https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_tnQdHU7Vg
The typical superfans I’m used to in my neck of the woods are old drunks and loudmouths who yell at the opposing players, so it’s always refreshing to see a fan who is neither of those. I’ll even accept that this guy takes his shirt off because he’s pretty damn awesome when he does.
The clip above is from the February 25th game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Washington Wizards, featuring the return of Kevin Garnett to Minnesota and also the return of his number one fan:
KG on seeing Jiggly Boy: "If u saw a fat guy w/everything out dancing w/your name on his chest, you would pay attn for at least 5 seconds"
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) February 26, 2015
That would be John Sweeney, owner of the Brave New World comedy theater and clearly a big supporter of the T-Wolves. From The Star Tribune:
Sweeney first pulled the shirtless act back in the Wolves’ heyday in 2003-04, riling up the crowd at a few games, including one in the playoffs against Denver. A Star Tribune writer dubbed him “Jiggly Boy,” and it stuck. Does he mind that name?
“I’m fine with that name,” Sweeney said. “I’m the youngest of 8 from a Irish Catholic farm family, so I’ve been called a lot worse.”
He was in cahoots 11 years ago with the Wolves’ game ops folks, and he said they texted him again a few days ago with a simple question: “KG is coming back. What about Jiggly?”
The difference now is that Sweeney has two impressionable sons, ages 11 (William) and 9 (Michael), and both were at the game with him. But he couldn’t resist.
“We had a good philosophical discussion on the car ride home about when it’s appropriate to take your shirt off,” Sweeney said.
You can see the original antics below, but it’s hard to top the most recent appearance. It’s floating around the Internet and sitting near the top over at Reddit, which isn’t something you normally see for sports videos. I think the real icing on the cake is the reaction from Garnett. If he didn’t get into it, I’m not sure it’d be as nice. Guy’s got the moves, though.
(Via Star Tribune / Minnesota Timberwolves / John Sweeney)
