I became a fan around 74 or 75. I can't really pen it down, because I don't remember much. Just liking the horns and rooting for them when they would come on tv or come up in a conversation. I remember that game against the Vikings in the NFC Title game., I really felt for those guys. They were so tough and stoic in the face of defeat. My Grandfather and Father were Ram fans as well. I know that 76 is when I really started to gain some knowledge of the game and know who players were. We've lived up in Sacramento for most of my life. (My brother and one of my sisters were born in L.A.) So, I grew up and continue to live in 49er country. Back when I became a fan, the 9ers were one of the worst teams ever. The Raiders had a pretty good following back then, but the Rams were so much cooler.
When I came back from my stint in the Marine Corps one of the things that my Dad and I had in common was the Rams. And we spent many a Sunday together for game day. Many times in sports bars. We had the 99 Superbowl party at his house. I borrowed his 4X4 to head up to Reno the next day to cash in my winning ticket. $10 at 200 to 1. I'd always bet $20 previous and I haven't made one since.
This is the first year that my Dad won't be here. He passed away last month. I'm still kind of raw from it. But at 78 he led a pretty good life. He smoked, drank and rode his bike ride up to the end before the ol' heart attack got him. Boy, could he talk crap. That was one of the best things about going to the Sports Bars. He would make 9er fans so pissed off. Even during our pitifully bad years. Heh.