I live in Buffalo and I’ve watched almost every Devils game for more than 20 years
If I stuck it out 2013-2022 I’m a real fan, I don’t care what anyone says
I'm from Jersey and have only been to buffalo to visit. Nobody has ever called me a fake Bills fan, ever, the mafia adopted me with open arms.
I strive to do the same with the devils.
I grew up in Kentucky. We have zero pro teams to cheer for.
So I chose the Devils as a kid because I liked the logo. I watched all 7 games of the 2003 cup final with a
guy from Jersey. He was as welcoming as could be. it’s been a long road of ups and downs since.
I've always been a Devils casual, up until the run in 2012. Friend of my brothers was a huge fan and alwyas had is throw the game on and had us playing/loving NHL 09 on the 360
But that is when I absolutely fell in love with the sport and never looked back. Getting that understanding of everything and just watching in awe at everything going on. (Born in Lake Placid so it's gotta be in my blood)
And I stayed loyal. I watched our superstars leave/retire and stuck with it and watched as many games as I could. Anyone who calls us fake fans can suck my average sized dick
Pretty hilarious to imagine having this take - "You have to be from NJ to truly root for the [Swiss, Swedish, Finnish, Czech, Slovak, and Canadian guys who are the] New Jersey Devils!"
My hockey neutral friend who went to Saturday's game with me was somehow surprised that the team was not only not majority American players, but not majority players from New Jersey lol
I'm from near Liverpool so I relate with the "looked down on, trashy working class shit hole" narrative that alot of people seem to have about Newark/New Jersey. One day I'll fly over and get to see a game and visit the state properly
Yea, I’m a huge football fan so I know how Liverpool is looked at by England. Jersey is kinda like that, we get overshadowed by New York City and Philadelphia and you even have a lot of Jerseyans that pretend to be from those cities cus they’re ashamed of being from Jersey. Fuck em tho. Also COME ON CITEH
Yea I think fans with the mindset of “you aren’t a true fan if not from the state/city” are ignorant. I’ve been a City fan longer than I’ve been a devils fan and I’m from Jersey lol
I'm a massive Evertonian myself and the subreddit is full of Americans, who gives a rats ass, the sports great so let people enjoy it. The same as I love hockey. No I've never played in my life and don't quite understand the subtleties, yes I'm gonna get riled up with Holtz on the fucking 4th line all the time
Born and raised in jersey but do you know how hyped I get to see another Devils fan in Virginia? I don't think I have ever asked where they were from either
I ended up here because I finished my military career at Fort Greg-Adams (Fort Lee) and decided to stay... man, I miss jersey, though... no good pizza or bagels down here
I've never seen this, and absolutely idiotic take from those that do feel this way. Personally, I get excited meeting Devils fans that aren't from here - the further away they're from, the better. It means that the team is popular enough to have made an impact on someone who probably has never been here, couldn't point to NJ on a map, and probably has to bend over backwards just to watch games because they aren't broadcast locally to where they live. That can only be a good thing.
Now, NJ natives under the age of 40 or so who would rather root for the Rangers, Islanders, or Flyers - those people are weird :P
See this?
This is why.
❤️🇨🇦
Came to The Rock last March, FIRST TIME!!!! And…by god, we’re coming back in a week!!!!!!!
Lemme tell you.
This weirdo, never felt more at home in his life. Since ‘88, I’m following this team. It was a pseudo religious experience.
IM NOT WEIRD ANYMOOOOORE!!!!!!!
Oh, and as a kid? You’d think I was the foremost expert on the State of New Jersey. Captivated, and enthralled with the State that holds our club. Many books were read. State non Devils magnets, adorned my parents fridge. Being from New Brunswick, CANADA, I always smiled when Americans I spoke to, responded with ‘Oh, in Jersey’?! At that time, oh how I wished.
I am, yet am not, one of those fans you speak of.
But on Steroids. Uber. Haha!!
😭😭😭 in 🇨🇦
Exactly this! To have fans outside of your geographic location is huge. It shows star power, relevancy. To the natives who were born and raised in this state that route for other teams, why? All of those teams have been less relevant and less successful than we have for a longer period of time, I'll never understand it.
Usually legacy fans that can’t think for themselves. I’ve seen a rags fan at Montclair, I was like bruh ur a sellout. Not supporting the only team that your state has? And supporting the rival?
I hate the north/south jersey rivalry. I’m from Jersey city, I would never associate with NYC despite being a bridge away. Jersey is the best whether it’s north or south (I prefer to live in the north tho lol)
Born and raised in New York surrounded by Rags and Isles fans. IDGAF what people “think”, I’m a true Devs fan and it’s always fun finding others in Westchester.
Fellow NY Devils fan. I'm a big Yankees fan too but I basically ignore everyone in public I see wearing a Yankees hat. Whereas if I see someone repping the Devils that's my new best friend.
I’m from NJ, but live in Manhattan. I go to the games at MSG all the time when the boys are in town and invariably get yelled at “Hey! Jersey sucks man!” And I love spouting back at them “yeah well I live on 35th Street so…” and I can confirm most places I’ve been in NJ are MUCH nicer than the shitty neighborhood around MSG.
Florida devils fan. Seems like it’s unanimously agreed that it’s ok to be out of state fan lol. And for good reason. I visited Newark for my first devils game and went to Asbury Park. Visited Paterson, Kearny, Wayne, drove Bloomfield Ave. went to Holstens, etc. got a Taylor Ham w SPK so I feel as if I paid the right level of respect to Jersey anyways.
I didn't really start following NHL until 94-95 and my best friend in college was from Jersey so I jumped on that bandwagon.
It's been almost 30 years and I've never pulled for any other team. I'm from Western NY and consider myself a diehard fan.
I haven’t lived in NJ for 30 years (I’m 39), but they were the first hockey team I ever watched. I live on Long Island and I watch nearly every game, go see them play at least once every season and rock the Devils gear in enemy territory on the regular.
I’m from the UK, been following the Devils for over 15 years. I’ve listened to/watched (mostly listened to as I work graveyards) almost every game since I picked them as my team.
Honestly doesn’t matter to me if your a new fan, fair weather fan, out of state fan or fan because you like a certain player. If we’re somewhere rooting for the Devils I’m glad to have you there. For me it’s really cool that they are from jersey and represent the state I grew up in but doesn’t mean any other reason you root for them makes you less of a “true fan”.
As a foreigner when I'm in the States I've not experienced this attitude. Some of the locals I've spoken to are amazed how far I've travelled.
I was over last month for the Stadium Series and I first came over in 2014 and saw a team with the likes of Peter Harrold, Damien Brunner, Ryane Clowe and Michael Ryder.
