Joey T\'s DHPF of the Month

Name: Wayne Sargent – \”The Ultimate Packer Fan\”

Currently resides in:  Campbellsport, WI

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

A: Lowell, Ma. Raised in Manchester, NH

Q: How long have you been a Packer Fan?

A: Since 1965  

Q: Who is your all-time favorite player? Why?

A: I have to say there are many that stand out but Bart Starr is my all-time favorite. As a boy I watched Bart growing up. When the Packers won the 1st Super Bowl I idolized him and have followed him ever since. There is nothing negative that Bart has ever done. He is a class act. 

Q: Who’s your favorite player now? Why?

A: I have many favorites but if I had to pick one it would be Randall Cobb.  His attitude and behavior on and off the field is professional. After big plays you won\’t see him doing a dance in the backfield, he does his job. I think he\’s a down to earth type guy and is very thankful of those around him. 

Q: Tell us when you came up with ‘The Ultimate Packer Fan’

A: I had won a contest put on by the Packer Partners Club of Champions called \”The Ultimate Packer Fan\”. Shortly after winning I was approached to appear on a TV commercial. When I arrived on set they began calling me \”Ultimate\”.  That just carried on through today. 

Q: Tell us about the Professional Football’s Ultimate Fan Association (PFUFA) and how you became involved.

A: \”PFUFA\” began back in 1994 as \”The Visa Fan of The Game\”.  A few years later Visa abandoned the contest and those previous winners founded \”PFUFA\”. Today we have 140 active members representing 29 NFL Teams.

The process leading up to induction is referred to as your \”Draft Year\”. To be considered as a draftee you must be recognized by a Veteran of PFUFA. The process is extremely critiqued choosing only those that represent well. Fan conduct, Sportsmanship, Charitable work, Volunteering must be displayed. This is all taken very seriously while a potential veteran is in their draft year. Once presented with a draft card you are then required to write an autobiography. That is then submitted to the membership committee. If approved the draftee would then be contacted by a representative of the membership committee for a phone interview. That interview is recorded and listened to by the membership committee. If approved the draftee would then be invited to our annual reunion in Canton. During that time they become a \”potential veteran\”. Over the next few days they will be observed by the Veterans while attending and participating in various events at the reunion and at the HOF. The membership committee meets on that Saturday afternoon to cast their votes. A potential veteran must obtain at least 70% of the vote to become a Veteran. If chosen the potential veteran is invited to attend the Induction Breakfast held in the auditorium at the HOF on Sunday morning. They are then required to speak on their behalf and will be given a Challenge Coin with their induction year stamped in it. There can only be 1 member from each NFL team drafted each year. 

Q: What is your favorite aspect of the Professional Football’s Ultimate Fan Association (PFUFA)?

A: My favorite aspect of “PFUFA\” is \”Family\”. We are composed of a select group of Super Fan\’s carefully selected and chosen from a thousands of Fans from all over the world. We work closely with the Pro Football Hall of Fame and convene annually in Canton for the Induction Ceremony. During that time we host our own induction of \”potential veterans\” into our organization.  Also we participate in various activities at the HOF including our attendance on the HOF parade float. The HOF parade is the 3rd longest parade in the country.  We also participate in an annual event at the J. Babe Stern Center. During this event we pass out various items such as school items and backpacks to underprivileged children. Many of the items are donated each of our Teams. During the off season we also raise money for the center. 

Q: Can you tell us about the Patches that you have on your shirt?

A: When I decided to join the group as a Super fan I wanted something original, something that didn\’t include make up or taking a lot of preparation. Well, I ordered a custom jersey and began putting patches on it. I had a large collection that I had obtained over the years. One by one I kept adding them. At first I didn\’t want to clutter it up but as time went on I felt compelled to use my entire collection. Now, people from all over the country send be unique patches that I keep adding on

Q: Tell us about the Fan Connection event that you organize and takes place at Lambeau each year.  How did it start and where do you see it going?

A: The Packers used to host and event called Fan Fest. They ended that event about 7 years ago. Several of us thought there was a need for another event to kick off the upcoming season. After much thought Steve Tate and myself came up with the idea of hosting \”The Ultimate Packer Fan Connection\”, and event put on by the Fans for the Fans. This began 4 years ago and has been an annual event ever since. The event is always held the Saturday before the Celebrity Softball game at The Stadium View Bar and Grill located just across from Lambeau Field.  

Q: What are the charities that you raise money for/or support?

A: While we participate in several charitable fundraisers we have hosted \”The Ultimate Packer Fan Connection\” for: Make a Wish, The Kiwanis Organization on behalf of Children with Autism and for Children with Leukemia. If anyone has a request to raise money for an organization at \”The Ultimate Packer Fan Connection\” please contact me for consideration. We\’re always looking for a cause. 

Q: How many away games do you attend?  And, do you attend all the home games at Lambeau Field?

A: I am a season ticket holder and try to go to every home game. However my family comes first. For instance this year’s game against the Bears held on Thanksgiving. They will also be retiring Brett Favre’s Jersey. This is a game I\’ll miss as it is a huge family day in my home. 

Q: Do you have any game day rituals?

A: I really don\’t. I always wear Packer clothing and not just on game day but really nothing that I do on a regular Game Day basis.  

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

Please just keep up the good sportsmanship and fan conduct on and off the field. There\’s nothing that makes me prouder than when I\’m in Canton or anywhere for that matter and someone approaches me and boasts about how well and comfortable they feel while visiting Lambeau Field on Game Day. 

Wayne\’s Gallery