I have been slacking on posts due to vacation but I am back in the driver’s seat again and I want to shout out to one of the greatest vacation destinations in the world, Spain. Juan was nice enough to do an fan highlight for me and if you ever get a chance to visit Spain I recommend the northeastern area. Hint: it isn’t rude like New Yorkers.
Please give me a background profile on yourself. Name, age, location, interest in football?
Hi, my name is Juan Iribarren, I am 43 years old and come from Zaragoza, Spain. Zaragoza is ,the 5th biggest city in my country and is located in the northeast of the country. Since 4 years ago I live in Huesca, very close to France and the Pyrenees. My interest in football started in 1990 when I watch my first TV football match here on a Spanish TV channel called TV3 and it was Bengals Vs Oilers.
How did you choose to become a Bengals fan?
During the match I talked to you, the first one in my life, when I saw first our helmet I fall in love with it. The team and its identity elements and colors; also they played really well in a fantastic match. But I was in my 10´s when I become a hard die fan of the team.
Have you ever seen a game at PBS?
Yeah, last year during my honeymoon my wife give me the chance of make a dream come true and we make a road trip around the north (center and east of the states) Chicago, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, New York and Boston. During a weekend in Cincy, week 5, saw a Cardinals vs. Bengals 23-26 win. It was one of the best days in my life. I was tailgating with Captain Obvious, Jim, Jess, Tony da tiger, etc. Also, we met our star safety (David) Fulcher who signed for me a football. Also I was with Mexican friends from Mex Bengals, one of them lives in Cincy and they showed me the Proshop, fanzone, Holy Grail, GABP and other Cincy places, etc.
Who is your favorite player and why?
My favorite player who still plays is Geno Atkins. The reason why he is, is because I like defense and he is the engine of our defense since many years ago also I admire his dedication to social causes, his simplicity and love for our colors. Talking about new players I like Bates, Mixon and of course now I am very hyped with Joe Burrow.
Are you able to watch games at home? If so are there any other Bengals fans to enjoy them with?
Yes I am, because I got the NFL Game Pass So I can follow the team every match on streaming. Also I have a WhatsApp group with other Spanish fans, we got a fan base group called La Jungla Hispana (The Spanish Jungle) www.bengals.es and we make comments of every play of the match, we are not many fans in our country but we are good friends although we live in different cities. I invited you to follow us on Twitter @jungla_es
How many wins will the Bengals have in 2020?
5-6 wins could be OK for us in this first Burrow era season.
Is the NFL popular where you live?
Well, not too much, Spain is a soccer country. Fans are increasing day by day and there are a nice community with many podcasts, websites, blogs, Youtube channels, twitter accounts, etc.
What is one thing you would like to tell Bengals fans about where you live?
Spain is an incredible country to visit. In the states most people know about weather, food, beaches, etc. but is a very modern, cosmopolitan and multicultural country about the city where I live, Huesca is in the middle of a very nice natural area, gastronomy is fantastic and is full of heritage building everywhere.
Have you ever played football yourself?
No, please no. My body does not fit the game. But I usually watch the games of my local and amateur team called Zaragoza Hurricanes.
What kind of food do you prepare on game day?
Nothing special because I watch the game alone. And usually I have dinner during half time because I do not want to miss any detail of the match. Sometimes but not many I make popcorn or eat chips, Doritos, etc.