?

Amusingly, there's a full-fledged, 11-minute documentary about this, which was nominated for a prestigious award back in 2008! I play with game day superstitions, because it's fun to keep these traditions. It brings people together and enhances the spirit of fun for the group. The more we get everyone interacting and appreciating the sport and team the happier I am. That's just a part of the full day experience, which is a dawn until dusk cooking, setting-up, celebrating, viewing, then reviewing, and breaking down process. It's one of the most social sports out there. All the breaks in the game allow us time to strategize, talk about personnel, formations, and then the play-by-play before we repeat it all again. As for being the best fan – I'll continue to promote being the best fan I can be and strive to create that atmosphere in all the fans around me as well. Go Pats!

How does it feel to be known by your friends and peers as a die-hard fan?

Well that depends, unfortunately. Many times it has been a wonderful and rewarding experience. I have had many fun discussions about all the good aspects of the sport, my team, and the fun of a fall afternoon. For many years this was an entirely rewarding enterprise. Even the rivalry of the fan world has generally been a positive and playful one, which I enjoy building. I emphasize these approaches and make the most of them as often as possible

What is the best thing about your team?

It isn't that we've been so successful for so long under the current owners. I've certainly enjoyed much of that success. It certainly isn't the seemingly endless attacks upon our integrity, though I hear them and pay attention, because I too want to root for good causes and good stories. I mention those first because those are at the forefront of many concerns. The reality for me is that this team always emphasizes the power of working as a team, putting in the hard work to get the results necessary to succeed. We are not always the most talented group of individuals, but most often we find the means to be the most talented team. I love the notion of team and the message it sends about learning to work together towards a common goal.

It's the pinnacle of the human spirit to work together and as the acronym suggests: Together everyone achieves more - TEAM. I will eagerly celebrate hard working over-achievers who learn to work together.

I hope that becomes a model for all of us.

All images by Peter Sutherland.

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