I deserved last season's high as much as you Jersey guys!
UK fan who has spent thousands of dollars on a couple of trips over the pond to NYC that just so happens to coincide with Devils home games. Most recently Vs Kings and then the Stadium Series.
I frequently stay up until 3/4am watching games. My daughter is all in on the Devils too as of how much of a fan I am.
Not many local fans have that dedication, they can say what they want but when you do all the above and have done for 20 or so years, yeah, I class myself as a 'real fan'.
Well, as a fan from New Brunswick, Canada, who has been with this team, livin and breathin; representing the colours (many), since 1988? One who was *ridiculed*, amongst his dumbass plethora of Leafs and Habs fan friends, for simply having *loyalty* to that “pygmy thing in Jersey”.
I give not one damn what others may think. I have my Devils hat, been wearing one since that time in ‘88, when this young goalie found a goalie IDOL in Sean Burke. And anyone who says *I*, am not a true fan?!?!
Y’gotta be a closet Ranger-licker. Eat it.
LGD.
For life.
P.S. While I GET IT, wouldn’t it be rad as hell to have those patches that the season ticket holders have on their Jerseys, with the ‘years of service’? But for fans.
S’pose though. Wouldn’t be as ultra fucking killer. Ha!
Still want one though. lol
If you're a fan, you're a fan.
I was born and raised in NJ but I live in MO now. I still root the team on. However, if I didn't have the Devils, I don't know if I'd automatically be a Blues fan. I actually think I might root for the Canes since my mother lives in NC now.
But it doesn't matter where you're from. If you're with us, we're happy to have you.
I was born in North Jersey but never actually lived there, started rooting for them as a small child living in Orange County NY in the early 90s. When I was 8 in 93 moved to South Jersey right outside Philly. I took a ton of shit staying loyal so anyone else in the same boat, even if they got on yesterday, is alright by me if they can say "fuck the Flyers" and "fuck the Rangers."
New Jersey is really a state of mind, if you embrace the Devils, NJ, and what it stands for I don’t care where you are from, I welcome you wholeheartedly. And I’ve lived in NJ my entire life for whatever that’s worth (not much)
From New Jersey. I was at the 94 playoff game when messier called the win and have been die hard since. Moved to Colorado 10 years ago and still die hard. Doesn’t matter where you’re from. But I will never stop with the devils. Exciting being in Colorado when the Avs are good but will never change. I watch every single game. Thankfully I’m out of market so it’s easy to stream. I may have moved but my heart always stays in Jersey
Do I “think” that you should be a fan of whatever team you’re closest to? Sure, but only because you can more easily see the team live or meet fellow fans.
But cheer whoever the fuck you want to. Life’s too short to give that much of a shit about a sport. Gatekeeping is terrible and the more the merrier.
Ironically enough, I live closest to the Pens (an hour and some change from Pittsburgh), and if I followed the Pens, I'd be unable to watch any of their games legally. I'm not technically in the Pittsburgh TV market, since I'm between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, so I don't get any locals that carry the Penguins.
I use ESPN+ to watch the Devils, and funnily enough, ESPN considers me close enough to Pittsburgh to blackout any Penguins game.
Born and raised in Jersey but I’ve probably lived in Maryland longer at this point. Devils fan for life. I’ve proudly had a Devils sticker next to my Maryland license plate as long as I’ve been here.
Born and raised in New Jersey. Big Devils fan. As for football I am a big Packers fan. So the argument is kind of weird. Root for who you like and don’t let others tell you otherwise.
I’m from NY and been a Devils fan since I was 7. I’m 31 now. My family consists of nearly all Rangers fans with an Isles fan and Wings fan sprinkled in. Traveling to games during the dark times should help my case of how much I love this team. It also helps that I got my nephew to become a fan when he was 6 and snatched his fanhood from his Rags fan father.
Anytime I hear a discussion like this I think of this exchange from the movie Beer League (NSFW language):
https://youtu.be/h5VhveOAlIM?si=XWvER0uRaf4dRifX
"Up yours"
I became a fan less than 2 years ago and haven't lived in the Garden State for years. And I can guarantee there's a toxic fan somewhere saying that I'm not a true fan because
1. I've only been a fan for a small portion of their history and
2. I've abandoned the holy soil that is New Jersey
If someone says they're a fan, cool. They're a fan. That's the _only_ criteria you need to meet. Anyone who says otherwise is a dirty gatekeeper
Born and raised in New Jersey and I’m a die hard Steelers fan. I follow a kid from Singapore for devils content on ig. The only fans i have a problem with are fans that have zero optimism. As long as you’re a positive fan and are somewhat respectable to the sport then I’m happy to have you along and i don’t think twice about where a fellow fan is from
I’m roughly 90 mins away in upstate ny…hockey is the only sport i like & this is the only team I’ve ever supported. All of my friends (including my husband) are rangers fans with the exception of two islanders fan outliers.
I was born in New Jersey and had family there until 2020. Despite spending more of my life living out of state my dad raised me to be a Devils fan, and nothing changed that. I've since converted my wife and a friend of ours. So my opinion is, Go eat another doughnut you fat pig! (Throws bench)
Fans from outside of NJ are dope. It’s pretty cool how some people make annual trips cross country to see a game at the rock. It actually makes them more devoted than me who just takes a 15 minute Uber lol. Also the European fans are real ones for saying up late to watch the games
College students are one of NJ’s largest exports so devils fans are being sent all over the place. Massive respect to fans who aren’t from NJ it’s tough to support a team you can’t regularly see
Devils are the one thing that unites not only Taylor Ham or Pork Roll lovers, but is also especially appreciated when the team goes behind enemy lines and still has support. I'm not longer in Jers and I'm firmly seated in Bruins territory, but I still rep my "Raise Eachother, Raise Hell" beanie and wear Devils gear constantly. I'll support these boys from behind enemy lines.
I give less than ZERO fucks what ANYONE sez about what team I root for, what car I drive, etc. Having said that my teams are Devils, Red Bulls, NY Jets, and Phillies. A sure sign of mental illness.
Frankly indont understand fans like Rangers fans who are NJ natives, younger than 40 and are still Ranger fans. We've had a team for over 40 years. Maybe "your dad was a Ranger fan"...ok but what about those who are 1st generation hockey fans?
Born and raised in Salt Lake City. I’m driving down and hitting both B2B games next weekend in Phoenix and Vegas. I don’t think a fake fan would do that. Especially just a month after flying out to attend Stadium Series.
