How To Buy A Jersey

I currently own 5 sports jerseys that I purchased. I am actually surprised that I only have this many. However, after much thought and deliberation I have realized that this is a healthy number. One of my favorite parts about going to sporting events is seeing the fans. I love the enthusiasm and passion that fans display. To go to a Seahawks game without a jersey is like going to a bowling alley without your own socks. Sure it might work out...but it's just not right.

Buying a jersey should be a difficult decision. They are not cheap (typically $75-$125) and the player you choose must reflect something about you.

To explain my method for buying jerseys I will tell you about my 5 jerseys.

My first jersey was Lofa Tatupu #51 of the Seahawks. I bought his jersey because:

A) He was a Pro Bowler the year before I purchased it.

B) He was my favorite player on my hometown team.

C) He would be the anchor of our defense for the next 10 years.

My dad and I went to a Baltimore Ravens game. To remember my experience I bought a Ray Lewis jersey. He is the best linebacker ever to play the game of football. He is the most emotional player ever to play the game of football. He has the best dance when his name gets announced in the game of football.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d60hKgNPlVE

(Note: Ray Lewis murdered a man about a decade ago...yet I still dig him.)

My next jersey was given to me by my parents for Christmas. It is of my favorite athlete of all time, Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs. Tim is my guy. Though his jersey is not popular...I can take any crap I get for wearing it. That is key with a jersey. If the player ends up sucking or isn't flashy you must be able to stick up for him. I will argue with you for days about Tim Duncan. He's the best power forward ever.

Next I decided to buy a Seahawks jersey of an offensive player. I went with Matt Hasselbeck because of a few reasons:

A) I didn't yet own the jersey of a white player.

B) I knew he would be around for at least 3 years.

C) I was willing to defend him even if he ended up sucking, growing old or getting injured.

My most recent jersey purchase was at the Basketball Hall of Fame when I picked up my Larry Bird jersey. I also got a Bird DVD to go along with it. I have watched it at least a half dozen times. Bird is kind of the antithesis of todays professional athlete. He hates crowds. He hates attention. He hates anyone who isn't on his side. He is the ultimate competitor. He was the heart and soul of the Boston Celtics. He is blue collar. I like all those attributes of Bird and his game. There are so many stories and legends about Bird. There is mystique that surrounds Bird. When I wear my Bird jersey I don't feel that I am necessarily repping the Celtics or that I'm trying to look more "hood" than usual. I feel that I am representing the person and style of Larry Bird.

Here is my JERSEY BUYING MANIFESTO:

1. Don't buy baseball or hockey jerseys. They aren't cool. I have never seen somebody wearing one and thought "I wish I had one of those."

2. The jersey you buy has got to be of your guy. You've got to be willing to stand up for him through thick and thin, old age and injury. You've got to have confidence to say "That's my guy".

3. Make certain that there is a 90% chance your guy is gonna be around for at least 3 years. Check their contract situation. Make sure they don't have a young prodigy who is gonna take over their spot next season.

4. Your player must be at an All Star level...or very close to it. Middle of the road players don't deserve jerseys of theirs to be purchased.

5. When you think of that specific player you must think of the team whose jersey you are wearing. For example, don't buy a Brett Favre jersey on the Jets or Vikings. He will be remembered as a Packer. If there is question as to what he will be remembered as...don't buy it.

I hope that in the future you heed my advice when buying a jersey. I think that if you follow these guidelines then you will be satisfied with your purchase.