How the Keep It Football blueprint connected NFL rival colors
When the Keep It Football blueprint was introduced here in 2017 I never thought it would include NFL fans from the “Other 31” teams. Do you mean to tell me that Cowboys and Eagles fans actually co-exist in real life on the streets of Los Angeles, CA? Yes, this was a story that had to be shared because, upon further examination, this blueprint now encompasses all 32 NFL fan bases.
In the early 2000s, I served as a Navy Recruiter in the South Bay Pavillion Mall in Carson, CA. Exclusively for the Compton Unified School District, I was educated quickly by many applicants about neighborhood colors in their living rooms. In addition, I was often mistaken for LAPD when arriving on the school campuses in my Navy uniform. Encompassing all 3 Compton, Centinniel, and Dominguez High Schools respectively at the time.
This early experience shaped my perspective which now allows me to share 2 NFL fans’ collective stories. One of how 2 men from different neighborhoods in Los Angeles learned to co-exist through the game of football. Their journey together to create healthy relationships among their clubs was met with resistance initially. One Pittsburgh Steelers fan changed that for the better at an SSCC event, however.
Proof of this “Keep It Football” concept was established by Kevin Harris, President of SSCC (Star Status Cowboys Connection), and his board initially. Allowing Chris Aaron, President of SCEP (So-Cal Eagles Phamily) to follow his blueprint on how to unify local football fans of the same colors to watch their favorite teams’ games each week.
The Rivalry Is Real
Just like neighboring hoods throughout Los Angeles NFL fans have their own turf war stories. “You wanna make history?” This was a question that Chris asked Kevin back in October 2016. Their friendship began in 2014 after being introduced to Kevin at an event. After consulting with his board Kevin and Chris would create the first Cowboys Vs Eagles watch party, ever.
Chris shared a story where even NFL fans of different colors were frowned upon for shaking their enemies’ hands. In addition how he became an Eagles fan on the west coast. Thanks to a bootleg DirecTV splice to his boat in the Long Beach Harbor in 2004, and a Camden New Jersey implant harbor Caucasian neighbor he was imparted the E-A-G-L-E-S ABCs.
After going hard in the streets for the green team his social recognition and network expanded. Which led to a handshake between himself and Kevin. This led to the first known ever unified watch party between two rivals let alone the NFL, but the same division in November the following month. Chris who resides in Carson reminded me of my own connection to his community while serving in the Navy. Kevin has put his SSCC flag into the turf of South Central where is originally from.
What amazes me most is that these men encountered resistance and created the Keep It Football philosophy for members’ safety. Allowing the reach of NFL fans in Los Angeles to connect with one another in a safe environment. Depending on your color affiliation and when you mix in alcohol things were bound to get out of control.
Thanks to a Steelers fan who hopped on stage at an early SSCC event to say “Fuck The Cowboys” this resistance created the rise of the “Keep It Football” blueprint. A safe word created to build a culture of unity even among the diverse neighborhood connections geographically on the west coast. More history on SSCC is below.
The Keep It Football Way Ahead
In 2017 when Kevin shared with me that his club’s goal was to be recognized by the Dallas Cowboys it was then I knew. This man was on a mission to help create and shape their own history for NFL fans. Chris shared that his club’s goal was to continue to create a strong family and community of Eagles fans.
Near the end of our 3-way call, Chris shared that there is even an Eagles Club here in Tacoma, WA just down the street from where I reside in the Pacific Northwest. I wasn’t surprised. Yet, it was a reminder that this journey since 2016 with OAT gave me the opportunity to build healthy relationships across all color lines.
Kevin was inspired to create SSCC behind the blueprint of a Raiders fan of RNSLA. President of SCDCFC Luis Garcia is the longest-tenured Cowboys fan club currently. Chris followed the Keep It Football blueprint provided by Kevin, and next, we learn how Raiders Nation began its history as a club and community in Los Angeles.
Thanks to the Navy shaping my experiences in life it allowed me to connect with 2 men from different communities who share the same goal as I. After all, Kevin gave me the name “Cowboys Unifier” in Las Vegas in 2019 at the MGM Grand valet below. Seems fitting even then he was also crossing enemy lines and unifying healthy relationships with NFL fans of different colors simultaneously. Kevin, myself, and Charles “Big CHUCC” Standokes SSCC West Coast Regional Director.
Connecting NFL fans at LIVE events
This season will bear more fruit when it comes to stories about NFL fans. With a heavy focus on the Cowboys and now the “Other 31” in addition. While in the Navy I learned pride of belonging to something bigger than myself. Thanks to Kevin he has provided inspiration with the Keep It Football concept to share more stories like his this with you this season.
Many fan club events are now planned for this upcoming season on the west coast. My mission here is to connect Cowboys fans at LIVE events through my Facebook community each season. In addition, share stories about fan clubs like Kevin and Chris here on OAT. Back in 2018, SSCC awarded me with a plaque by Kevin for these historian digital efforts.
After all the Cowboys face the Eagles twice each season as division opponents. Setting the stage for 2 fan clubs in the “Battle of Los Angeles” football supremacy. With that being said I invite all 32 NFL fan bases to consider subscribing to my blog today. Especially if you’re a Raiders fan.
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Last But Not Least
My goal now is to get to the bottom of this NFL fan club culture and where it officially originates from. Maybe “Raiders Nation” will provide those answers here in a future edition. I believe in the Keep it Football motto. Lastly, Kevin shared that even those neighborhood colors support his vision and efforts.
We all have families to go home to at the end of the day. Despite our rivalries on the field, this concept provides proof that when you Keep It Football off the field it leads to a more healthy environment for their collective club members as a result. That in itself is powerful. Especially when you cross color lines and affiliations to your favorite NFL team. Imagine an NFC Championship rivalry game watch party between the Cowboys and Eagles to determine who plays in Las Vegas next February.
Are you a new reader here? Did you find any value in this rival story today? If YES, please learn more about how you can help this platform expand this season when you click the “Orange” Patreon link below. Thanks to a small community of NFL fans this story was brought to you today as a result of their monetary monthly support.
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