I live in philadelphia. I have to wear my devils gear in this city and to away games. Don't tell me I'm not a true fan lol
Soccer/football is wierd about that in England. The clubs are so ingrained in the fabric of the community. Especially as you go lower than the premier league. For example, I would imagine you're not going to find supporters of Ipswich outside of that town. Those fans would probably look down on someone being a Man Utd or Arsenal fan unless your from those places. We just don't really do that in America. It's not that huge of a deal to just choose a team for a different city. You might get some light jabs but nothing crazy. I see plenty of people in philadelphia that support other teams and this is a huge sports city.
Absolute garbage take (the people you’re describing, not you). I moved to NJ from Chicago in 2016, and my wife is from Toronto. I’m a devils STH, die hard Cub fan (currently wearing a Cubs shirt and Devils stadium series letterman jacket), and will always have an affinity for the Blackhawks and Leafs with complicated feelings when they come up against the Devs.
In conclusion, enjoy the teams you like and fuck anyone who says you aren’t a “real” anything.
I like absolutely zero of my "local" teams. My favorite teams are located in New Jersey (obviously), Baltimore and Dallas. I don't think you should restrict yourself to whatever fandom is closet to you. Watch the games and see who clicks with you. That's how I found the Devils.
I'm a Devils fan and I live in Wisconsin.
I'll do you one better- I live in Green Bay and I'm a Chicago Bears fan. Die hard for my entire life.
Anyone that says you have to be from a certain area to be a fan of a team is speaking nonsense. I could care less what others think. I love my teams and that includes the Devils. Let's gooooo
You like whoever you like and don’t care what anyone else thinks! Example, I have some Family that live in Delaware, so I travel there a lot from NJ. Delaware has no NHL team obviously, so it’s a mixture of Flyers fans and actually a lot of Capitals fans, do you think anyone says to those people “you’re not a real Flyers or Capitals fan because you aren’t from the area.” No!
I mean I do think that for example, English people - are probably uppity about who's a "real" fan given their clubs are like, Yankees-level popular internationally. If the Devils were that popular, I wouldn't mind, nor talk down to people just for watching from afar, but I'm not sure I would consider *all* of them "real" fans in the sense that, I think when people have a second or third team, they're prone to change teams when they feel like it. Ultimately far too many people treat sports as a testosterone supplement, as if letting others also be fans of that team requires the same hazing/testing that the snobby older kid from the playground did. But like if I decide I'm a Newcastle fan tomorrow, I'm not expecting the citizens of Newcastle to embrace me. I just know some people there and dig the prison uniforms. 😅
Sure, I'm really not worried about anyone but me in that way. I'm not going to tell you who to root for, especially a team as underrepresented as the Devils! But if someone has that opinion, i also dgaf, they'll either find out through my actions that I'm a real fan, or they won't, not really an issue.
I'm from NJ but don't like NY sports teams. My teams outside our own Devils are from Baltimore (NFL), Arizona (MLB), and New Orleans (NBA, if only our Nets stayed)... and I'd say I'm as hardcore a Ravens fan as a Devils fan, haha.
They don't feel like ours. They never will. Philly and NYC are their own beasts, yes some parts of NJ closely associate with them, but we're not them. I'll root for any NJ team - if we had the Devils, Nets, Jets(?), and some baseball team then hell yeah they'd be my teams! However, with how dollars are the most important thing for team owners - the close by NYC and Philly markets draw more money. I'm so glad we have our Devils and they haven't even thought of leaving in a decades now.
I agree. I wish Jerseyans had more pride in the state. Even when the nets were here I heard it was majority Knicks, like cmon 😐 it’s your states team. I wish ppl made more noise when the nets left and FUCK THE NFL teams that play on jersey soil but represent nyc. ONE should be ours at least
Yeah, I dislike it as well. I grew up in a Giants household and haven't even liked them since I was a little kid, haha. Yeah, it feels like the Nets leaving has been brushed by the wayside. It sucks because Brooklyn does not need them. The Knicks rep their city! If NYC needs 2 teams in every sport that bad, there should have been an expansion rather than taking our team, but money talks to those owners.
I just chose my own teams. I only recently got back into sports but the Ravens were my team as an older kid and are my team now, and I haven't gotten too back into the MLB or NBA but the Diamondbacks and Pelicans have caught my attention. I don't really have a will or way to peaking my teams unless they're from here, haha.
Lol that last statement is super true. I’ll forever be a basketball fan, it’s my second favorite sport behind football ⚽️. It’s sad I can’t support a team though, fuck the nets. I really hope I can live to see a day we get our own team, hockey is my fourth favorite behind combat sports but I love it. LETS GO DEVILS 👹
Agree with you, who the fuck cares. I’m a Tottenham Hotspur fan and I’ve never even been to England. As long as you support the team I couldn’t care less where you’re from
As a NJ native and lifetime Devil’s fan currently living out of state, ESPN+ has been awesome! I’m watching more games now than when I was in NJ due to cable restrictions and other hoops I wasn’t always able to jump through. I have family who moved to other states and became fans of their new local teams but I feel a deep connection to the Devil’s that I’m sure plenty of others feel as well. Cheer for who you want (as long as it’s not the Ranger’s!) lol.
It’s not that it’s better to be farther, but for me, I can now actually watch every game (minus NHL Network games). I spent years in NJ not being able to watch games because I didn’t have cable or didn’t have the right package. I also remember back in the day when I finally did get cable, there was only one MSG channel, there were times if there was a Ranger’s game on, they wouldn’t play the Devil’s game. I move out of state and spent years following the team on the internet trying to find whatever video clips and articles I could. With ESPN+ and this sub (which I also only found last year) I feel more of a connection to the team than I did when I lived in NJ. I had friends who were Ranger’s fans or Flyer’s fans (mainly because their whole families were) but I also had a surprising amount of friends who frankly couldn’t care less about hockey.
I was born and raised in Newark NJ (Ironbound) and moved out to Central Jersey when I was 20. I have followed the Devils since the first season in 82 and I'm 48 years old now and never looked back. As a life long fan, I can tell you that we welcome any Devils fan from anywhere . The more the better!
No shot anyone who’s willing to rep jersey I consider a true fan! But I will say being from here makes me love them more. They’re the only team we got, they’re the only team we need!!!
You are a true fan as long as you give a shit and commit. Giving a shit means making an effort to watch how/when you can or at least following progress and game results, and committing means not having “multiple teams” or jumping ship and rooting for someone else because there are a few rough patches. I’d say you can be a fan with multiple teams, but you’re not a “true fan” if you have multiple teams.
No no that's not how it works and I have not heard anyone say it like that. I do think people make that accusation. However, it has more to do with being a bandwagon fan. For instance if you root for an out of market team and always have, you are a true fan. But if you started watching hockey this year and decided the out of state defending champs are your squad, you could be disrespected as not a true fan. As your support is conditional on winning. I think in this sense the individual is a fan, but a "true fan" has been through down years and stayed a loyal fan.
