This week we extend the Bengals family to the Emerald Isle. Matt Ledbetter (@NoodleXV) is donning the black and orange in Ireland and hopefully he finds our lucky charm under a pot of gold this season (okay even I admit that the joke was stupid). Let’s take a moment to get to know Matt:
Please give me a background profile on yourself. Name, age, location in Ireland, interest in football?
My name is Matt Ledbetter. I am 43 years old. I am happily married and have 6 children. I live in Ennis Co. Clare Ireland. My oldest child is still living in northern Kentucky and is married himself. The first football game I remember watching was Super Bowl 20 when the Bears beat the brakes off of the Patriots. Been a fan ever since.
How did you choose to become a Bengals fan?
I guess you could say I was born into Bengals fandom. My dad was a fan and now so are my boys.
Have you ever seen a game in Cincinnati?
The 1st game I saw live was against the Browns in November of 1992. The next year my dad and I got season tickets. We had season tickets until 2010. Then dad became a deacon and had to work on Sundays and I simply couldn’t afford tickets.
Who is your favorite player and why?
Favorite player all time is a 3-way tie: Justin Smith, Chad Johnson, and Willie Anderson. Favorite current player is Geno Atkins.
Are you able to watch games in Ireland?
I use a steaming service to watch tv and have access to local Cincinnati channels. I will get to watch Bengal games.
How many wins will the Bengals have in 2020?
How many wins? 16-0. Duh.
Is the NFL popular in Ireland?
I have seen a few hats here but they seemed more like fashion accessories than actual declarations of fandom. Once social distancing isn’t as much as a necessity I will engage people and find out.
What is one thing you would like to tell Bengals fans about Ireland?
Everything you’ve ever heard about Ireland is true. Everyone is inclusive and friendly. The scenery can’t be touched. The beer is cold and the whisky is smooth.
Have you ever played football?
I have never played football. I played rugby instead. Shout out to Queen City Rugby Football Club.
In the U.S. we eat chicken wings and Skyline chili but in Ireland I doubt that Cincinnati chili is easy to come by. What kind of food do you prepare on game day?
I have 20 cans of Skyline that I plan to make last through the season. Realistically, it will be gone by Halloween. Chicken wings are ridiculously cheep here. You can get 2 pounds for $3. Party food is party food no matter where you are on the planet.
Here is Matt’s most prized posesssion:
