Joey T\'s DHPF of the Month

Name: Kadey Bayard

Currently resides in: Medford, Oregon

Q: What city/state were you born and raised?

A: I was born in Berkley, California but grew up in a tiny town just south of the Oregon Border.

Q: How does a gal from a small town in Oregon end up loving the Packers?

A: When I was 6, I met my first best friend, Sasha. Her father is a big Packers fan! Since I was so young, I can not remember exactly how it happened. All I know is that I have always been a Green Bay fan and I have a feeling he had a lot of influence on that!

Q: Is it or was it difficult being around all those Bay area 49er fans and Seahawks fans?

A: It\’s annoying, but not difficult. Seahawk and Niner fans run rampant around here. But we have quite the packer crew in town too! We are KNOWN for being the *Loudest* NFL fans at Buffalo Wild Wings sports bar where we watch games!

Q: Do you have a particular place in Oregon you like to hang out at with friends and fellow Packer fans on game day?

A: We usually meet up at Buffalo Wild Wings in Medford, Oregon. They typically have to play the Seahawks or Niner games on their big screens but since so many of us Packer fans show up, they actually have put our Packers games on the big screens a few times! That was quite the accomplishment for us. We were so stoked! Lately though, more Packer fans have been sprouting up because Oregon doesn’t have it’s own Professional football team. Although because of that, you tend to get a lot of bandwagon fans and that goes for any team. I can tell immediately if somebody isn’t a true fan of any team.

Q: Have you ever made it to Green Bay to visit the city, see a game or tour the stadium?

A: I have made it to Green Bay and have toured the Stadium! It was in May, so I didn\’t get to catch a game. The stadium was amazing. It was truly the trip of a lifetime for me! I got to touch the field and see the locker room. I had dinner at Brett Farve’s Steakhouse! I was able to attend one Packer game and it was in Seattle. One of my biggest dreams is to see them play at Lambeau though.  

Q: Do you have a particular Packer item or garment that you wear frequently?

A: My Dooney and Bourke Packer Purse! My friend text me \”Did you know Dooney and Bourke came out with an NFL line?!\” and within 10 minutes, I had ordered my Green Bay purse! It is the best conversation starter. I meet so many other fans because of that purse!

Q: What is your best  moment with another Packer fan in your area? Any good stories?

A: I would honestly have to say one of my FAVORITE moments was when Crosby made that winning field goal against the Cowboys this past season. Everyone in the sports bar erupted in cheer. We all ran around hugging one another and jumping up and down. The energy and excitement in that place was truly remarkable. We were all pretty emotional after that high anxiety game!

Q: What would be your most valuable Packer memorabilia piece?  (non-monetarial)

A: So, I work in health care and after one of our games in 2015, I noticed a patient with a Green Bay shirt on. Of course I had to approach her! I ended up having a lengthy conversation with her and her husband. The next time they came in for treatment they brought me in a Clay Matthews bookmark that they made for me. For awhile, I had it hanging up at work, but now I carry it in my purse with me every day. It\’s one of my favorite stories and memorabilia to share with people. Being a Packers Fan has truly put me in touch with some of the most amazing souls. Packer Fans are so great!

Q: Who is your favorite player now and why?

A: I\’m actually super excited to see how Ripkowski does this next season. He has only been with the Packers for 2 seasons, but this last one I was really excited to see him play. Same with Geronimo Allison. I am just excited for our team next season! I\’d be lying if I didn\’t include Rodgers and Jordy, also. Those two are quite the pair.

Q: Who is your all time favorite player and why?

A: I\’d have to say our leading man, #12. Watching him play is always extremely exciting. Once he is out of the pocket, I am up and out of my seat! You know it\’s going to be yet another amazing play. He\’s hands down, my favorite player to watch. Especially when he\’s on fire.

Q: Do you have any game day rituals/superstitions?

A: I have a cheese head beer Koozie that a friend got for me when she was in WI. Every since I got that, I HAVE to have it whenever I am watching a game. Doesn\’t matter if I\’m at home or watching it elsewhere, I have to have that koozie now.

Q: Any last words you\’d like to say to the Packer Nation?

A: Thank you all for being some of the most kind, energetic and LOYAL fans in the NFL! I am so excited to get to be included in with the best fan base that exists. We are kind to others, but hold our own and know our Packer Facts! I love meeting new fans and talking football for hours. We always show our boys how proud we are of them (even when we\’re upset!) This is our year. Super Bowl Champs, 2017!

Kadey\’s Galley