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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: John Akstulewicz
What is your superfan name and why? The Green Bay Grinch. At that time, I tested various names, such as Pack Grinch, Packer Grinch, to name a few, and I found that the Green Bay Grinch sounds smoother than the other names I have tried to come up with. From there it just stuck.
How long have you been a Packers fan? I have been a devoted fan since my early childhood, dating back to when I was 3 years old, specifically when the Packers won [Super Bowl 31].
Why would you consider yourself a superfan? What drove me to become a superfan? My mental health journey was the turning point. When I mention mental health, I'm referring to my lifelong battles with depression, suicidal feelings, and other personal struggles.
Fortunately, I've overcome these challenges, and my mental health is now flourishing, allowing me to become a devoted fan of the Packers and share my story with others. By prioritizing mental health, one can achieve great things. This journey starts with self-love, a lesson I learned through two years of counseling. As the Green Bay Grinch, I now spread positivity and kindness wherever I go, including NFL stadiums like Lambeau Field.
What does your game-day look include? It starts with a Grinch mask, a Green Bay Packers jersey, or a custom one; either one works. Then you need green fuzzy Grinch pants or some PJs with the Grinch on them.
How did you decide on this look/persona? The idea began taking shape a couple of years ago when I started sitting front row at games and my family and friends would see me on TV. With my birthday falling on Nov. 23, the same day as the Thanksgiving game against the Lions, I considered dressing up.
As I weighed my options, my mom made a remark to my uncle that I was being a Grinch, which ultimately led me to decide on wearing a Grinch suit. Slowly but surely, it took off from all the friends and family pushing me to continue being the Grinch. They all told me I have something special going for myself and to nurture it daily, allowing it to grow.
Are there any challenges with this costume? Yes, the heat is unbearable. I recall a game in Tennessee last year where wearing a mask made it feel like 102 degrees underneath. To combat the heat, I plan to find a cooling neck fan or similar device to stay cool during those warm games that leave me sweating.
How has your look/persona evolved over the years? The process began with a $70 costume from Amazon, which seemed like a good initial investment. However, upon wearing the rubber plastic mask, I found the Grinch mask's appearance to be somewhat off-putting. The mask was uncomfortable to wear and hindered breathing and visibility.
I sought an alternative, and at the next home game found a happy Grinch mask. Throughout the year, I made subtle adjustments to my attire, replacing the red coat with a green-and-yellow sweater, and matching the green fuzzy pants to the mask.
What is the best part about attending a game or event at Lambeau Field? You really can't beat how amazing the fans are here in Green Bay. If you're looking to have a great time, come to Lambeau Field and visit Lot 1, where you'll find fun, friendly people who love to tailgate and enjoy themselves.
What are some of your favorite game-day traditions? Game day is an experience I genuinely treasure. I appreciate taking photographs with fans while strolling around and exploring different tailgates, and simply socializing with friends and family.
Contact Richard Ryman at [email protected]. Follow him on X at @RichRymanPG and on Instagram at @rrymanPG.
Contact Sarah Kloepping at [email protected]. Follow her on X at @SarahKloepping and on Instagram at @sarah_kloepping
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Mental health journey led to Packers superfan The Green Bay Grinch
Continue reading...
The Green Bay Grinch
Name: John Akstulewicz
What is your superfan name and why? The Green Bay Grinch. At that time, I tested various names, such as Pack Grinch, Packer Grinch, to name a few, and I found that the Green Bay Grinch sounds smoother than the other names I have tried to come up with. From there it just stuck.
How long have you been a Packers fan? I have been a devoted fan since my early childhood, dating back to when I was 3 years old, specifically when the Packers won [Super Bowl 31].
Why would you consider yourself a superfan? What drove me to become a superfan? My mental health journey was the turning point. When I mention mental health, I'm referring to my lifelong battles with depression, suicidal feelings, and other personal struggles.
Fortunately, I've overcome these challenges, and my mental health is now flourishing, allowing me to become a devoted fan of the Packers and share my story with others. By prioritizing mental health, one can achieve great things. This journey starts with self-love, a lesson I learned through two years of counseling. As the Green Bay Grinch, I now spread positivity and kindness wherever I go, including NFL stadiums like Lambeau Field.
What does your game-day look include? It starts with a Grinch mask, a Green Bay Packers jersey, or a custom one; either one works. Then you need green fuzzy Grinch pants or some PJs with the Grinch on them.
How did you decide on this look/persona? The idea began taking shape a couple of years ago when I started sitting front row at games and my family and friends would see me on TV. With my birthday falling on Nov. 23, the same day as the Thanksgiving game against the Lions, I considered dressing up.
As I weighed my options, my mom made a remark to my uncle that I was being a Grinch, which ultimately led me to decide on wearing a Grinch suit. Slowly but surely, it took off from all the friends and family pushing me to continue being the Grinch. They all told me I have something special going for myself and to nurture it daily, allowing it to grow.
Are there any challenges with this costume? Yes, the heat is unbearable. I recall a game in Tennessee last year where wearing a mask made it feel like 102 degrees underneath. To combat the heat, I plan to find a cooling neck fan or similar device to stay cool during those warm games that leave me sweating.
How has your look/persona evolved over the years? The process began with a $70 costume from Amazon, which seemed like a good initial investment. However, upon wearing the rubber plastic mask, I found the Grinch mask's appearance to be somewhat off-putting. The mask was uncomfortable to wear and hindered breathing and visibility.
I sought an alternative, and at the next home game found a happy Grinch mask. Throughout the year, I made subtle adjustments to my attire, replacing the red coat with a green-and-yellow sweater, and matching the green fuzzy pants to the mask.
What is the best part about attending a game or event at Lambeau Field? You really can't beat how amazing the fans are here in Green Bay. If you're looking to have a great time, come to Lambeau Field and visit Lot 1, where you'll find fun, friendly people who love to tailgate and enjoy themselves.
What are some of your favorite game-day traditions? Game day is an experience I genuinely treasure. I appreciate taking photographs with fans while strolling around and exploring different tailgates, and simply socializing with friends and family.
Contact Richard Ryman at [email protected]. Follow him on X at @RichRymanPG and on Instagram at @rrymanPG.
Contact Sarah Kloepping at [email protected]. Follow her on X at @SarahKloepping and on Instagram at @sarah_kloepping
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Mental health journey led to Packers superfan The Green Bay Grinch
Continue reading...
