The ratio of Browns fans to Pittsburgh Steelers fans in Cleveland has to be close. Retail stores in the area carry an even split of fan merchandise, and there always seems to be a black and gold bumper sticker, Steeler Pride flag, or Pittsburgh jersey-wearing fan in practically any Cleveland-area crowd. Although the Cincinnati Bengals are also considered rivals of the Browns, nothing really compares to the heated battles between Browns and Steelers fans.
It has been said that there is no such thing as a former Browns fan, and from what I have seen, there is also no such thing as a former Steelers fan. You either are, or you are not, regardless of where you are from, what city you live in, or what the people around you say.
Family Ties Play a Part
Due to the close proximity of the teams -- there are roughly 135 miles via turnpikes between the rival towns -- many fans have strong family connections with their team of choice. For example, Michelle Amoroso Lutz, cooking instructor, aka The Italian Mama Chef, grew up in Pittsburgh, so she simply assumed being a Steelers fan was a part of her heritage. "I thought the Steelers were all Italian, because my family is," Lutz said. "I know better now, but I guess since I would hear my grandpa, uncles, and dad all rooting for them and saying stuff in Italian, I thought it was part of being Italian."
Beyond the cultural connection, Lutz learned the game from her dad. "My dad was a huge fan, and we watched every game together. He taught me about football, and it was a bond we shared. I think I enjoyed the game more than my brothers!"
Dina Mott Harvey was born and raised in the Cleveland area, but has strong family roots in Pennsylvania. She proudly admits that she is a diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Game day was a special time in her home. She recalls Sundays spent together eating a big meal and watching football. "My dad would talk about how back in the '60s, he and his buddies would take a bus up to Cleveland to watch them play Pittsburgh," Harvey shared. "And how the Steelers always lost!" She was quick to add, "Doesn't matter -- when you're a member of the Black and Gold, win or lose, you still love them."
Others chose sides at a young age like John Elias from Wadsworth, Ohio, who has been on the Steelers season ticket waiting list for 17 years and makes a point to attend at least two or three games at Heinz Field per season.
"I've been a die-hard Steelers fan my entire life," said Elias. "As a child, I started watching football in the 1970s. The Steelers were the best; I loved their black and gold uniform. The Steelers were the team of the decade, winning four Super Bowls."
Unlike a lot of kids, he was not swayed by his parents' choice. Elias said, "Because my parents weren't sports fans at the time, I wasn't influenced or brainwashed to like the Browns. I was free to root for any team." With that said, once he made his choice, his mom had a little say in the matter. Elias explained, "My mom always stressed that you should never be a fair-weather fan and you should stick with your team no matter what. I've been a loyal die-hard fan ever since."
Disappointing Dealings With Rival Fans
Unfortunately, Elias does not have a good history with rival fans. "I've seen and experienced extremely bad and classless behavior from Browns fans," he said. "I've had complete strangers come up to me at a store and tell me that the Steelers suck. So have my wife and children. Sad. They weren't joking, either; there was a lot of hate in these people."
In fact, Elias added, "I think they hate the Steelers more than they love the Browns!" Due to these encounters, he decided, "I will not go to Cleveland Stadium anymore for a Steeler/Browns game. I haven't been there since 1986."
But that does not stop Elias from showing Steeler Pride. "I wear my Steeler gear proudly everywhere -- even in Cleveland."
Since moving to Cleveland 18 years ago, Lutz has also encountered nasty fans, but she doesn't return the sentiment. "Some people have a deep hatred for the Steelers, which I don't get. I have never hated another team, especially those who are our rivals."
Harvey said, "I agree with John on some points. Some Browns fans (not all) just have no class when it comes to the rivalry." She then went on to share this story: "I took my dad to the game about five years ago in Cleveland. At the time, he was in his early '70s, proudly wearing his Rocky Bleier jersey I had bought him. There were several people who came up and made extremely derogatory comments to my father."
Raising the Next Generation of Fans
Lutz, Pittsburgh born and raised, lives in a divided household. "In my own home, we are split -- two root for Cleveland and two for Pittsburgh. I am saddened that we have lost a few games to the Browns over the years, but it's all in fun in my mind," she said.
Harvey also shares a roof with a rival fan. "I proudly wear my Steeler gear every Sunday," she said. "And now have my 3-year-old wearing hers, much to the dismay of my Browns fan husband!" She is confident that her little girl will make up her own mind when she gets older, and assured, "I have to tell you, I'm not worried."
The Elias family, though, is a one-team troop. After taking his 9-year-old daughter to her first Steelers game recently, Elias said, "She was amazed by all the people wearing black and gold. She loved it. We were with our own kind!"
After listening to the experiences of Steelers fans in Browns town, it is clear that we all ought to listen to the advice of Harvey: "Regardless of who you root for, show some class." And due to her disappointing experience at the Browns stadium with her dad, she added, "And at the very least, show respect for your elders."
What It's Like to Be a Steelers Fan in Cleveland
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What It's Like to Be a Steelers Fan in Cleveland