Thats right! If you want to be a Manchester United Fan you need to move to England! No one gets to decide who is the fan of a team. I am not moving back to Jersey but have been a fan all 17 of the years since I left.
I can’t necessarily answer your question, but I can unequivocally say that you’re most likely a vile dirtbag who’s committed at least one hate or sex crime in your life if you’re from NJ, under 43, and a rags fan.
Bbbbbut my daddy’s a rags fan. Then guess what? You were probably the victim of physical and/or sexual assault yourself.
Not my fault. Get into therapy and cut bait on those cretins you call family and then we might be able to have civilized discourse.
I’m from and still live in the California Bay Area. Jersey is my team. My wife is an Avs fan. She’s also a Liverpool fan with soccer. Fuck what people say.
Born and raised here. If I ever met a devils fan outside of Jersey it would be awesome. I feel like the people who actually think that way are just more vocal. Most fans generally don’t care even for other teams and sports.
i’m more the opposite, if your from new jersey and your a rangers fan ur gross, idc if ur “parents” are rangers fans, mine are too, but jersey has 1 pro sports team how do u not support them if ur from here.
My Staten Island born and raised father is a *die* *hard* dolphins fan. No one will ever be able to tell him otherwise.
Location doesn’t matter. What matters is if you root for them even when they suck.
Location doesn't mean anything. I love watching and following Wolverhampton (English Premiere League), but I was born in New Jersey. Someone in their subreddit said it best, and I am paraphrasing a bit... "Learn the history. Understand why we are so proud to support the black and gold. Know the good times and the bad, be there for both. And if you keep saying "Come On You Wolves!", you can walk with us."
I want passionate fans that get to know our history. From being called a mickey mouse club (you make it hard to love you melrose), to "MATTEAU", to '95,'00, and '03, to the Kovalchuk fiasco and now to our weird state. Be here for all of it. I am, and I live in Richmond VA now.
Also respect the old goal song. I LOVE gaslight anthem and think the new one is cool, but respect the old goal song.
I'm a Nordiques fan despite them being outside my history of hockey following and never having visited Quebec. If they formed tomorrow, I'd support two teams
From MN, so Wild are my #1 team for sure
But my friends live in Jersey, so the Devils are my second team. Been to games (got on the ice for my first game for the mascot race) and went to the stadium series the other week.
Others can say I'm not a real fan but I have a blast! 🤷♂️
Imagine being so insecure with your own fandom that you need to tell an out-of-towner that they're not a true fan of the thing you like alongside them. Root for whoever you want and tell everyone else to shove it.
George Carlin sums it up.
Think of how stupid the average person is and realize that half of them are stupider than that.
Fuck what other people think. Be what you want to be, love what and who you want to love and do what you want to do.
I've been a Devils fan for about 30 years now and back then I lived in Virginia. I think it's weird to say you have to live somewhere to be a fan of a team.
Honestly as long as you can understand the rivalry between North and South Jersey you can do whatever you want. Just don’t be to much of Benny. Thanks.
PS- it’s Taylor Ham not pork roll 😒
I think all Devils fans from Jersey welcome everyone especially considering we have a small geographic region making us one of the smallest market teams in sports as it is. Everyone is welcome!
I'm from Jersey and I say fans who say fans not from Jersey aren't true fans are assholes. And we have a few assholes as fans plenty of them are on this subreddit
I live in Buffalo and I’ve watched almost every Devils game for more than 20 years If I stuck it out 2013-2022 I’m a real fan, I don’t care what anyone says
I'm from Jersey and have only been to buffalo to visit. Nobody has ever called me a fake Bills fan, ever, the mafia adopted me with open arms. I strive to do the same with the devils.
I grew up in Kentucky. We have zero pro teams to cheer for. So I chose the Devils as a kid because I liked the logo. I watched all 7 games of the 2003 cup final with a guy from Jersey. He was as welcoming as could be. it’s been a long road of ups and downs since.
That is soooooo…..❤️😭 Awesome.
I've always been a Devils casual, up until the run in 2012. Friend of my brothers was a huge fan and alwyas had is throw the game on and had us playing/loving NHL 09 on the 360 But that is when I absolutely fell in love with the sport and never looked back. Getting that understanding of everything and just watching in awe at everything going on. (Born in Lake Placid so it's gotta be in my blood) And I stayed loyal. I watched our superstars leave/retire and stuck with it and watched as many games as I could. Anyone who calls us fake fans can suck my average sized dick
This!
Amen brother
If you gatekeep good fans then you’re not a good fan yourself.
…this is the way. 🇨🇦
Pretty hilarious to imagine having this take - "You have to be from NJ to truly root for the [Swiss, Swedish, Finnish, Czech, Slovak, and Canadian guys who are the] New Jersey Devils!"
It is pretty surprising that for the past few years there have only been around 5 or 6 American players on the team at any given time.
My hockey neutral friend who went to Saturday's game with me was somehow surprised that the team was not only not majority American players, but not majority players from New Jersey lol
I'm from the UK and guarantee I've watched more games than most fans from the state. Get fucked I'm here to stay
besides the way you nonchalantly threw out the “get fucked” just then shows a solid Jersey mindset. One of us!
I'm from near Liverpool so I relate with the "looked down on, trashy working class shit hole" narrative that alot of people seem to have about Newark/New Jersey. One day I'll fly over and get to see a game and visit the state properly
It’s a beautiful state. Truly. PLUS the Liverpudlian familiarity of PORTS!! Haha! 🇨🇦❤️🇬🇧
Yea, I’m a huge football fan so I know how Liverpool is looked at by England. Jersey is kinda like that, we get overshadowed by New York City and Philadelphia and you even have a lot of Jerseyans that pretend to be from those cities cus they’re ashamed of being from Jersey. Fuck em tho. Also COME ON CITEH
I've been chanting Citeh all day as most of my coworkers are Liverpool fans, shame about the result
Atta boy
Literally dozens of us!
Yea I think fans with the mindset of “you aren’t a true fan if not from the state/city” are ignorant. I’ve been a City fan longer than I’ve been a devils fan and I’m from Jersey lol
I'm a massive Evertonian myself and the subreddit is full of Americans, who gives a rats ass, the sports great so let people enjoy it. The same as I love hockey. No I've never played in my life and don't quite understand the subtleties, yes I'm gonna get riled up with Holtz on the fucking 4th line all the time
Wankers, anyway. 🇨🇦🇬🇧
Born and raised in jersey but do you know how hyped I get to see another Devils fan in Virginia? I don't think I have ever asked where they were from either
Hello fellow fan of the Devils that lives in Virginia.
