Rick Sofield is a known New York Giants fan, so it came as no surprise that he flipped out when he saw Chris Stewart with a personalized Dallas Cowboys jersey hanging by his locker.
“That son of a [gun] has a Dallas Cowboys jersey,” an outraged Sofield said.
Sofield immediately responded putting on a Giants shirt much to Stewart’s chagrin.
Week one of the NFL season is always a phenomenon all across he country and the Pirates certainly are not immune.
“It’s a nice distraction for us with everything that’s going on with the team, to be able to have some fun in the clubhouse,” Travis Snider said.
Snider was seen in the clubhouse wearing a Kam Chancellor jersey. He is supporting his local Seattle Seahawks while chastising Sofield and Stewart for their allegiances.
“Seahawks, that’s the bottom line,” said Snider. “The Giants and the Cowboys are just dreaming. We’re at the top so everyone’s taking shots at us, and that’s fine. There’s some big football fans in this clubhouse.”
Stewart’s Cowboys loyalty is a bit harder to explain.
“In Southern California the Rams and Raiders were gone and no one liked the Chargers,” Stewart said. “The Cowboys were good so I hopped on that bandwagon and stuck with them.”
Among those Stewart mentioned as his favorite players were Troy Aikman, Emmett Smith, Michael Irvin, DeMarcus Ware and Jason Witten. Stewart’s jersey was a throwback with his name on the back. He has yet to go to a game at the new stadium, but hopes to changed that.
Snider has had the opportunity to meet several Seahawks and trains at the same place as placekicker Steven Hauschka, however it was meeting head coach Pete Carroll that was his most memorable experience.
“I had a chance to see what he’s been able to do with the GM’s help,” said Stewart. “The team was revamped from top to bottom and he brings a lot of leadership trait and the mindset falls in line with the things I’ve been exposed to here over the past couple of years. I can shoot the breeze with him here in practice and get his take on baseball and how different the business side is.”
Snider also is excited about the team’s fantasy football competition and was quick to remind anyone who would listen that he is the only past champion in the clubhouse.
“I’ve never been one to play devil’s advocate, but I think I’m probably the most hated football fan in this clubhouse,” Snider said. “I think the timing was right for me to come back this season. I expect to win the league, I am the only guy in this clubhouse that has won the league. A lot of people are dreaming and I’m here to make it a reality.”
This Sunday is just a sampling for what to expect when the players and coaches teams are competing and in Sofield and Stewart’s case, the two are rivals as their respective teams face off in week one in a nationally televised game.
“A lot of trash talking goes on in here,” Stewart said. “We’ve got guys from everywhere supporting different teams. Sunday is the day to trash talk for sure.”
One person who did not get the NFL jersey memo was Rob Scahill. Scahill for those who do not remember proudly displayed a Chicago Blackhawks jersey by his clubhouse seat.
For once, Scahill is not the one who will be teased and pranked for his rooting interests.
“I’m not an NFL person, it’s not my favorite sport,” Scahill said.
Photo credit: Travis Snider
