Cards fan 'MadJack' blogs last time about Cards' SB run

Last Update: 2/05 12:32 am

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Are you the ultimate Cardinals fan? 'MadJack' says he is

February 4, 4:07pm

This is my final blog, Card fans. Although my wife, Loretta, may add her last one as well since we enjoyed this incredible journey together.

I'm guessing that some of you regular readers are wondering, perhaps even disappointed, that I've not blogged since the game on Sunday. And for this I apologize. However, I must tell you that losing that game was simply DEVASTATING for me. No doubt it was for all of you too as you watched during your Super Bowl parties but believe me, being there in person to witness a failed 'miracle' was especially hurtful.

I went to Tampa with the mindset that I was just glad to see my Cardinals make it to the Super Bowl and that a win would simply be icing on the cake. Wrong. As they marched down the field towards a seemingly miraculous comeback, it felt as though a win was in their destiny, right? Frankly, it might have been easier to take had a loss been self evident earlier in the game but no, they teased us with their heroic efforts towards winning the Big One. I still imagine a final Hail Mary catch by Fitzgerald to win the game. Wow.

So, while it still hurts three days later, I am very, very proud of our Arizona Cardinals and thankful for the exciting post season that they provided all of us - especially during these otherwise gloomy economic times.

Many of us are still upset about the questionable officiating and the poor or missed calls, which may have hurt our chances to win. However, I would suggest that this is part of the game as well and the coulda', shoulda', woulda's are now irrelevant and an obstacle towards finally recovering from a very emotional Super Bowl loss.

Somewhat prophetically, my last banner for the 2007 season said "NEXT YEAR FOR SURE!" followed by the first banner for this last season which proclaimed "THIS YEAR FOR SURE!". Well, almost, Card fans…almost.

But, man what a ride, huh? And to the Cardinals players, coaches, and entire organization I say: "THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES - ALL OF THEM".

Thanks for listening…

MadJack

February 2, 12pm

MadJack and his crew, wife Loretta, Korn and Kim, and the Bipper and Greg all landed safely last night here in Orlando and proceeded straight to the largest gathering of Cardinal fans in Orlando - Friday's Front Row.

It was a pretty awesome feeling when our crew arrived there and entered the upstairs private reserved room for Cardinals fans (thanks to 'Lebo').

The entire crowd erupted in wild applause and cheering when I announced our presence with the unfurling of my 'mini-me' 'SHOCK THE WORLD' banner (which will be carried into the stadium as well).

Occasionally, a lost Steeler fan would wander though our party and get an absolute EARFUL from the entire Cardinal Nation. They never returned. But the most savage catcalls were reserved for a lone COWBOYS fan who had stumbled in but then ran out of there like a frightened girl.

Based on what I've heard and read, it would seem that the 'Shock the World' slogan has become sort of a rally or battle cry for all Cardinal fans through out the Valley.

This makes me very proud as the original promoter by putting it on my banner. For the record, these words were first uttered by Kurt Warner in the locker room following the Panthers win and we ran with it from there.

So, Super Bowl Sunday is finally here and we ride at noon down to Tampa for the central party gathering place at 'Wings Gone Wild'. There, Cardinal Nation will represent all of you in rallying our spirits (as well as drinking them) throughout the afternoon.

Once sufficiently juiced up we will then proceed 5 miles to Raymond James Stadium where, once again, our beloved Cardinals, the underdog of underdogs, will 'SHOCK THE WORLD!!!"

I will write more soon after a long night of partying back at 'Wings Gone Wild'.

Until then, Cardinal fans; May The Force Be With Us!

MadJack.

February 1st, 8 a.m.

MadJack and his crew, wife Loretta, Korn and Kim, and the Bipper and Greg all landed safely last night here in Orlando and proceeded straight to the largest gathering of Cardinal fans in Orlando - Friday's Front Row.

It was a pretty awesome feeling when our crew arrived there and entered the upstairs private reserved room for Cardinals fans (thanks to 'Lebo').

The entire crowd erupted in wild applause and cheering when I announced our presence with the unfurling of my 'mini-me' 'SHOCK THE WORLD' banner (which will be carried into the stadium as well).

