Snap Judgment Podcast Episode Summary: "Super Bowl Rick"
Release Date: June 26, 2025
Host: Glenn Washington, Snap Judgment and PRX
Introduction: Title Town USA and the Pittsburgh Steelers
Glenn Washington sets the stage by immersing listeners in the fervent atmosphere of Pittsburgh, dubbed "Title Town USA," home to the legendary Pittsburgh Steelers. He paints a vivid picture of loyal, gritty fans whose lives are deeply intertwined with the fortunes of their beloved football team. Washington introduces the central figure of the episode, Rick Staggerwall, a die-hard Steelers fan whose unwavering passion leads him to extraordinary lengths to support his team.
Rick Staggerwall: From Fences to the Super Bowl
Early Devotion and Stadium Adventures
Rick Staggerwall recounts his upbringing on Pittsburgh's Northside, where attending Steelers games was a staple of daily life. He describes the intense connection between the working-class community and the team, emphasizing the pride and resilience ingrained in both:
"Growing up on Northside Pittsburgh, we kind of grew up on the stairs. That was everyday stuff for us over the years."
(04:31)
Rick shares anecdotes of sneaking into games by climbing over formidable fences, highlighting the camaraderie and rebellious spirit shared among local fans:
"We got in there every way possible, including running up to the gate with people we don't even know."
(05:55)
The Super Bowl Heist: Climbing into the Orange Bowl
The climax of Rick's story unfolds during the Super Bowl, where his obsession with the Steelers culminates in a daring attempt to witness the game firsthand. Armed with a homemade grappling hook, Rick takes significant risks to infiltrate the heavily guarded stadium:
"I made this scrapping hook at work, ground it down, welded the whole thing and I buffed it up and it was shining."
(07:41)
Despite setbacks, including narrowly escaping with his friends and facing high-security measures, Rick's determination sees him through. Upon successfully entering the stadium, he experiences a whirlwind of emotions and interactions:
"The Pittsburgh Steelers are the greatest in the world. How can I lose when we do something like this for our team?"
(14:16)
Inside the Locker Room: Unintended Fame and Chaos
Rick's unauthorized access leads him to the locker room, where he mistakenly becomes the center of attention. His resemblance to a Steelers player, Rick Moser, causes confusion among reporters:
"I turned around to him, I said, I bet you 20 bucks he catches this and Lynn Swan catches it with one hand and we score a touchdown."
(15:16)
Even as chaos ensues with celebrations and media frenzy, Rick navigates the situation with a mix of humor and panic, culminating in an unforgettable encounter with Terry Bradshaw:
"I walked right over and stuck out my hand. I go, Terry Bradshaw... He said, thanks a lot."
(19:10)
Aftermath and Recognition
Despite the audacious feat, Rick's actions earn him temporary fame among fans, culminating in an article that immortalizes his story. His father's reaction underscores the blend of pride and disbelief that accompanies Rick's legendary adventure:
"There's an article in this paper today and it's about a guy that snuck into the locker room, took a shower with the Steelers."
(32:06)
Tom Garvey: The Phantom of Veterans Stadium
Creating a Secret Apartment
The narrative shifts to Tom Garvey, another passionate sports enthusiast with a unique connection to the Philadelphia Eagles' Veterans Stadium. Faced with the challenge of staff shortages before a major event, Tom and his friends embark on creating a clandestine living space within the stadium's empty concession stands:
"Why don't we have a sleepover at the vet?"
(35:22)
Over time, Tom transforms the hidden area into a fully functional apartment, complete with furniture and amenities, effectively becoming the "Stadium Cat" who roams the venue unnoticed.
Balancing Life and Obsession
Tom's dual life—working during the day and living secretly in the stadium—illustrates the thin line between dedication and obsession. His experiences are marked by close calls with security and interactions with notable figures like Coach Dick Vermeil:
"I was in a locker room, and I'm taking a shadow. Steelers."
(26:54)
Legacy and Closure
As Veterans Stadium approaches its demolition, Tom reflects on his decade-long sanctuary and its role in his personal healing, especially after his turbulent return from Vietnam. The stadium's implosion symbolizes the end of an era, both for the city and for Tom:
"Vet Stadium saved me. Because what came next, I was ready for."
(45:03)
Conclusion: Passion, Perseverance, and Community
"Super Bowl Rick" masterfully intertwines the stories of Rick Staggerwall and Tom Garvey, showcasing how sports can profoundly impact individual lives and foster a sense of community. Through determined acts of fandom, both men navigate personal challenges and form lasting connections with their teams.
Glenn Washington encapsulates the essence of true sportsmanship and the lengths to which fans will go to support their teams, leaving listeners with a deeper appreciation for the passion that fuels such legendary tales.
Notable Quotes:
- Rick Staggerwall (04:31): "Growing up on Northside Pittsburgh, we kind of grew up on the stairs."
- Rick Staggerwall (05:55): "We got in there every way possible, including running up to the gate with people we don't even know."
- Rick Staggerwall (14:16): "The Pittsburgh Steelers are the greatest in the world. How can I lose when we do something like this for our team?"
- Rick Staggerwall (15:16): "I bet you 20 bucks he catches this and Lynn Swan catches it with one hand and we score a touchdown."
- Rick Staggerwall (19:10): "I walked right over and stuck out my hand. I go, Terry Bradshaw... He said, thanks a lot."
- Glenn Washington (26:54): "Rick Staggerwall: Because I thought, I'm a part of this team. I'm as much as part of this team as they are, honestly, because I felt that way."
- Tom Garvey (35:22): "Why don't we have a sleepover at the vet?"
This episode of Snap Judgment skillfully blends high-stakes adventure with heartfelt narratives, celebrating the unbreakable bonds between fans and their teams. Whether you're a Steelers enthusiast or simply a lover of compelling stories, "Super Bowl Rick" offers an unforgettable glimpse into the world of sports fervor.