What a great and diverse country we live in.  Snow from Seattle to Foxborough, cold and frigid weather everywhere — well not everywhere.  The Commish was in Tampa, 76 and sunny.  Hey somebody had to be at a tailgate where shorts and Bucs tee shirts were the dress of the day.  The other dress of the day was the uniforms of the US Marines, there, not to protect, but to serve.  Time for Toys for Tots.  I don’t know if statistics are kept, but I think Tampa fans are at the top of their generosity during the Holiday season.  One tailgating group, Bucfanz.com, collect bikes for Toys for Tots and this was another banner year.  The cars, the grills, the fans and the weather make Tampa one of the best tailgating locations in the NFL.  Al Lopez Park (acxross the street from the stadium) is still my best location to tailgate. 

I love Florida in December!

Putting on game day face with Big Nasty and crew.

ATrain Express, a ‘72 VW Bus — one of the best in the NFL.

The best our country has, helping in the Toys for Tots drive.  God Bless America and thanks to the men and women who serve everywhere.

One great grill.

One Great Griller.

Location, location, location

December 21st, break out the suntan lotion and the food.

Upscale First Course.

Followed by the grilled oysters and the ahi tuna for course 3 and 4 to be followed by _______

Al Lopez Park — the most beautiful tailgating location in the NFL.

The Marines have landed to pick up bikes from Bucfanz.com.

Buster Levin, my little nephew helps load the bikes.

I am convinced that the Army/Navy is the best sporting event I attend each year.  Opponents on the field, but teammates on the real field of battle.  In the parking lot, not as much activity as a regular game, for the rush is to get in the stadium for the march on and the pre-game ceremonies.  But the tailgate is important even after the game when the young men (best in the country) get to join their friends and families for food and fun. 

GO ARMY!  GO NAVY!  The winner — All of us in the United States.

The team may be in a slide, but not the tailgating.  When the game gets tough, the tough come to Buffalo.  Fans are great and hardy.  Real Champions of the Parking Lot.

Party Time at Ralph Wilson

Wings —- Real BUFFALO Wings!!!!

 

I Said Ketchup and Mustard on the Burger

I know the game may not be of championship caliber as in the past, but the tradition of tailgating on Thanksgiving is alive and thriving.  Breaking bread with our football family is a special time.  

 

Let’s All Live in Peace   

 

The Commish in Focus Groups 

         

Thanksgiving Feast!!!

Purple, purple everywhere. Crab cakes and crab soup the foods of the day. Home of one of the best tailgating vehicles — SWAT, Stop Working And Tailgate.Cold day, but hot tailgating.

The Commissioner is visiting NFL, College and High School Stadiums. He’s going to NASCAR Tracks and any other Tailgating party he can find across America.

He generally visits between 40 and 50 college and pro football stadiums each year. But Joe rarely goes to the game itself. “Too busy tailgating,” he says. “It’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it.” He’s living the American Dream. It’s every sports fan’s fantasy! And yes … he does need your help…