Occasionally, a lost Steeler fan would wander though our party and get an absolute EARFUL from the entire Cardinal Nation. They never returned. But the most savage catcalls were reserved for a lone COWBOYS fan who had stumbled in but then ran out of there like a frightened girl.

Based on what I've heard and read, it would seem that the 'Shock the World' slogan has become sort of a rally or battle cry for all Cardinal fans through out the valley.

This makes me very proud as the original promoter by putting it on my banner. For the record, these words were first uttered by Kurt Warner in the locker room following the Panthers win and we ran with it from there.

So, Super Bowl Sunday is finally here and we ride at noon down to Tampa for the central party gathering place at 'Wings Gone Wild'. There, Cardinal Nation will represent all of you in rallying our spirits (as well as drinking them) throughout the afternoon.

Once sufficiently juiced up we will then proceed 5 miles to Raymond James Stadium where, once again, our beloved Cardinals, the underdog of underdogs, will 'SHOCK THE WORLD!!!"

I will write more soon after a long night of partying back at 'Wings Gone Wild'.
Until then, Cardinal fans; May The Force Be With Us!

MadJack.

January 29, 5:54 p.m.

MadJack has little new news to report today except that I have been occasionally monitoring the AZCardinals message boards and am very impressed with the level of coordination and support for all of us Cardinals fans to hook up in Orlando and Tampa this weekend pregame and post game AFTER THE VICTORY!!!

However, my wife Loretta (aka the Banner Guy's Wife) wanted to share her experience today at Sky Harbor as she departed to join me here in Breckenridge:

"Finally, this town has come to life! It took a few days for Phoenix to realize it wasn't dreaming. But we Believe It! And we're excited! I passed many vehicles displaying Cardinals logos, saw T-shirt vendors on several corners and heard non-stop Super Bowl talk on the radio! Everyone is wearing Cardinal shirts and hats - especially at Sky Harbor where many travelers were on their way to Tampa Bay! As I headed to my gate, I caught countless bits of conversation about the Cardinals between complete strangers who were filled with anticipation for this Sunday! We are feeling the Love! Love for this awesome team who rose from the ashes and conquered the naysayer's and made it to the Big Show! Go Cards! Shock the World Again!!"

January 28, 6:14 p.m.

Not too much to add today except our latest encounters with Cardinals supporters. They are everywhere and seem to enjoy rooting for the 'ultimate underdogs'. It really is a great story, don't you think?

Last night we went out for pizza and then a few beers and in both places folks approached us to express their best wishes on beating up on the Steelers. Evidently, they were both big AFC supporters of the Ravens and Browns and hated the Steelers. Imagine that.

One day closer to the SUPER BOWL BABY!!!!
MadJack.

January 27, 5:59 p.m.

What are Colorado folks saying about OUR Cardinals?

So here I am, Card fans in Colorado on a long planned ski trip with my two ski buddies - and longtime Cardinal tailgaters - the Bipper and Korn.

Anyway, I thought I would dedicate this specific blog to the reaction the three of us are getting as we mingle with Colorado folks in Denver and Breckenridge - so far. We draw our share of attention as our winter and ski gear clearly advertises our status as hardcore Cardinal supporters.

In a word, everyone LOVES the Cardinals storyline and is rooting heartily for them. We met one guy in a burger joint that has followed the Cards since St. Louis. He was so excited that he would hardly let us finish our meal. Even the 'dudes' in the chairlift lines at Breckenridge cheered us on and wished us luck in beating those (expletive deleted) Steelers. Except for one jerk that rode up the chair with the Bipper. Evidently, although it was clear from the Bipper's ski hat where his allegiance laid, this clown didn't say a word regarding football until the last moment as he dismounted from the chair and yelled 'Go Steelers!'

And I can't part without sharing this story from Korn at the Sky Harbor terminal prior to our departure. Korn noticed a Cowboy fan walking by and shouted out (unprovoked) "Hey, are the Cowboys playing this weekend? I don't think so!" The sad Cowboy fan didn't even reply.