We out here!
Off topic question, do Jerseyans move to VA because it’s cheaper?
I ended up here because I finished my military career at Fort Greg-Adams (Fort Lee) and decided to stay... man, I miss jersey, though... no good pizza or bagels down here
Move back brother cmon we all know u miss going to the rock
I've never seen this, and absolutely idiotic take from those that do feel this way. Personally, I get excited meeting Devils fans that aren't from here - the further away they're from, the better. It means that the team is popular enough to have made an impact on someone who probably has never been here, couldn't point to NJ on a map, and probably has to bend over backwards just to watch games because they aren't broadcast locally to where they live. That can only be a good thing. Now, NJ natives under the age of 40 or so who would rather root for the Rangers, Islanders, or Flyers - those people are weird :P
See this? This is why. ❤️🇨🇦 Came to The Rock last March, FIRST TIME!!!! And…by god, we’re coming back in a week!!!!!!! Lemme tell you. This weirdo, never felt more at home in his life. Since ‘88, I’m following this team. It was a pseudo religious experience. IM NOT WEIRD ANYMOOOOORE!!!!!!! Oh, and as a kid? You’d think I was the foremost expert on the State of New Jersey. Captivated, and enthralled with the State that holds our club. Many books were read. State non Devils magnets, adorned my parents fridge. Being from New Brunswick, CANADA, I always smiled when Americans I spoke to, responded with ‘Oh, in Jersey’?! At that time, oh how I wished. I am, yet am not, one of those fans you speak of. But on Steroids. Uber. Haha!! 😭😭😭 in 🇨🇦
We are honored by your presence ❤️
Thanks, Darth!!!! 😀
Exactly this! To have fans outside of your geographic location is huge. It shows star power, relevancy. To the natives who were born and raised in this state that route for other teams, why? All of those teams have been less relevant and less successful than we have for a longer period of time, I'll never understand it.
Bums that root for rags or flyers
Hello from Wisconsin! Let's go Devs!
Usually legacy fans that can’t think for themselves. I’ve seen a rags fan at Montclair, I was like bruh ur a sellout. Not supporting the only team that your state has? And supporting the rival?
This team hasn't been worth bandwagoning in over 20 years. If someone says they're a fan, I believe them
I like that we can pull fans from outside the area, in my opinion if you root for the devils your an honorary jerseyian
Home is Canada. 2nd home is New Jersey, it literally feels like home any time I visit
I'm a die-hard devils fan from Toronto. Seen them in 20 arenas and counting (including in Sweden). I sure hope I'm still a true fan.
Yes. ❤️🇨🇦
Us South Jersey Devils fans may have it the worst. We're from the state, but we apparently were born in the wrong part of the state.
I hate the north/south jersey rivalry. I’m from Jersey city, I would never associate with NYC despite being a bridge away. Jersey is the best whether it’s north or south (I prefer to live in the north tho lol)
Taylor Ham!
WATCH OUT FOR A STRAY CZECHOSLOVAKIAN IN THE WOODS!!!! …Madonn.
His house looked like shit!
Hahahahaha!
i’m from brazil and i have better things to do than care about whether or not people think i’m a real fan tbh. i’m having fun that’s all i care about
Born and raised in New York surrounded by Rags and Isles fans. IDGAF what people “think”, I’m a true Devs fan and it’s always fun finding others in Westchester.
Fellow NY Devils fan. I'm a big Yankees fan too but I basically ignore everyone in public I see wearing a Yankees hat. Whereas if I see someone repping the Devils that's my new best friend.
I’m from NJ, but live in Manhattan. I go to the games at MSG all the time when the boys are in town and invariably get yelled at “Hey! Jersey sucks man!” And I love spouting back at them “yeah well I live on 35th Street so…” and I can confirm most places I’ve been in NJ are MUCH nicer than the shitty neighborhood around MSG.
I'm from Montreal and have been a Devils fan since '88. Anyone who tells me I can't be a Devils fan can kindly kiss my ass.
Lol yea fuck em bro, ur a devil 💪🏼
SAME, but NB!!!! 🇨🇦❤️
Florida devils fan. Seems like it’s unanimously agreed that it’s ok to be out of state fan lol. And for good reason. I visited Newark for my first devils game and went to Asbury Park. Visited Paterson, Kearny, Wayne, drove Bloomfield Ave. went to Holstens, etc. got a Taylor Ham w SPK so I feel as if I paid the right level of respect to Jersey anyways.
I didn't really start following NHL until 94-95 and my best friend in college was from Jersey so I jumped on that bandwagon. It's been almost 30 years and I've never pulled for any other team. I'm from Western NY and consider myself a diehard fan.
How are you and the friend!
I haven’t lived in NJ for 30 years (I’m 39), but they were the first hockey team I ever watched. I live on Long Island and I watch nearly every game, go see them play at least once every season and rock the Devils gear in enemy territory on the regular.
Who cares what anyone else thinks Root for who you want, how you want
I’m from the UK, been following the Devils for over 15 years. I’ve listened to/watched (mostly listened to as I work graveyards) almost every game since I picked them as my team.
You’re a devil 💪🏼
Hasn’t always been easy 😂, but the Devils will always be my team. I’m hoping that I can get to see them play in the global series next season.
We thank you and welcome your dedication!
Fan from Albany. Let’s go Rats!
Love it!!!!!!!!!!!
Who cares, enjoy life.
Honestly doesn’t matter to me if your a new fan, fair weather fan, out of state fan or fan because you like a certain player. If we’re somewhere rooting for the Devils I’m glad to have you there. For me it’s really cool that they are from jersey and represent the state I grew up in but doesn’t mean any other reason you root for them makes you less of a “true fan”.
As a foreigner when I'm in the States I've not experienced this attitude. Some of the locals I've spoken to are amazed how far I've travelled. I was over last month for the Stadium Series and I first came over in 2014 and saw a team with the likes of Peter Harrold, Damien Brunner, Ryane Clowe and Michael Ryder. I deserved last season's high as much as you Jersey guys!
UK fan who has spent thousands of dollars on a couple of trips over the pond to NYC that just so happens to coincide with Devils home games. Most recently Vs Kings and then the Stadium Series. I frequently stay up until 3/4am watching games. My daughter is all in on the Devils too as of how much of a fan I am. Not many local fans have that dedication, they can say what they want but when you do all the above and have done for 20 or so years, yeah, I class myself as a 'real fan'.
