An LSU Cap Has Made Me Feel So Special

Four years ago I was gifted a purple-and-gold LSU football cap by a relative who lives in Louisiana. I hadn't been an LSU Tigers fan up to that point, but I appreciated the effort to convert me into one. I've invited my wife dozens of times to wear one of my Mets shirts when we go out and about, to no avail. I have no idea why she wouldn't want to.

I'd wear the LSU cap every now and then, but I still wasn't a fan. I'd know who the coach was, who the quarterback was. But I wouldn't know who the Tigers were playing, or the Tigers' record.

This season, though ... this season has been different. For the first time since I was given the cap, the Tigers are undefeated and are playing for the national championship. And, if you believe the odds, the Tigers will win the national championship (against another set of Tigers, from Clemson).

So this season I am absolutely an LSU Tigers fan.

I’ve worn my cap all over the city since the Tigers played rival Alabama in early November. That morning, as I was taking a walk in the park, someone noticed my hat and asked, “What time is the game today?”

“3:30,” I answered.

“Good luck!” the man said.

“Thanks!” I replied.

A few hours later, I returned to my building and a neighbor, whom I’d never met, said, “Enjoy the game!”

“I will!” I said.

I didn’t watch the game. However, I did check the score on Twitter two or three times. When LSU pulled off the win, I was such a proud fan.

I wore my hat again the next day, and the congratulations poured in. I accepted every “Nice game!” with a nod, a smile, a “Thank you very much!” It felt great. This was the kind of spontaneous pat on the back that I have never, ever heard when I’ve worn my Mets cap. (I have no idea why.)

And so it continued. When LSU won the SEC championship on Dec. 7: “Congratulations!” When LSU quarterback Joe Burrow won the Heisman Trophy the following week: “Congratulations!” When LSU won the Peach Bowl, a college football playoff semifinal game, last Saturday: “Congratulations!”

Turns out this LSU cap is the single greatest gift I’ve ever received. I’ve never felt so loved in all my life. And it’s only going to get better if after LSU wins the championship. I might even watch the game for a few minutes.

Geaux Tigers!