Thanks Tedy!

So I know this isn't banner related, but 1) it's been a while since I've checked in, and 2) given the history Dan the Banner has started to form with the Patriots, it's fitting to touch on the news that broke just tonight. I was saddened - and a little surprised - to hear that Pats LB/Captain/Fan Favorite/Heart and Soul Tedy Bruschi is planning on announcing his retirement in a news conference tomorrow morning, after 13 years in the NFL, all with the Pats. I know, I know, he's getting up there in age, he's lost a step, and he's discussed retirement for like the last 4 seasons. Still, I always expected when he did retire it would come in the off-season and not after another year had started up again. Also, I was surprised it was this year that he's calling it quits because I figured having lost his starting spot, he'd have enough to make it through one more season in a reserve role. Alas, I guess the trials of camp proved to much for the much-loved Tedy, and all of us Patriots fans will surely miss the man who epitomized a professional during his tenure with the Pats...although I'm sure he'll still be spotted around the team here and there - and is it really out of the realm of possibility to see a Junior Seau-esque late season return sometime in the next year or two? Wishful thinking perhaps, but I'm just throwing it out there.
Nothing new going on with the banner, I've been pretty busy working all day every day the past week or so, so I haven't even been able to think about the next move for the banner. But I will focus more attention on that in the coming days. For the record, I was not able to get a picture with Tedy and Dan at any point - which is even more unfortunate because Bruschi is Danny's favorite Patriot - but as always I will keep my eyes open when in the Gillette Stadium area, you just never know when Tedy might show! Stay on the lookout for more banner updates, hopefully coming soon!!
Thanks again Tedy for all the great memories, you were the best!

-The Banner Keeper

Mission: Accomplished!!

I did it! Got the picture of Danny with Chuck Wicks that I was hoping I'd be able to get while he was in town to perform at Showcase Live tonight. How nice it is to accomplish a goal! haha. It definitely was a lot easier than I thought it would be, the tour bus pulled right up in front of the venue with the equipment trailer and Chuck eventually came out and mingled with me and the couple other people that were there. I got to chat for a minute with one of the guys helping haul equipment, really nice guy. He came over to ask about Danny - I guess 7 foot banners draw attention -and said it was really cool what I was doing. The one thing that was kinda strange was that neither the equipment man or the girl I chatted with a little also waiting to get a picture with Chuck seemed too impressed when I said I got a picture with Tom Brady. Come on people...TOM BRADY!!! Anyway, Chuck was great, very willing to take a picture with Danny and it came out great. Plus, he has the privilege of being the first person to take a picture of Danny's banner post-getting wings. Great pic, great accomplishment, and looks like Patriot Place has once again come through for me in my Danny endeavors!

Dan the Banner gets winged!!

Ok, so it took longer than it should have to get wings for the banner - my fault, I should have been more prepared, I know. But, the wings arrived, the banner is now a pilot just like the man himself, and I think it's exciting. Big day for the banner, definitely a big day. AND, on my way to pick up Danny's wings, I happened to drive by a nearby hotel and what did I see in the parking lot?? Chuck Wicks' tour bus!!


I already had plans to scope out Patriot Place on Wednesday in hopes of catching Chuck Wicks in an attempt to get a picture with the banner, but I was thinking I would like to know what his tour bus looked like, and now I know. How did I know it was his? Well the trailer in tow that had a giant picture of him with his name plastered on the side was a nice giveaway. Now I know what to look for in Foxboro, haha. Wish me luck in my endeavor, and hopefully tomorrow I'll have yet another banner story to share...fingers crossed!

-The Banner Keeper

Trying to keep busy...

So now that training camp is over, I find myself at a loss of ideas for places I can bring danny to, and people I can bring him to meet. I do know that Chuck Wicks is going to be playing a show nearby in a few days, and well I can almost promise I will find my way down that area attempting to run into good ol' Chuck. I'm still keeping an eye out for opportunities for more banner adventures, so if anyone has any ideas, I'm all ears!

Training Camp 2009

Always a sad day in the summer, yesterday marked the last day of training camp over at Gillette Stadium. The double session proved a slow day for Danny, as I was only able to get one Patriot - starting center (and BC alum) Dan Koppen - to pose with the banner for a pic. I did however get my first ever picture refusal with Danny, I guess LG Logan Mankins isn't a fan of the 7 ft likeness. Oh well, he was nice enough to sign the banner. Despite the slow last couple days, all in all camp was a wild success for Danny and myself. Final Count for Patriots pictures in 2009 was 20, plus 1 with Pat Patriot and another with former Pats Fred Smerlas and Steve DeOssie.

Here's the full list, for all of you dying to know:
- C Dan Koppen
- RB Kevin Faulk
- CB Terrence Wheatley
- K Stephen Gostkowski
- Def. Coord. Dean Pees
- NT Vince Wilfork
- WR Randy Moss
- QB Tom Brady
- QB Andrew Walter
- OL Russ Hochstein
- RB Sammy Morris
- QB Kevin O'Connell
- WR Joey Galloway
- WR Greg Lewis
- TE David Thomas
- DL Mike Wright
- LB Tully Banta-Cain
- S Ray Ventrone

To check out pictures and some stories, head to danthebanner.com

It was a great 2.5 weeks of camp - always my favorite place to bring Danny - and I can't wait to head back next July for more fun in the sun. In the meantime I guess I'll have to settle for watching the 2009 season unfold for the Pats :).
I'll be on the lookout for opportunities and places to bring Danny, so be sure to keep checking back for updates on his latest travels!

- The Banner Keeper

Post Numero Uno

Welcome to the Dan the Banner blog! This is your number one source for following the travels of where Danny's been, who he's met, and where he is going next. As the keeper of the banner, I will do my best to keep you up to date on his travels...you never know where he might show up next! For more info on Dan the Banner - including the back story, past encounters, and pictures - check out danthebanner.com. In the meantime enjoy the stories and we'll be seeing you on the road!

- The Banner Keeper