Hundreds of thousands of dedicated fans cheer the Green Bay Packers from around the world, but a few stand out from the rest in how they show that dedication, with elaborate costumes or strong advocacy for the Packers community. Superfans go to often great lengths to have fun with their fandom while cheering on the team they love. Each week this season, we will highlight one of those superfans.
Name: A.J. Grill
Residence: Green Bay
What is your superfan name and why? The “Heavy Metal Cheesehead,” because it’s a blend of two of my favorite things — Green Bay Packers and heavy metal music.
How long have you been a Packers fan? I’ve been a Packers fan going on 45 years now.
Why would you consider yourself a superfan? I’m just a diehard fan like millions of others, wearing a costume, cheering as loud as I can at the games, tailgates and all events in between.
What does your game-day look include? My game-day look is usually a custom jersey (what it says depends on the opponent) my top hat, gold jacket, Packers tie, face paint, custom buttons, pins, players pants, Packers socks, Packers shoes and gloves. It varies slightly depending on the weather.
What is the best part about attending a game or event at Lambeau Field? The best part of attending a game or any event at Lambeau Field is the fans, whether it’s people visiting for the first time or regulars I have seen for years. I still get that little kid feeling inside anytime I get near Lambeau.
Tailgating at Lot 1 for years has also brought fans from all over the world just to enjoy a true Lambeau Field experience. Every game is a new week at Lambeau. New fans. New energy. I can’t “10VE” it enough. The game-day experience inside and outside is one of a kind.
What are some of your favorite game-day traditions? One of my favorite game-day traditions has to be our tailgating group photo at Lot 1 that we take before the start of each and every tailgate.
Also, pouring apple pie shots from an 18-foot shotpole, joining in on skits, grilling, seeing friends, making new friends and plenty more. The only downside is it goes too fast.
Contact Richard Ryman at rryman@gannett.com. Follow him on X at @RichRymanPG and on Instagram at @rrymanPG.
Contact Sarah Kloepping at skloepping@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @SarahKloepping and on Instagram at @sarah_kloepping