So, I've been a huge Bengals fan ever since I can remember. Now, I'm not going to give my whole history, but I've like this team since I could tell what stripes were. The Orange and Black has always called out to me, and it drove me to stick with this team for life. It's been tough growing up in Pennsylvania, especially since everyone ever wants to be a Steelers fan around here. Always tough to lose a game to any Pennsylvania team, but it's just that much sweeter when we beat one of them.

Now, I've liked the Bengals since I can remember professional football, and I've been to Eagles games before, but never have I actually gotten to experience seeing my beloved Bengals take the field. I've thought about making the trip out to Ohio, or even just to Pittsburgh. The issue is, the distance was too far in whatever direction. Now, imagine my surprise when I see that the Bengals are coming here to Philadelphia where I'm going to school. I was thrilled beyond belief, and bought the best tickets I could get at a reasonable price.

It's even more thrilling knowing that this team is on the edge of making it to the playoffs. It just adds so much to the game, and I can't wait to be out there proudly wearing my jersey. Being able to see the early years of our young stars is just icing on the cake. I have so many favorite players, and I follow this team religiously.

It's always been hard to deal with losses, but I never lose faith in this team. They're my team, and I won't ever sell my fandom like other infamous Bengals fans. I've hated Mike Brown without ever feeling the same hardships as the Cincinnati natives. I watched as Carson Palmer went down along with our playoff hopes in 2005. I cheered as hard as I could when we lost to the Jets in back to back weeks. I watched to the very last second of our loss to the Texans in the playoffs last year.

I've only ever had optimism for the future of this team, even when it seemed bleak. I've always trusted that my Bengals would reward me in some way. Every year I predict this team to win the superbowl. I've gotten worked up over dumb ref calls, and blamed players when they didn't perform to my expectations. And this will never change. I'm a Bengals' fan through and through and my colors will never change.

I will watch every game. I will talk trash on fans of other AFC North teams. I'll always believe this team is the best. That's what I think a Bengals fan is.

Sorry about that ramble. I had to get that out. I love this team, and I know thursday will be one of the fondest memories of my life. I can just feel it. Now, I just hope I can share this optimism with all of you guys here on CJ. I hope all of you get as excited as I do for this game. I know we've dealt with plenty of heartbreak. I know it's tough after a loss like the one this weekend, but we need to move on and cheer this team on every step of the way. That's what I'm going to do as a Bengals fan.