On a steamy day in August, Chicago Fire goalie, Sean Johnson, and defender, Lovel Palmer, traveled home from Portland to spend their one, treasured off-day at Road America. The duo toured the paddock and it was like watching a kid in a candy store whose joy and sense of wonder was infectious. Enter, the Taylor brothers. From the shake of a hand, Jordan and Ricky Taylor hit it off with Sean and Lovel and the rest is history. The faction of newfound friends even made the trip back to Chicago following the race including a stop at Mars Cheese Castle.

 

“I have so much more respect for race car drivers and racing as a whole,” said Lovel during a SpeedFreaks interview. The Jamaican-born soccer star also noted, “Soccer players get to train the way they play. Drivers don’t drive their cars for two, three, four hours every day around the track before their races. To see them do that, and so well, ultimate respect to race car drivers.”

 

Fast-forward two weeks, to an IMSA off-weekend, and it was time for the Taylor brothers to show support for their new friends as the Fire traveled to Orlando to take on Orlando City SC. While Jordan identifies himself as a casual soccer fan, Ricky grew up playing soccer and has always supported Newcastle United because of his favorite player, Michael Owen. For this one night, it was the brothers’ turn to be fans which started with pre-game activities amidst a fierce thunderstorm.

 

“The Orlando City staff and Continental really gave us an amazing experience, we got to go onto the field for warm-ups and pre-game activities,” said Ricky. Jordan chimed in, “A big storm rolled in right before the game so most people were seeking shelter. Thankfully we had some great passes and were able to hang out right outside the players locker rooms.” While dodging the rain, the driving duo met the Orlando Magic’s newest player, Shabazz Napier…also in fan mode.

 

Rain delayed the game but not the reunion that had been two weeks in the making. As they emerged from the tunnel, Sean and Lovel stopped for a brief chat with the Taylor’s and their guests then it was on to the pitch for a soggy and spirited game. “When I saw that we were playing in Orlando soon after Road America I was pretty excited to return the favor and have Jordan and Ricky come check out what we do for a living.” Sean continued, “They braved the crazy weather delays and stuck with us until the end of the match. Hopefully we created Fire fans after their experience at the Citrus Bowl!”

 

As it turns out, an athlete’s demeanor off the pitch is different than in the heat of battle according to Jordan. “Sean and Lovel are such calm and cool guys in person, but in the next second, they’re the last guys I’d want on the other side of the field against me. The game was way more intense than I thought.” Ricky added, “Being at a game in person gives you such a different understanding of what they do and the physicality of the game was impressive. Being down on the field level at the beginning especially gives you an idea of the amount of running and what incredible athletes they are.”

 

So did Sean and Lovel create two new Fire fans? The Taylors are from Orlando so who would they cheer for? “It was tough as we were in Orlando and kept yelling when Sean would have a save or Chicago would have possession,” said Ricky. Awkward was the best way Jordan could describe it. “It became a little awkward cheering every time Sean would block a shot. I’d cheer, and all my Orlando friends would stare at me.” Sometimes, the struggle is real.

 

The game was a five-hour affair from start to finish with rain delays, although it didn’t dampen the spirit of the supporter groups. “The fans were awesome; the whole culture of the game is different from any sport I have seen.” Ricky continued, “The chants, the passion and the noise made the event so engrossing.” For Jordan, it was like nothing he’d ever seen at a race track. “We parked a few blocks away and could already hear the fans chanting. In racing you have multiple teams for people to cheer for, so you rarely see a group stand together in support. For soccer, you pick one or the other. It was cool to see the passion of the Orlando City fans.” The game ended in a 1-1 draw but it’s safe to say, the Taylors’ experience at the soccer match, equaled that of Sean and Lovel’s experience at the track. 

 

Now that they’ve had a taste of soccer, is a job swap in the cards? With a laugh Jordan says, “I know I’m a useless soccer player. I don’t think I could ever do a job swap with these guys.” The respect level between athletes is immense. Maybe because they recognize the heart and soul it takes to succeed. As Ricky so eloquently said, “The skill that soccer players have has been so refined over the years, they truly are the masters of their craft and that is something really special to see and touch first hand. Being around true, top-level athletes in such a demanding sport was really eye opening and I am sure they could fit in on the race track way better than we could fit in out on the pitch.”

 

Yes, it’s true. Athletes are fans just like us. And their respect and admiration for one another is immense. So next time you’re at a race, game or match, take a look around, you never know who your fellow fans might be.