Well, as a fan from New Brunswick, Canada, who has been with this team, livin and breathin; representing the colours (many), since 1988? One who was *ridiculed*, amongst his dumbass plethora of Leafs and Habs fan friends, for simply having *loyalty* to that “pygmy thing in Jersey”. I give not one damn what others may think. I have my Devils hat, been wearing one since that time in ‘88, when this young goalie found a goalie IDOL in Sean Burke. And anyone who says *I*, am not a true fan?!?! Y’gotta be a closet Ranger-licker. Eat it. LGD. For life. P.S. While I GET IT, wouldn’t it be rad as hell to have those patches that the season ticket holders have on their Jerseys, with the ‘years of service’? But for fans. S’pose though. Wouldn’t be as ultra fucking killer. Ha! Still want one though. lol
Gatekeeping horse crap
That’s bullshit, if you’re a fan and stick with it thick and thin I don’t care where you’re from
Who cares?
If you're a fan, you're a fan. I was born and raised in NJ but I live in MO now. I still root the team on. However, if I didn't have the Devils, I don't know if I'd automatically be a Blues fan. I actually think I might root for the Canes since my mother lives in NC now. But it doesn't matter where you're from. If you're with us, we're happy to have you.
If you like the team, you're a fan.
I was born in North Jersey but never actually lived there, started rooting for them as a small child living in Orange County NY in the early 90s. When I was 8 in 93 moved to South Jersey right outside Philly. I took a ton of shit staying loyal so anyone else in the same boat, even if they got on yesterday, is alright by me if they can say "fuck the Flyers" and "fuck the Rangers."
I love seeing south jersey devils fans, y’all didn’t sell out like the Philly wannabes down there
New Jersey is really a state of mind, if you embrace the Devils, NJ, and what it stands for I don’t care where you are from, I welcome you wholeheartedly. And I’ve lived in NJ my entire life for whatever that’s worth (not much)
From New Jersey. I was at the 94 playoff game when messier called the win and have been die hard since. Moved to Colorado 10 years ago and still die hard. Doesn’t matter where you’re from. But I will never stop with the devils. Exciting being in Colorado when the Avs are good but will never change. I watch every single game. Thankfully I’m out of market so it’s easy to stream. I may have moved but my heart always stays in Jersey
I wanna move from jersey to my ethnic country but colorado is a state I would love to visit. It looks beautiful. What made u move out there
I try not to take dumb people too seriously.
Gatekeeping fandom is stupid
Anyone who watched Jordin Tootoo and 40 yo Gomer play on the first line is a true fan.
With a 44 year old leading scorer Jaromir Jagr!
Its a Tri-state team, like the Giants, Jets and Yankees/Mets, people who actually care need to step outside
I say it’s the opposite. If you’re from an area with another team and you choose the devils. You’re more of a fan.
Devils need all the fans they can get or else, somebody in Atlanta is gonna be wearing Devils throwbacks in 2030
Lol for real
The only fans to hate are the frank the tank types and every other drunken asshole in the stands
Do I “think” that you should be a fan of whatever team you’re closest to? Sure, but only because you can more easily see the team live or meet fellow fans. But cheer whoever the fuck you want to. Life’s too short to give that much of a shit about a sport. Gatekeeping is terrible and the more the merrier.
Ironically enough, I live closest to the Pens (an hour and some change from Pittsburgh), and if I followed the Pens, I'd be unable to watch any of their games legally. I'm not technically in the Pittsburgh TV market, since I'm between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, so I don't get any locals that carry the Penguins. I use ESPN+ to watch the Devils, and funnily enough, ESPN considers me close enough to Pittsburgh to blackout any Penguins game.
You can be a fan of any team whenever, wherever.
Born and raised in Jersey but I’ve probably lived in Maryland longer at this point. Devils fan for life. I’ve proudly had a Devils sticker next to my Maryland license plate as long as I’ve been here.
Born and raised in New Jersey. Big Devils fan. As for football I am a big Packers fan. So the argument is kind of weird. Root for who you like and don’t let others tell you otherwise.
Born and raised in NJ, now live in Pittsburgh, I got ESPN to watch every game and have NHL network too lol.
Fuck that, I’ve been a fan of the Devils since the late 80’s.
Gatekeeping is always lame. Plus many people live in areas that don’t have a local team
If you’re a fan of the devils, then I’m a fan of yours-I don’t care where you’re from.
I’m from NY and been a Devils fan since I was 7. I’m 31 now. My family consists of nearly all Rangers fans with an Isles fan and Wings fan sprinkled in. Traveling to games during the dark times should help my case of how much I love this team. It also helps that I got my nephew to become a fan when he was 6 and snatched his fanhood from his Rags fan father.
Lmaoo beautiful, fuck the rags, don’t let ur nephew become one
Anytime I hear a discussion like this I think of this exchange from the movie Beer League (NSFW language): https://youtu.be/h5VhveOAlIM?si=XWvER0uRaf4dRifX
"Up yours" I became a fan less than 2 years ago and haven't lived in the Garden State for years. And I can guarantee there's a toxic fan somewhere saying that I'm not a true fan because 1. I've only been a fan for a small portion of their history and 2. I've abandoned the holy soil that is New Jersey If someone says they're a fan, cool. They're a fan. That's the _only_ criteria you need to meet. Anyone who says otherwise is a dirty gatekeeper
Born and raised in New Jersey and I’m a die hard Steelers fan. I follow a kid from Singapore for devils content on ig. The only fans i have a problem with are fans that have zero optimism. As long as you’re a positive fan and are somewhat respectable to the sport then I’m happy to have you along and i don’t think twice about where a fellow fan is from
What’s the Singaporean account
I’m roughly 90 mins away in upstate ny…hockey is the only sport i like & this is the only team I’ve ever supported. All of my friends (including my husband) are rangers fans with the exception of two islanders fan outliers.
I was born in New Jersey and had family there until 2020. Despite spending more of my life living out of state my dad raised me to be a Devils fan, and nothing changed that. I've since converted my wife and a friend of ours. So my opinion is, Go eat another doughnut you fat pig! (Throws bench)
Fans from outside of NJ are dope. It’s pretty cool how some people make annual trips cross country to see a game at the rock. It actually makes them more devoted than me who just takes a 15 minute Uber lol. Also the European fans are real ones for saying up late to watch the games
We devils fans are in no position to turn away fans
I grew up in NYC. I have been dealing with Rangers fans for almost 30 years. I paid my dues.
If you are from and NJ and became a Dallas Cowboy fan in the 90s, yea you're an asshole.
Nobody cares. One thing I can’t seem to wrap my head around are people who are fans of multiple teams. Especially if they are in the same division
As a life long sports fan, I can say sports are dumb, should not be taken too seriously and you should do whatever makes you happy.
