Over the last few years, there’s been a big shift for me — in a lot of things — but especially when it comes to sports. My dad and I were really close, but when it came to sports, that was our thing. Sundays were always football days, and every March we had our yearly tradition of watching every minute of the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament together.

My dad passed away on July 2, 2022, and ever since then, I just haven’t been able to find that same love for the games. I’m thankful that the last NFL season he got to be a part of was the Bengals’ Super Bowl run. That year we started things off at Paycor for the season opener — an overtime win against the Vikings — and rode that wave every week after. The only game we missed was during a family vacation for fall break… which ended up being the week we found out my dad had cancer.

Even that next spring, going through chemo and radiation, he refused to skip our March Madness weekend. That was just him — tough as nails and always keeping traditions alive.

Since then, watching football or college basketball hasn’t felt the same. Some friends tried to keep the March Madness tradition going those first couple of years, but it just wasn’t the same. This year, I decided to sit it out completely.

But this year I also started collecting again — and that’s brought back a lot of good memories. Going to card shows, hitting up our local card shops together, just spending time talking sports and the hobby. I can’t help but think about how much fun he would’ve had getting back into collecting. My dad and I had a lot in common, but one thing about both of us — when we got into something, we jumped all the way in. I know this would’ve been no different.

I’m not really sure why I felt like writing this tonight. Maybe it’s because I’ve found a bit of peace in this community — seeing everyone share their collections, their stories, and their memories. Maybe it’s just because collecting reminds me of him. I don’t really know.

What I do know is that I’m thankful — for this hobby, this community, and for the folks I’ve met along the way who have become friends.

2025 Topps Chrome Disney - Pumbaa #99

Who doesn’t love Pumbaa?! Ever since my daughters were little, our go-to family sing-along in the car has been Hakuna Matata—and I always get stuck with Pumbaa’s part. When I pulled this card out of my mega box the other day, I couldn’t help but smile. Even now, with them being 13, every once in a while they’ll still request the song. Those are the little moments that make collecting even better.