Ford Hall of Fans Honors 2020 Class at Hall of Fame with Unveiling of Displays
Displays honoring Ford Hall of Fans 2020 Class inductees Janel Carbajo, a Kansas City Chiefs fan; Rob Garner, a Denver Broncos fan; and Keith Kunzig, a Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan, were unveiled this morning during a ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The three inductees, representing some of the most passionate fans in the NFL, were in attendance at the Pro Football Hall of Fame for their recognition. Jim Peters, U.S. Brand Content and Alliance Partnerships Manager, Ford Motor Company and David Baker, President and CEO, Pro Football Hall of Fame, presented each of the inductees with a prestigious Ford Hall of Fans Blue Jacket and Ring during an outdoor ceremony.
Carbajo, aka “The Puppet Lady,” has been a Kansas City Chiefs season ticket holder for over 30 years. Her unique nickname comes from the props she brings to every game, which include two punching hand puppets; right hand dressed in a Chief uniform and left hand in their opponents’ uniform. The retired schoolteacher volunteers to assist an organization that provides free dental care to underserved children.
Garner, aka "Rescue Rob," has been a Denver Broncos season ticket holder for over 10 years and serves as a firefighter in Colorado. He drives his 1976 Ford fire engine painted in Bronco orange to every home game. Garner's game-day attire consists of full firefighter gear, including custom Broncos suspenders and helmet.
Kunzig, aka “Big Nasty,” has been a Tampa Bay Buccaneers season ticket holder for over 30 years and can be seen on game days with full-face paint, patched-out jersey, giant Super Bowl trophy belt and more. He created the national “Drugs Are Nasty” program and is the host of “Nasty For A Day,” a tailgate experience raising money to fight against drug abuse.
The Ford Hall of Fans, in partnership with the Pro Football Hall of Fame, celebrates the passion everyday heroes bring to football. The honorees were informed of their nominations in January with a celebratory knock on the door by Baker.
“Fans play an integral part in the game of football – whether it’s building team identity in their community or rallying the players when they need a lift in a tough moment of a game,” said David Baker, president and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “We are proud to partner with Ford in honoring the greatest fans of ALL time and to guard their legacy to the game forever at the Hall of Fame.
The inaugural Ford Hall of Fans class was selected in 2019 and honored at the Pro Football Hall of Fame during Enshrinement Weekend. Last year’s honorees were Roger Avila, aka “Dolphin Maniac,” a Miami Dolphins fan; Rick Holman, a Pittsburgh Steelers fan; and Don “The Bearman” Wachter, a Chicago Bears fan.
“These passionate fans are the heart and soul of the NFL,” said Peters. “All three are truly representative of the dedication and devotion we set out to honor when the Ford Hall of Fans was created.”
Ford Hall of Fans is accepting nominations now for the next class of superfans. Fans age 18 and older can submit 30-second personal testimonials inside the Pro Football Hall of Fame at the Ford Hall of Fans display through Dec. 23, 2020 or enter online at FordHallofFans.com through Dec. 21, 2020. There is no purchase necessary to enter. Open only to legal residents of the United States, 18 years of age or older, as of date of entry. For official rules go to FordHallofFans.com/football
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