Don’t Judge Me by a Name That Isn’t Mine

Thankfully, football season has settled itself into our living rooms, local bars, and restaurants. I’ve enjoyed having an excuse for spending my weekends wearing one of my Philadelphia Eagles jerseys. Typically, this is the only time of year where I can be found wearing these prized, and sometimes dreaded, pieces of clothing.
I’m jubilant when I’m wearing one of my jerseys until I experience feelings of discomfort when I’m wearing the jersey of former Eagles quarterback, Michael Vick.
Folks seem to remember number seven most for pleading guilty to running a dog-fighting operation on his Virginia property in 2007.
Selected first overall in the 2001 NFL draft, Vick was a circus on the turf while under-center for the Atlanta Falcons. After serving time in prison, with an uncertain future, Vick was signed by the Eagles and served as the starting quarterback from 2010 to 2013.
The jersey was a Christmas gift, and originally, Vick wasn’t my favorite player on the team at the time – LeSean McCoy was. His criminal history feels like a suitable answer for why people stare at my back when I have it on. Who would have thought that a Christmas gift from a family member would cause this much discomfort?
When I wear the jersey, I feel that people are staring at me with the stern opinion of, “That guy is a disgrace for supporting such a vicious person,” when in fact, I’m not.
I love animals and despise Vick’s past, but I believe that he has become a humble person from his prison time. I wear the jersey supporting Vick for the athlete he was, and not for his life choices.
It appears sometimes sports fans are judged for wearing a specific player’s jersey, with the belief they support them as a person. Realistically, most fans appear to favor a player by who they are on the field.
I don’t believe every Steelers fan wearing Antonio Brown’s jersey supports people accused of sexual assault. I also don’t believe every Ravens fan wearing Ray Rice’s jersey believes domestic violence is a socially-acceptable behavior.
The only name that should matter for people, as individuals, is the name on their birth certificate. If society continues scorning sports fans based on the athletes they support, they could lose their individuality.
I want to walk into a bar or walk around town on game day, not feeling at least one dreadful stare monitoring me. I want to scream, boo, swear, and cheer, while being judged for my name, and not the name of someone I haven’t met.
If I’m wearing my Vick jersey, greet me with a hello, or better yet, with a “Go birds.” Ignore the name on my jersey, and ask for my real name.
I’ll be glad to introduce myself, and tell you more about me. I’m sure other fans would too.
ED. NOTE: The author is the editorial assistant at the Cape May County Herald. To contact Conklin, email econklin@cmcherald.com.