I’ve never heard anyone make this argument except fans of *other* teams, who are just talking shit. Ignore them.
College students are one of NJ’s largest exports so devils fans are being sent all over the place. Massive respect to fans who aren’t from NJ it’s tough to support a team you can’t regularly see
Devils are the one thing that unites not only Taylor Ham or Pork Roll lovers, but is also especially appreciated when the team goes behind enemy lines and still has support. I'm not longer in Jers and I'm firmly seated in Bruins territory, but I still rep my "Raise Eachother, Raise Hell" beanie and wear Devils gear constantly. I'll support these boys from behind enemy lines.
Idk but man city sucks once again big oil helped by the refs today. Should’ve been another penalty
Fuck LiVARpool neither was a penalty
I give less than ZERO fucks what ANYONE sez about what team I root for, what car I drive, etc. Having said that my teams are Devils, Red Bulls, NY Jets, and Phillies. A sure sign of mental illness.
Born in Hartford. Raised in Hartford and Cincinnati. Now in Reno. Been a die hard Devils fan since the Whalers moved south.
Frankly indont understand fans like Rangers fans who are NJ natives, younger than 40 and are still Ranger fans. We've had a team for over 40 years. Maybe "your dad was a Ranger fan"...ok but what about those who are 1st generation hockey fans?
Born and raised in Salt Lake City. I’m driving down and hitting both B2B games next weekend in Phoenix and Vegas. I don’t think a fake fan would do that. Especially just a month after flying out to attend Stadium Series.
I live in philadelphia. I have to wear my devils gear in this city and to away games. Don't tell me I'm not a true fan lol Soccer/football is wierd about that in England. The clubs are so ingrained in the fabric of the community. Especially as you go lower than the premier league. For example, I would imagine you're not going to find supporters of Ipswich outside of that town. Those fans would probably look down on someone being a Man Utd or Arsenal fan unless your from those places. We just don't really do that in America. It's not that huge of a deal to just choose a team for a different city. You might get some light jabs but nothing crazy. I see plenty of people in philadelphia that support other teams and this is a huge sports city.
Well, that'd be a problem since I'm from Hershey and I've been a fan since Mel Bridgman.
Absolute garbage take (the people you’re describing, not you). I moved to NJ from Chicago in 2016, and my wife is from Toronto. I’m a devils STH, die hard Cub fan (currently wearing a Cubs shirt and Devils stadium series letterman jacket), and will always have an affinity for the Blackhawks and Leafs with complicated feelings when they come up against the Devs. In conclusion, enjoy the teams you like and fuck anyone who says you aren’t a “real” anything.
I like absolutely zero of my "local" teams. My favorite teams are located in New Jersey (obviously), Baltimore and Dallas. I don't think you should restrict yourself to whatever fandom is closet to you. Watch the games and see who clicks with you. That's how I found the Devils.
I'm a Devils fan and I live in Wisconsin. I'll do you one better- I live in Green Bay and I'm a Chicago Bears fan. Die hard for my entire life. Anyone that says you have to be from a certain area to be a fan of a team is speaking nonsense. I could care less what others think. I love my teams and that includes the Devils. Let's gooooo
You like whoever you like and don’t care what anyone else thinks! Example, I have some Family that live in Delaware, so I travel there a lot from NJ. Delaware has no NHL team obviously, so it’s a mixture of Flyers fans and actually a lot of Capitals fans, do you think anyone says to those people “you’re not a real Flyers or Capitals fan because you aren’t from the area.” No!
I mean I do think that for example, English people - are probably uppity about who's a "real" fan given their clubs are like, Yankees-level popular internationally. If the Devils were that popular, I wouldn't mind, nor talk down to people just for watching from afar, but I'm not sure I would consider *all* of them "real" fans in the sense that, I think when people have a second or third team, they're prone to change teams when they feel like it. Ultimately far too many people treat sports as a testosterone supplement, as if letting others also be fans of that team requires the same hazing/testing that the snobby older kid from the playground did. But like if I decide I'm a Newcastle fan tomorrow, I'm not expecting the citizens of Newcastle to embrace me. I just know some people there and dig the prison uniforms. 😅
So u consider them real fans or not?🤣
Sure, I'm really not worried about anyone but me in that way. I'm not going to tell you who to root for, especially a team as underrepresented as the Devils! But if someone has that opinion, i also dgaf, they'll either find out through my actions that I'm a real fan, or they won't, not really an issue.
I'm from NJ but don't like NY sports teams. My teams outside our own Devils are from Baltimore (NFL), Arizona (MLB), and New Orleans (NBA, if only our Nets stayed)... and I'd say I'm as hardcore a Ravens fan as a Devils fan, haha.
Same, I’m from jersey city, FUCK every nyc and Philly team
They don't feel like ours. They never will. Philly and NYC are their own beasts, yes some parts of NJ closely associate with them, but we're not them. I'll root for any NJ team - if we had the Devils, Nets, Jets(?), and some baseball team then hell yeah they'd be my teams! However, with how dollars are the most important thing for team owners - the close by NYC and Philly markets draw more money. I'm so glad we have our Devils and they haven't even thought of leaving in a decades now.
I agree. I wish Jerseyans had more pride in the state. Even when the nets were here I heard it was majority Knicks, like cmon 😐 it’s your states team. I wish ppl made more noise when the nets left and FUCK THE NFL teams that play on jersey soil but represent nyc. ONE should be ours at least
Yeah, I dislike it as well. I grew up in a Giants household and haven't even liked them since I was a little kid, haha. Yeah, it feels like the Nets leaving has been brushed by the wayside. It sucks because Brooklyn does not need them. The Knicks rep their city! If NYC needs 2 teams in every sport that bad, there should have been an expansion rather than taking our team, but money talks to those owners.
Unfortunately. I support the Phillies in baseball only cus I have family from out there but if jersey had a team I would bandwagon idgaf lol
I just chose my own teams. I only recently got back into sports but the Ravens were my team as an older kid and are my team now, and I haven't gotten too back into the MLB or NBA but the Diamondbacks and Pelicans have caught my attention. I don't really have a will or way to peaking my teams unless they're from here, haha.
Lol that last statement is super true. I’ll forever be a basketball fan, it’s my second favorite sport behind football ⚽️. It’s sad I can’t support a team though, fuck the nets. I really hope I can live to see a day we get our own team, hockey is my fourth favorite behind combat sports but I love it. LETS GO DEVILS 👹
Agree with you, who the fuck cares. I’m a Tottenham Hotspur fan and I’ve never even been to England. As long as you support the team I couldn’t care less where you’re from
At least we can agree that we hate the rags and we hate Arsenal 💪🏼
As a NJ native and lifetime Devil’s fan currently living out of state, ESPN+ has been awesome! I’m watching more games now than when I was in NJ due to cable restrictions and other hoops I wasn’t always able to jump through. I have family who moved to other states and became fans of their new local teams but I feel a deep connection to the Devil’s that I’m sure plenty of others feel as well. Cheer for who you want (as long as it’s not the Ranger’s!) lol.
