6 Nominees Named for Class of 2021 Inductees to Ford Hall of Fans

The Ford Hall of Fans, a program that recognizes some of the most passionate NFL fans across the country, is welcoming a new group of football fanatics to its prestigious club.

Six nominees are up for induction into the Ford Hall of Fans at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. They are Arizona Cardinals fan Kristi Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers fan Justin Laveing, Las Vegas Raiders fan Wayne Mabry, Dallas Cowboys fan Jamie O’Pelt, Cleveland Browns fan Ray Prisby and Baltimore Ravens fan Tony Roccograndi.

Fans and supporters can help the nominees by casting votes at www.fordhalloffans.com/football through Feb. 1. The winners will be honored at the Pro Football Hall of Fame during 2021 Enshrinement Week Powered by Johnson Control in Canton, Ohio.

“The 2020 football season presented challenges for everyone associated with the great game of football, but these superfans found opportunities to support their favorite teams in every way possible,” said David Baker, President & CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “We are proud to join Ford once again in recognizing and honoring fans’ passion, commitment and devotion. We look forward to seeing the outcome of the fan vote and new members to the Ford Hall of Fans this year.”

The Ford Hall of Fans launched two years ago with the induction of Miami Dolphins fan Roger Avila, Pittsburgh Steelers fan Rick Holman and Chicago Bears fan Don Wachter. Last year, Janel Carbajo (Kansas City Chiefs), Rob Garner (Denver Broncos) and Keith Kunzig (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) were inducted.

This year’s nominees:

Kristi Brown, Arizona Cardinals fan

The former Cardinals cheerleader now works as a labor and delivery nurse. Brown is a second-generation season ticket holder and devoted Cardinals training camp attendee. After her son was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation, Brown’s biggest passion now is raising awareness to help find a cure for the disease. Brown learned of her nomination from Cardinals legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Aeneas Williams. “The Ford Hall of Fans is what diehard fans’ dreams are made of,” Brown said.

Justin Laveing, Pittsburgh Steelers fan

Laveing, affectionately known as “T-Dog,” organizes tailgates that practice social distancing as well as meetups and autograph signings for a Steelers fan club with more than 2,000 members. He also hosts a podcast on which he features fan caves from across the country and created the Iron City Sport Yard Sale as a way for fans to sell memorabilia and gear to one another. Laveing stays involved in his community as a volunteer for Toys for Tots and sets up drop-off locations at his house and at tailgates. He was surprised to learn of his nomination from Steelers great and Hall of Famer Lynn Swann. “I want to give everything I can to Steeler Nation so that everybody enjoys it as much as I do,” Laveing said.

Wayne Mabry, Las Vegas Raiders fan

The 37-year season ticket holder spends two hours on face-painting and wardrobe perfecting in order to transform into “the Violator,” a silver-and-black character commonly seen at Raiders games. Mabry serves as an ambassador for the Raiders and believes in the unifying power of football and fandom. He often finds time to help feed veterans or lend a hand to kids battling cancer, autism and cerebral palsy. Raiders legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Howie Long informed Mabry of his nomination. “Being a superfan is about serving others and giving a positive vibe to people,” Mabry said.

Jamie O’Pelt, Dallas Cowboys fan

Growing up in Texas, O’Pelt has been a Cowboys fan his entire life. These days you’ll find him watching games in his Cowboys-themed fan cave. You can also find him riding in his hand-built Cowboys-themed replica 1933 Ford Hot Rod that he has driven thousands of miles a year to events such as Cowboys training camps. Cowboys great and Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy White notified O’Pelt of his nomination. “I always recognized the benefits of a group working toward one common goal and the camaraderie of a team,” O’Pelt said.

Ray Prisby, Cleveland Browns fan

Known among Browns fans as “Showdawg,” Prisby only wears the colors brown and orange and has an encyclopedic knowledge of Browns history and statistics. Since 1961, the United States Air Force veteran has assembled an extensive memorabilia collection that was featured on “Ball Boys” and included in the Cleveland Browns museum at FirstEnergy Stadium. He also wrote a children’s book featuring a character who is a big Browns fan. Prisby learned of his nomination from Cleveland Browns great and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Brown. “I love to see young Browns fans’ faces light up when I give them a Browns gift because it’s totally unexpected,” Prisby said.

Tony Roccograndi, Baltimore Ravens fan

Roccograndi grew up watching football with his father and later took him to Ravens games. Now the 24-year season ticket holder cherishes bringing his own family to football games while teaching them the sport. He has become a dedicated collector of Ravens gear, including Super Bowl memorabilia. Roccograndi attends tailgates at the Firefighter Union Hall, where they raise funds for the families of fallen firefighters. News of Roccograndi’s nomination came from Ravens defensive great and Hall of Famer Ed Reed. “I think of my dad every time I attend a Ravens game,” Roccograndi said.

“All six of these superfans embody what the Ford Hall of Fans is all about: passion,” said Jim Peters, Ford US Brand Content and Alliance Partnerships Manager. “Even in a year as difficult and challenging as 2020, these fans continue to proudly support their teams week in and week out.”