HuddleUK speak to Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan of the year, Matt ‘Bucnutz’ Algeri.
On the 25th of August 2020, the NFL announced the ‘NFL Fan of the Year Program’.
The title is awarded to one person per franchise, who receives the most votes based on their work in local communities, and their work to support their team.
I was lucky enough to interview the Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL fan of the year, Matt ‘Bucnutz’ Algeri.
We spoke about his personal journey and how and when he became a Bucs fan.
“I became a fan in 1995, my cousin was a cheerleader and got us tickets,” said Matt.
“I grew up a baseball fan but after the strikes, the opportunity to go to football grabbed my full attention.
“My first memory has to be the first Super Bowl run. Always coming up short had its last day. That all changed in one play by Ronde Barber.”
We then moved onto the ‘Fan of the Year’ subject.
“I go out of my way for our fan base and I’ve been doing this for a long time,” Matt said.
“My aim is to stay positive and try to be a light in a dark world.
“I have jerseys all decorated with patches from accomplishments in other fan groups and organisations I believe in. I’m the one who started the patch thing and now everyone has patches all over their jerseys!
“I would be humbled an honoured [if I won the award]. I am truly grateful of how this fan base has supported me.
“Our time is our most valuable thing we have in life and to see everyone taking the time to vote is truly an amazing feeling.”
Tailgating with a purpose
It was clear that one of the most important things to Matt is engaging with the community. That, and of course tailgating.
“I have a pretty big following on social media so I send out care packages to out of state fans,” said Matt.
“I also hand out packs of Buccaneers cards to kids at the tailgate and in the stadium.
“In 2009 I was introduced to ‘What the Buc?’ [WTB]. The passion behind this group of fans I would put up against any other in the league.
“There, I found my home! We created a space for fans of all kinds to cheer on their team, eat, drink and party safely.
“The WTB tailgate is now a sought after destination for fans all round. We thought about doing that, and having an impact. Tailgating with a purpose was born.
“All our proceeds go to local charities, which landed us in the tailgate Hall of Fame in 2012.
“Together we have done some amazing things. It gave me me a platform to be able to reach out to our community. Cheering on your team is one thing, turning that inspiration to a child in need, is another.
“Over the years we have raised over $500,000 and countless items for our local community like OneVoice Foundation, Feeding Tampa Bay, Jackson in Action, The Spring of Tampa Bay and more.”
I also asked Matt about his best tailgating memory.
“Getting the opportunity to host a Super Bowl and host the largest tailgate right next door was an experience I wish I could give to every fan,” added Matt.
“Being able to watch my team win and celebrate with over 500 friends and fans was one of the most special times I’ve had as a Bucs fan.”
Potentially gearing up for a trip to Tampa for my first Bucs game, I asked Matt about some tailgating tips for beginners.
“Don’t over do it. Keep it simple or get some help. Host as if it’s your house and have fun doing it!”
Vote for Matt
Matt Algeri is one the nicest people you will meet, and no doubt he is a Bucs super fan.
The NFL will honour one super fan among the Fans of the year for each team, and I believe Matt should get your vote.
Whether you are a Buccaneers fan or not, there is no denying his commitment to his team, as well as making a positive difference through his platform.
His work for charities, and the way he is always eager and happy to help is the kind of behaviour that embodies the fan of the year award.
You can vote for Matt here: https://www.captainmorgan.com/followthecaptain/nfl-fan-of-the-year
The winner will announced in February 2025, and hopefully I have convinced you to cast your vote for Matt.
