Cindy Pierce, aka Purple Dame, has been a diehard Ravens fan since 2001, just after the Ravens won Super Bowl XXXV. Since then, “diehard” doesn’t begin to describe her feelings about the team. It has morphed into a love affair and her world is enveloped in purple.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has also recognized Cindy’s passion and commitment as she’s been inducted into its Ultimate Fan Association, which was founded in 1999. The UFA is a justice league of super fans that fosters fellowship, sportsmanship and charity throughout the NFL universe.
Recently Cindy married another of her loves, Dave Ricci, and it was only fitting that the Ultimate Fans and purple were a huge part of the matrimonial ceremony. Here’s a look at the blissfully purple couple’s ceremony as presented by Fox Sports.
News of the video inspired me to reach out to Cindy to introduce her to all of Ravens Nation on these cyber pages. Here’s a snapshot of our conversation.
Tony Lombardi: Obviously you bleed purple and black. What is your single greatest memory as a Ravens fan?
Purple Dame: That’s a VERY tough question…every Ravens fan has countless great memories…how could we not? But since I’m only allowed one…it would have to be finally coming face-to-face with Tony Siragusa. I wear his number on my jersey as a tribute to him being the Ravens player who first caught my attention back in 2001 and furthered my curiosity to actually go to my first Ravens game. The irony is that I didn’t meet him until 2013. It was something I never thought would happen.
TL: Purple Dame is one of a few Ravens fans to be recognized in Canton. Talk about the others and the brother/sisterhood that has developed as a result of those bonds.
PD: It’s been a wild ride. Each year, the Pro Football’s Ultimate Fan Association “drafts” potential new members from around the country who are subjected to a tedious and somewhat grueling due diligence process that last several months. The PFUFA Membership Committee votes on which ones receive an invite to Canton. Once invited, the Committee casts a final vote and the new class is selected. The formal induction is held during HOF weekend at the PFUFA Induction and Awards Breakfast held at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, in Canton, Ohio.
In addition to the ultimate fans from around the nation (and England) who have been inducted, our members consist of Poetic Justice, Fired-Up, Sports Steve, Purple Payne, Dee-Ciple, Capt. Dee-Fense an a couple others who have “retired” from the PFUFA in the past several years.
The unity of friendship and the bonds we have made with other ultimate fans in the PFUFA is indescribable. There is no other organization like it in the world, and we are all extremely honored and humbled to be a part of it. Our mission statement is to promote fellowship, encourage sportsmanship and support charitable activities. This is a commitment we have made and honor that commitment year round.
TL: You are obviously very decorated. Describe your day on game day, as you get ready to head out to M&T Bank Stadium.
PD: I somewhat relate the 2 hour prep on game day to that of a warrior going into battle. Just as the players are in uniform, so are the fans. Once the transformation from Cindy to Purple Dame is complete, we’re out the door and headed to meet our tailgate bus at the Bras Rail in Pasadena. Once we arrive at the lot, it is constant camaraderie — visiting different tailgates and pumping up the crowds. I am always overwhelmed by the Ravens Nation fan culture. It’s FAN-tastic!!!!
TL: What about the Ravens made them different and attracted you more than the Redskins, your father’s team?
PD: My dad and I would watch games together from the comfort of the family living room. When my Dad passed away in 1985, it wasn’t the same experience, and I lost interest. Then came the Super Bowl parade in 2001. I watched from my 5th floor office window as the parade passed by and took notice to this enormous football player walking through the crowds,
carrying a little girl on his shoulders and the Vince Lombardi trophy in his hand.
As he moved through the crowd it became apparent he was prouder of the fans than he was of himself and wanted to share every fleeting moment of that day in the throes of all who came out to celebrate!! You see, for me, this was significant.
Up until then, and even though I had watched the Super Bowl two days before, I hadn’t paid much attention to the Baltimore Ravens. I would learn while watching the news that evening, that the player that so impressed me was none other than #98 – Tony Siragusa – and the little girl on his shoulders – his daughter Samantha. The rest is history.
TL: Let’s do a little word association…I give you a name, tell me what immediately comes to mind…
Art Modell- robbed
Ray Lewis-legendary
Brian Billick-antagonist
John Harbaugh-outspoken
Steve Bisciotti-generous
