Butler woman vying for top fan honors in NFL
One of Butler's own has been chosen as a Steelers Ultimate Fan candidate.
The Steelers selected Gail Paserba of Butler as one of three candidates to advance in a competition to celebrate the best fan.
The NFL has partnered with Ford Motor Co. to create a national contest to find the biggest fan in the NFL.
Each of the 32 NFL teams selects three candidates for the contest. A winner, who stands to win a trip to the Super Bowl and other Pro Football Hall of Fame experiences, will be announced in January.
Paserba said she has held Steelers season tickets for many seasons.
“I sit in the second row in the end zone, every game,” she said.
But she's been a fan of the team for as long as she can remember.
“I've followed the Steelers my entire life,” Paserba said. “They're our team.”
Paserba's favorite Steelers are the guys in the trenches — the linemen.
“I love the guys on the line. They're always my favorite,” she said. “Nobody can do anything if they're not up front.”
She's partial to jersey No. 78 too.
“Anybody who wears 78. I loved Max Starks when he played for us,” Paserba said. “Now (Alejandro) Villanueva plays the same position.”
Paserba said she's not sure why she's been nominated, but added that she's always treated her account representative with respect and has expressed her thanks when possible.
“She probably wouldn't know me if she saw me, but when you interact with them, they remember you,” Paserba said.
Paserba said being kind during her customer service interactions may have given her an edge.
“(My representative) said I was the first person that she thought of,” she said. “I think being kind makes a difference anymore.”
She said being an Ultimate Fan wouldn't change much about the way she cheers on her team. She'll still bleed black and gold, win or lose and despite any weather.
“I'll be there even if it's raining,” Paserba said.
