Setting The Stage

In 2026, the Stars are shining bright in the Pacific Northwest.

The Dallas Cowboys visit Seattle twice this year, in August and December. For Seattle resident Mike Rock, this fall the stars are beginning to align.  Since December of 2020, he’s supported the OAT Patreon as the WA State Board of Governors. A die-hard Larry Allen fan who believes in representing while in the trenches.

Three years ago, he captured the 2023 crown and joined me in Atlanta for the “Cowboys Takeover” that season. His dedication and commitment on Patreon continues to pay off. Growing up, fishing was normal for him. When he shared with me that this trip to Alaska was on his bucket list, I could begin to see the silver lining form.

Thanks to the “Coldest Cowboys Fan I Know,” RC in AK, everything was possible for our 3rd annual Great Alaskan Fishing Trip. This was a total team effort as always. The stars keep aligning, and hopefully we can break some haters’ hearts on Valentine’s Day in 2027. When I designed this blog and the Facebook community in 2016, this was the outcome I dreamed of.

Providing an opportunity for disciplined Cowboys fans “Like Mike” to join my growing community on Patreon this NFL season. Maybe for once our team will understand the assignment. Give our fans soemthing to be proud of again while representing America’s Team. Fans like Mike are truly built differently. Checking off a bucket list item with other Cowboys fans was priceless.

No Pain No Gain

Mike’s a bit of a foodie and a hamburger connoisseur. He tried “Reindeer Sausage” at the Southside Grill as soon as we landed. Afterward, we headed to Bass Pro Shops to get our fishing licenses for the trip. Thanks to RC, our AK State Board of Governors, our group was on a tight schedule. Both sprinters were packed, he gave our travel brief, and we were on the road.

During our trip, we stopped a couple of times for photos and bathroom breaks. After twisting and turning through the Kenai Peninsula, we arrive and check into our AIRBNB cabins. Seward is built for groups like ours. Cabins included comfortable beds, hot water for showers, high-speed Wi-Fi, and an outdoor fire pit for a nightcap and chat.

RC makes it easy for our group. We literally show up and ride along with all the details already planned. His discipline in planning these trips and the execution over the last 3 years has been flawless. Therefore, allowing guests like Mike and me to spend time with others and get to know one another along the way. Community matters outside the game of football.

Mike’s discipline through my 12-month Patreon was clearly evident. A fishing trip to Alaska was on his bucket list. He devised a plan to win and executed it. He separated himself from others in my Patreon Pick Pool. Designed to see who can pick winners each week this NFL season. There’s also a grand prize for the member with the highest win percentage for the season. Watch for the hook.

The Silver Lining

Mike’s a bus driver for the city of Seattle. Every day, he literally puts his life in harm’s way. His experiences on the road have been less than peaceful. His route is outside of normal working hours and requires a different sleep pattern. That didn’t stop him from remaining disciplined on Patreon last season. His dedication as our blog’s State Board of Governors for WA led by example.

Mike is a team player and understands his role in our Facebook group’s ascent this season. The story just writes itself, and it’s truly beuatiful. becuase of his Patreon commitment since 2020, fans can vicariously experience how others’ bucket list dreams come true. He’s not on the trip becuase we both conveniently reside in the same State. He was our crew “Rookie of the Year,” catching the most fish. RC caught the biggest “BUT” and paused for the cause.

The ultimate silver lining was Mike catching his first Silver Salmon. He’s caught plenty of fish before, just not a Silver Salmon. Fitting, if you ask me. Don’t take my words for it. Watch it happen in real time above. Did I mention that the stories just write themself? I love my job. What a beautiful day at the office; the weather was the perfect backdrop for this stage.

Thanks to fans like RC and Mike, and to their annual support as members of the State Board of Governors, we witnessed two States in the Pacific Northwest unite with purpose. All for our passion and love for America’s Team, the Dallas Cowboys. Get in the gym and compete against Mike in 2026. It will take commitment and discipline. Are you built differently? Tap the image below to get my ‘Raise The Bar’ membership and begin competing today!