Joey T's DHPF of the Month

Name: Michael Pasccuci aka Mikey Boom

Currently resides in: Tinley Park, IL

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

A: I was born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago but currently living in Tinley Park, IL. My dream is to retire and move to Green Bay.

Q: What is your earliest memory of being a Packer fan?

A: I was always a football fan so I watched a lot of games with my Dad and my uncles.  We really didn’t have a favorite team. My earliest memory of being a Packer fan was when I was 17 years old watching Brett Favre and the Packers play the Chicago Bears.   Naturally, living in Illinois, the rest of my family was rooting for the Bears but something drew me to the Packers that day; I believe it was Brett Favre. He was such an awesome quarterback! I fell in love with the Packers that day and it has been a full force for the Packers ever since.

Q: Do you catch a lot of slack reppin’ the Pack in the Chicagoland area? How are you able to overcome that?

A: Yes, I do catch a lot of slack from my family and friends for being a Cheesehead.I get a lot of comments when I’m out. It is hard to go unnoticed when I rep my team by wearing Packers gear 24/7.  Most of it is good-natured and I enjoy the banter back and forth. The question I get asked most often is am I from Wisconsin and what made me start liking the Packers?  My answer is always the same; I say that I am from Illinois and I like the Packers because they are a great team. Most people have a lot of respect for the Packers, so they end up having a hard time defending their team.

Q: What made you get so involved with Packer Fandom on Social Media?

A: I got involved with Packer Fandom on Social Media to meet and socialize with Packer fans abroad, not just in my immediate area. I enjoy building friendships during the season that extends into the offseason. I find it easier to keep in touch through Social Media outlets. Thank God I did because it’s the reason I was recognized by DHPR and doing this interview.

Q: How did you get the nickname Mikey Boom?

A: One day when I was training for my first fight, I was working with my coach hitting the bags and the pads. I was intent on being ready for this fight, so my training was intense. I was hitting so hard, that every time I landed a punch, my coach started saying “boom”. It was that day that I became Mikey Boom, a nickname I am proud of because I earned it.

Q: When did you decide to become an MMA fighter and what interested you most about the sport?

A: I have been interested in martial arts from a young age. I started taking Karate classes when I was nine years old and I continued until I was 23, earning my blackbelt. I took a break after that to focus on my career, but I always wanted to get back into martial arts in some way. I would often watch the UFC on television and when an MMA studio opened a few years ago near my home, I thought I would give it a try. My karate experience provided a good foundation so it was easy to incorporate new techniques that I learned. I love the intensity, power, and adrenaline I get with MMA!

Q: Have you ever knocked out a Bears fan in the ring, or in the streets?

A: That is a great question! lol I did knock out my opponent in my first MMA fight; I never asked him if he were a Bear’s fan, but I should have…that would have made the victory that much sweeter. Seriously though, I have never been in a fight over the Packers…just some good-natured smack talk.

Q: How many Packer’s games do you try to attend a year?

A: I try to attend as many of Packer’s games as I can.  Last season, I made it to 3 regular-season games and one playoff game…which was amazing! This season, I had tickets for 4 games this year, including opening day. Those were great seats too! I was disappointed when my tickets were canceled and my money refunded, but there is always next year.

Q: Who is your all-time favorite player?

A: My all-time favorite is Brett Favre, of course, the player who started my love of the Packers. He is a great quarterback and does not take himself too seriously. I like that he is a family man. He was well respected by his own team along with rival teams in the NFL because he played the game with such integrity. I don’t think anyone out there has a bad thing to say about Brett Favre.

Q: Who is your favorite player now and why?

A: Aaron “Showtyme” Jones is currently my favorite player.  He is a great running back! I like how he puts in a lot of work especially in the offseason. He seems to always be positive. I would love to meet him one day.

Q: How many players have you met in person? Who impacted you the most?

A: I have met ten players so far. I have met them at Packer Palooza (Will’s Northwoods Inn, Chicago), The Ultimate Packer Fan Connection event (Stadium View), and the Wisconsin State Fair. The player who impacted me the most was Jerry Kramer. He is a legend who played under Vince Lombardi and he was in Super Bowl I and II. It was truly an honor to meet him.

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

A: Yes, I only wear a Packer’s jersey during games, especially if they play on Sunday or Monday night. In the past, I have worn Packer loungewear when I was watching the game at home and they always lost. So I don’t do that anymore.

Q: What would be your most valued memorabilia piece? (non-monetary)

A: My most valued piece of Packer’s memorabilia would be my football that was signed by Jerry Kramer. That is one piece I truly cherish.

Q: Any last words you would like to say to Packer Nation?

A: My message for Packer Nation is to remain hopeful that a Lombardi Trophy is on the horizon. Also, to continue to stand with the team through the good and the bad. We will forever be proud to carry the “G”. In the words of Coach Lombardi…God, Family, and the Green Bay Packers. Go Pack!