T.J. Jenkins and Scott Wedell never actually met, but they disliked each other from the start.One loved the Steelers, the other loved the Jets. That sparked a blogging battle so intense it would make Rex Ryan blush.
"We were at each other's throats about everything," Jenkins said.
Tensions eventually cooled, then the rivals grew to respect each other. And finally this week, when the teams they love most were preparing to battle for the Super Bowl, Jenkins crumpled to the floor.
His blogging rival was dead. Wedell was only 19.
In his honor, Jenkins will lay down his arms this Sunday. There will be no typing during the game. Jenkins may not even be able to cheer.
"Usually if the Steelers lost the AFC Championship Game, the loss would devastate me," he said. "It's not going to hurt as much this year if they lose."
It's trite to say sports aren't life or death, and how people take them too seriously. But this story is a reminder how sports can help break down serious walls. From great ones like apartheid to small ones like the one these two super-fans overcame.
"He didn't have any enemies," Ray Wedell said of his son.
Of course, Scott never really let his father in on his computerized passion. The Internet has unleashed millions of passionate voices. Wedell went by "NYSR," short for New York Sports Rule.
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/01/21/steelers-jets-brings-foes-together-as-friends-before-sad-end/
David Berson Donna Orender Roger Goodell Tiger Woods David Stern
No comments:
Post a Comment