By Len Orme
Where do I start? I have so many favorite games, it is impossible to share just one. Needless to say, attending Super Bowl XVI and Super Bowl XXIII would have to be at the top of my list. Yet, I can still see Corey Dillon running 278 yards during the Denver game. That memory is forever etched in my mind.
How many of us remember the "Freezer Bowl?" My wife still laughs when she tells people that I looked and walked like a robot as I left the house for the game. I dressed in layer-upon-layer of clothing, multiple socks and boots. Frankly, I could barely move, let along sit down. When purchasing a beer, it was frozen before we could return to our seats!
Being honored at Paul Brown Stadium on December 14, 2003 as the recipient of the award "Visa 2003 Hall of Fan" was definitely emotional for me. I was extremely proud to represent the Bengals. I'll never forget how I felt as I stood in front of that exhibit in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.
As a season ticket holder since 1982, I have only missed one home game. Immediately following that game, many of my tailgating buddies crowded into my hospital room (much to the displeasure of the nurses.) Each season I organize bus and plane trips to as many away games as possible.
How does it feel to be an avid fan? I truly believe it has made me a better person. I was motivated to give back to my community. I held an annual Bengals dance. Through this dance, we fans managed to donate over $43,000 to benefit the needs of the homeless in the Cincinnati area.
I drive a Bengals van with a personalized plate of "HUDEY." I have a Bengals man cave in my home filled with autographed memorabilia. These are materialistic things that I obviously love. However, my happiest memories are those of friends arriving at the games, hours spent tailgating together and the sheer excitement of each and every game. Win or lose (negativism is unacceptable), they are "Our Bengals." They play their hearts out for us and in return we give our hearts to them.