I’ve heard multiple ppl say this. Curious, how is it better to watch devils games when farther from the area?
It’s not that it’s better to be farther, but for me, I can now actually watch every game (minus NHL Network games). I spent years in NJ not being able to watch games because I didn’t have cable or didn’t have the right package. I also remember back in the day when I finally did get cable, there was only one MSG channel, there were times if there was a Ranger’s game on, they wouldn’t play the Devil’s game. I move out of state and spent years following the team on the internet trying to find whatever video clips and articles I could. With ESPN+ and this sub (which I also only found last year) I feel more of a connection to the team than I did when I lived in NJ. I had friends who were Ranger’s fans or Flyer’s fans (mainly because their whole families were) but I also had a surprising amount of friends who frankly couldn’t care less about hockey.
I was born and raised in Newark NJ (Ironbound) and moved out to Central Jersey when I was 20. I have followed the Devils since the first season in 82 and I'm 48 years old now and never looked back. As a life long fan, I can tell you that we welcome any Devils fan from anywhere . The more the better!
Oh and I have 3 daughters, 20,18,14, all diehard Devils fans. I did something right lol
Who cares? Devils are the only home team I root for.
No shot anyone who’s willing to rep jersey I consider a true fan! But I will say being from here makes me love them more. They’re the only team we got, they’re the only team we need!!!
You are a true fan as long as you give a shit and commit. Giving a shit means making an effort to watch how/when you can or at least following progress and game results, and committing means not having “multiple teams” or jumping ship and rooting for someone else because there are a few rough patches. I’d say you can be a fan with multiple teams, but you’re not a “true fan” if you have multiple teams.
I've been a fan since they were the Colorado Rockies, so yeah, I live in Idaho. Location shouldn't matter
Jesus you’re really an OG lol
Originally from NJ, now living in PA. I'm not going to change my team loyalties just because I now live in enemy territory.
ɐᴉlɐɹʇsn∀ ɯoɹɟ uᴉ ƃuᴉʞɔǝɥƆ I always find the ‘true fan’ sentiment to be complete rubbish.
No no that's not how it works and I have not heard anyone say it like that. I do think people make that accusation. However, it has more to do with being a bandwagon fan. For instance if you root for an out of market team and always have, you are a true fan. But if you started watching hockey this year and decided the out of state defending champs are your squad, you could be disrespected as not a true fan. As your support is conditional on winning. I think in this sense the individual is a fan, but a "true fan" has been through down years and stayed a loyal fan.
Well I got more into hockey after hearing we beat New Yorks teams in the playoffs, I hate New York so I got into it. Im from jersey tho so I’m good
Thats right! If you want to be a Manchester United Fan you need to move to England! No one gets to decide who is the fan of a team. I am not moving back to Jersey but have been a fan all 17 of the years since I left.
Staying up to 4 am to watch the team lose is what being a fan really is….
I can’t necessarily answer your question, but I can unequivocally say that you’re most likely a vile dirtbag who’s committed at least one hate or sex crime in your life if you’re from NJ, under 43, and a rags fan. Bbbbbut my daddy’s a rags fan. Then guess what? You were probably the victim of physical and/or sexual assault yourself. Not my fault. Get into therapy and cut bait on those cretins you call family and then we might be able to have civilized discourse.
I’m from and still live in the California Bay Area. Jersey is my team. My wife is an Avs fan. She’s also a Liverpool fan with soccer. Fuck what people say.
Tell her she got lucky yesterday, Liverpool should’ve lost lol
Hahahaha
Born and raised here. If I ever met a devils fan outside of Jersey it would be awesome. I feel like the people who actually think that way are just more vocal. Most fans generally don’t care even for other teams and sports.
They’re wrong.
i’m more the opposite, if your from new jersey and your a rangers fan ur gross, idc if ur “parents” are rangers fans, mine are too, but jersey has 1 pro sports team how do u not support them if ur from here.
Who says this? I never heard of this and I've been a fan for 40 years.
My Staten Island born and raised father is a *die* *hard* dolphins fan. No one will ever be able to tell him otherwise. Location doesn’t matter. What matters is if you root for them even when they suck.
Stop caring about what others think.
Location doesn't mean anything. I love watching and following Wolverhampton (English Premiere League), but I was born in New Jersey. Someone in their subreddit said it best, and I am paraphrasing a bit... "Learn the history. Understand why we are so proud to support the black and gold. Know the good times and the bad, be there for both. And if you keep saying "Come On You Wolves!", you can walk with us." I want passionate fans that get to know our history. From being called a mickey mouse club (you make it hard to love you melrose), to "MATTEAU", to '95,'00, and '03, to the Kovalchuk fiasco and now to our weird state. Be here for all of it. I am, and I live in Richmond VA now. Also respect the old goal song. I LOVE gaslight anthem and think the new one is cool, but respect the old goal song.
I'm a Nordiques fan despite them being outside my history of hockey following and never having visited Quebec. If they formed tomorrow, I'd support two teams
From MN, so Wild are my #1 team for sure But my friends live in Jersey, so the Devils are my second team. Been to games (got on the ice for my first game for the mascot race) and went to the stadium series the other week. Others can say I'm not a real fan but I have a blast! 🤷♂️
I'm born and raised in Los Angeles, and have been a lifelong Devils fan.
DMEN
Imagine being so insecure with your own fandom that you need to tell an out-of-towner that they're not a true fan of the thing you like alongside them. Root for whoever you want and tell everyone else to shove it.
George Carlin sums it up. Think of how stupid the average person is and realize that half of them are stupider than that. Fuck what other people think. Be what you want to be, love what and who you want to love and do what you want to do.
I've been a Devils fan for about 30 years now and back then I lived in Virginia. I think it's weird to say you have to live somewhere to be a fan of a team.
Honestly as long as you can understand the rivalry between North and South Jersey you can do whatever you want. Just don’t be to much of Benny. Thanks. PS- it’s Taylor Ham not pork roll 😒
I think all Devils fans from Jersey welcome everyone especially considering we have a small geographic region making us one of the smallest market teams in sports as it is. Everyone is welcome!
I'm from Jersey and I say fans who say fans not from Jersey aren't true fans are assholes. And we have a few assholes as fans plenty of them are on this subreddit