Fans of the Detroit Lions are some of the most devoted and fervent in the entire sporting world.
Following the tragic passing of one of their own after nearly two decades of fighting cancer, the state of Michigan has chosen to commemorate his memory.
On Saturday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed March 8 “Faturday,” honoring the late Andy Isaac, a well-known internet figure recognized for sharing his opinions on sports and food — all while proudly supporting the Lions Pride and his cherished Michigan State Spartans.
“Michigan boasts the most dedicated and passionate sports fans in the nation, and no one represented what we stand for better than Andy Isaac,” Whitmer stated in a release. “Through his humor, commitment, and passion for our teams, Andy greatly enhanced the enjoyment of supporting Detroit sports.”
“He spread happiness among everyone, constantly inquiring, ‘Share something positive that has occurred for you lately,'” she went on.
“Today, we honor Andy and contribute positively to the state of Michigan by officially declaring Saturday, March 8 as Faturday.” I lost my mother to cancer, and I understand that many Michiganders have experienced the same. As Isaac might say, ‘FTB!’”
Isaac, who called himself the “Sausage King of Detroit,” was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2006 and courageously battled the illness until his last day on Thursday.
His #Faturday posts were popular with his followers, and the hashtag has since appeared on the scoreboards of the Lions, Pistons, Red Wings, Tigers, and Spartans after his passing.
Issac is survived by his spouse, Meret, and his family has recommended that contributions be made to the local Red Cross in his memory.