Sports fandom is sacred. Once you don the colors of a team, you’re essentially locked in for life. Switching teams is invariably considered taboo. However, in the exceptional case of Richard Bremer, trading his love for the Gators to the Bulldogs is not an act of treachery but one of gratitude.

Richard is a Jacksonville native who was an ardent supporter of his local school in Florida. That is until he received a lung donation owing to a sarcoidosis diagnosis, which rendered his lungs incapacitated. The donor was diehard Georgia fan Megan Twist, who tragically lost her life in a car accident at the age of 29. Richard had an epiphany during the procedure and shared his thoughts on how he felt indebted to Megan for saving his life.

In an interview on Countdown to Gameday, an emotional Richard said,”I kind of woke up with a different perspective. I got rid of my Florida stuff after my transplant. It’s Georgia now. So I’m a bulldog, man. I’ve got somebody else’s DNA in me. It has changed me a little bit. I breathe Red and Black”.

The intrinsic link between the two has been life-altering. Megan’s family finds solace in knowing that her untimely demise helped another person live. Her sister spoke about how she copes well, knowing a part of Megan lives on through Richard.

“I think Megan would be so tickled knowing that she was able to convert a Florida fan to a Georgia fan. And I sure hope that Richard will be just as loud and obnoxious as she is at a Georgia game”. Richard will have his loyalties tested on Saturday when Florida hosts no.2 Georgia at EverBank Stadium.

What t0 expect from the Week 10 Georgia-Florida matchup

Georgia has had Florida’s number in recent years, winning the last three iterations of the “World’s largest outdoor cocktail party” by 20 plus. Kirby Smart and Co. are once again expected to win. Oddsmakers have them as -16.5 favorites.

Smart will hope for a clean game from his QB Carson Beck, who’s coming off a 3-interception performance. There is a similarity between Carson and Richard, as both hail from Jacksonville but will be representing Georgia. 

Richard and other fans will be hoping the Bulldogs can build momentum off the back of their win against Texas as they continue their ascension towards a 3rd national championship in 4 years. Kirby Smart’s teams are built for winter football. His extensive experience will be put to the test once again.