We head to Vail Wednesday where the ski crowd is a bit more snobbish so should be interesting….

MadJack.

January 24, 10:27 p.m.

Are You Kidding Me????? Cardinals in Super Bowl?!?!?!

Sorry I haven't been blogging, folks. The hysteria since last week's win over the Eagles has been intense.

I have also been contacted by numerous media folks for interviews including the Associated Press, ESPN, East Valley Tribune, Pittsburg Times, Arizona Republic, St. Petersburg Post-Gazette, and USA Today. It's a lot of fun and I take pride in representing all of my fellow Cardinal fans, especially the diehards. Just Google 'Jack MadJack Corson' and you'll see what I mean...

Anyway, my wife and I and three very good friends, Greg, Bipper and Korn, have scored Super Bowl tickets and are headed to Tampa next Saturday. That is AFTER a five-day preplanned ski vacation in Breckenridge, Colorado! Not to worry as I will have my laptop and be blogging daily on my Super Bowl experience.

I'll blog again soon and GO CARDINALS!!!

MadJack

January 17, 2:15 p.m.

As promised, Card fans, and evidenced in the attached pics, I am happy to report that my little engineering project for rigging the banner was a success. My tailgate buddies and I now have the ability to parade the banner up and down the Great Lawn Sunday to further fire up the Cardinal fan masses.

Oh, and that beautiful woman holding the banner with me? That's my wife, Loretta , aka the "Banner Guy’s Wife". I asked her to jump in on this blog so here's what she has to say:

For 15 long years I have watched few of the thrills and many of the heartaches that Jack and his fellow Cardinal fans have endured, and yet, their loyalty never wavered - "Next year for sure!" I often wondered if it was a case of unrelenting optimism or just flat out unrealistic expectations. Year after year, hopes would be dashed. There was that brief moment in 1998 when they made it to one playoff game, but sadly, it ended there. And since then, nothing… Until Now! Suddenly, the flurry of news and buzz and anticipation is overwhelming! Jack has been completely distracted all week!

Regardless of what happens on Sunday, I am thrilled that the Cardinals have finally become an outstanding football team to be proud of, and I am happy that redemption has finally come to the life-long, die-hard fans who sat through many years of losing and ridicule. They deserve this time in the Sun!

Good Luck Tomorrow! And Go Cardinals!!"

Isn't she a sweetheart?

MadJack.

January 16, 11:30 a.m.

Tailgating 101

I'm going out on a limb here in assuming that most of the readers here are experienced Cardinals tailgaters, yes? And that preparations for this week's tailgate parties are well underway? And that libations will be playing an especially critical role this week?
My own tailgate group consists of 30-40 hardcore fans. We've all become great friends over the past seasons all the way back to 1993 in the dump called Sun Devil stadium. We're spread all over the Valley but still hook up for the away games, of course.
Normally, we coordinate fairly loosely as to who's bringing what and taking orders for specific food items. However, this week is special and demanded some light project management so we created an Excel spreadsheet for distribution to the entire gang. Each of us has signed up to bring various items for the Bloody Mary bar as well as champagne and food. We're now on version 8 of the spreadsheet but rest-assured that these extra efforts will pay off handsomely as we roll out our tailgate setup early Sunday morning.

Cannot - Friggin' - WAIT!!!!!

MadJack.

January 15, 11:27 p.m.

I am very excited (imagine that) to introduce a new tradition with the banner on the Great Lawn this Sunday.

Normally, Card fans can drop by our tailgate party (about 100 yards west of the band stage just south of the center lawn) to view the banner simply laid out on the grass. That is, until a Cardinals employee (Wayne) comes out one prior to kickoff and rolls it up to take it in for hanging in the NE corner of the Club level. Great guy, Wayne.

Anyway, we fans will be sooo jacked up that I propose a new additional venue for us to rally around. For example, currently we all get pumped up for the marching drum corps, the parachutists, Big Red and his cheerleaders, and just seeing other 'interesting' characters.

I am heading off to the Home Depot to find materials for engineering a set of poles that can be assembled so that the entire banner (23 lbs.) can be hoisted 12' up in the air and marched up and down the center of the Great Lawn. Kind of like rallying around the flag, you know? Or a symbol that fills the troops with confidence prior to heading into a victorious battle.

