The Bucs fan who spoke in signs

By JEFF KLINKENBERG
Published December 17, 2006

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"Honk if you love the Bucs" Dec. 12, 2002; links.tampabay.com

THE STORY: Clearwater's Don Echelbarger, a hard-core sports nut who lived and breathed the Bucs, filled his front yard with colorful signs celebrating his thick-necked favorites. A modern day Homer, he received his muse from a close reading of the daily sports page over breakfast java. All hopped up, he'd rush out the door and slap together a sign such as "WELCOME BACK BOOGER" for the edification of motorists passing his house at 2346 Belleair Road. He was fond of the defensive tackle Anthony "Booger" McFarland, but even more he liked to say "Booger."

FROM THE STORY: "I am a big sports fan. I also enjoy making people happy. People are driving by, going to work, and see my sign, and maybe it gives them a little lift."

THE REST OF THE STORY: The Bucs stink this year and Booger has been traded to the Colts. But Echelbarger refuses to quit. "I'm not down on them," says the 48-year-old handyman. "I think they got a good young football team. I like this kid, Bruce Gradkowksi, the rookie quarterback. When he won his first game I was so inspired I put up a sign that said 'BRUCE ALMIGHTY!' I have to say, I wish coach Jon Gruden would shape his team around the talent he has rather than shape the team around his own coaching philosophy. It isn't working. But I do hope they don't fire the coach. Give him one more chance."

WHAT'S NEXT: The Ohio State Buckeyes, the No. 1 ranked college football team, will meet the No. 2 Florida Gators on Jan. 8 for the national championship. "I'm a Gator hater," announces the pigskin Homer. Motorists who drive orange-and-blue vehicles should consider themselves forewarned.