So, when you see this 8' X 12' monstrosity proclaiming "SHOCK THE NATION" approaching, I hope it motivates all Card fans to kick it up a notch and let your voices of pride and confidence be heard across the Great Lawn. Consider it a warm up for your vocal cords.

I will post pics of the banner hoisted up on poles later. Should be an interesting engineering project.

MadJack

January 15, 6:00 p.m.

One must wonder if signs of a higher power may be at work in the Cardinals favor this weekend. Allow me to share just a few 'signs' of Divine Intervention that my friends have been sharing with me:

One friend said this: "Check out what the fortune cookie I got at lunch stated today, I related whatever the saying would be to reflect the outcome of this Sunday's game before I opened it: 'A new environment makes all the difference in the world'. The 'Learn Chinese' word on the same paper is 'Bao', which means 'Be full' - like our new stadium (environment) will be full (sold out), as well as Jack's banner saying: 'Shock the World'. Pretty freaky."

Another friend mentioned that she had just spotted a brilliant red cardinal here in the desert after not having seen one for several years.

And what about that Circuit City commercial that ends up with the kid looking at the stack of TV's showing Neil Rackers kicking off? Well, did you happen to notice that the game on the TV is the opening kickoff in Tampa Bay?

Finally, I spoke with a reporter who attended the Carolina game who was spooked by the weird rain conditions. Evidently, the light rain there stopped completely just as the game began and didn't resume again until the final minute - when it came down in a deluge!

Just sayin', folks....

Feel free to respond with reports of your own 'sightings'...

MadJack

January 15, 10:00 a.m.

As promised, I've attached a few pics From my latest visit to the KTAR Big Red Rage show last night at Majerle's. The crowd and excitement was incredible and you could feel the tension of this weekend's upcoming game.

Special guests included Terrell Smith and Bryan Robinson and were later joined by Glendale mayor Elaine Scruggs and Michael Bidwill. Definitely the best show this season - or ever!

-MadJack.

January 14, 9:28 a.m.

The headline in the article suggests that I, MadJack, think I am the Ultimate Cardinals fan. Well frankly, I never actually said that and would never be so bold (or arrogant) to make such a claim. Rather, I suspect this statement is being thrown out there simply as a challenge to other Card fans to step forward and make their own cases for being the Ultimate Cardinals fan. It's all about having fun and stirring some friendly competition, right?

You know who Ultimate fans are, don't you? You are the ones who:

- Travel long distances to every home game like the Kid from Tucson. Or LACardsFan from L.A.
- Have pledged your allegiance to the Cardinals since their days in Chicago
- Go to extraordinary lengths to dress up on game days with masks, capes, wings, and painted faces.
- Have for years defended your Cardinals in the face of diversity and unrelenting ridicule from others

So, whether the Ultimate fan is a long-time or die-hard fan (or both) they NEVER JUMP OFF the bandwagon - NEVER.

-MadJack

January 14, 8:41 a.m.

Pretty cool experiencing the building excitement this week before D-Day with the Eagles.
Speaking of the Eagles, I got thinking about their fan base. These people are not nice. You may have heard the story of Eagle fans throwing batteries - at Santa Claus!
Anyway, when I heard that we were facing the Falcons here recently, I was stoked because I knew there would be few if any Falcon fans at the game. Do you know ANYONE from Georgia?

As compared to Pennsylvania where the Valley has loads of transplants. Bottom line is that the more screaming Cardinals the better and I expect that Eagle fans will only comprise at most 10-15% of the total crowd Sunday.

Well, tonight should be fun as I am attending, as usual, the Big Red Rage hosted by Berry/Wolfley/Calvisi live on KTAR. It will be a two hour special at Majerle's near the Chandler Fashion Center from 6-8PM tonight. If you don't already have a table reserved, well, good luck. I am even bringing the banner and will try to hang it as some sort of backdrop.

I'll post pics of the event later.

-MadJack

- January 13

I don't know. Maybe it's just me but….