Not your traditional BYU fan 🍻; I know things about fitness & nutrition; Retired from M&A and now own amazing businesses; Love golf; Aspiring Broncos fan
I’m gonna be vulnerable. I love BYU! I got my degree there. I met my wife there. Despite us being ex-LDS now we cherish our time at BYU. And we are still HUGE fans of
@BYUfootball
. Hope there’s still room in this crowd for people like us
#GoCougs
I’m fully tattooed and so is my wife. We have never felt any judgment from our fellow BYU fans. The only judgment we get is from outsiders projecting what a BYU fan is “supposed” to be. It’s time for outsiders to understand that Cougar Nation runs way deeper than you think.
KWhitt: “That’s the loudest I have ever heard that stadium as a coach or player… Our players were astonished”
The crowd makes a difference. Gotta bring it again this Saturday
@byuROC
September 11, 1996: The day Spanish Fork accidentally booked a Rage Against The Machine concert thinking it was a monster truck rally. I was there. I randomly just uncovered the local news story and it’s great
I’m an outsider now so I get to see the whole picture
LDS members are some of the most amazing people I know who are driven to be good.
LDS members are some of the most judgmental and condescending people I know.
Both are true
BYU loses at ranked Coastal by 1 yard after having to travel across the country at the drop of a hat, they drop 5 spots iirc. Florida loses to unranked LSU, they drop 1. I just don’t get it.
To the Ute fans who think you’re too good: hope you know you have the hubris of Bama with the history of Boise State.
To the other 98%: welcome to the Big-12! You fit here. Also your other 2% are literally ruining your reputation and you should do more to rein them in.
I think there needs to be a dedicated class in High School and I don’t know what we’d call it but it is the “identify the BS” class. It would show headlines that one would see come across your feed and require you to dig deeper to uncover author biases and refuting data.
Wow! This blew up. Apparently there are lots of people who share this sentiment, and it’s clear there’s room for us all. Super proud of Cougar Nation! (Except you, Gary).
Now can we get to BYU football season yet? LFG!
I’m gonna be vulnerable. I love BYU! I got my degree there. I met my wife there. Despite us being ex-LDS now we cherish our time at BYU. And we are still HUGE fans of
@BYUfootball
. Hope there’s still room in this crowd for people like us
#GoCougs
Sometimes active members of your church turn out to be terrible people. Sometimes those who left your church are still great people. Sometimes vice versa. It’s time we stop automatically assigning value to people because of the organization they belong to 🤷♂️
Say what you want about Ryan. But Utah finally has a billionaire willing to invest in Utah sports, and y’all try to shut it down. Colorado would’ve never got here without our billionaire investors. We have Super Bowls, Stanley Cups, NBA championships, World Series appearances
My wife’s bestie is also ex-LDS and doesn’t have much family support. We decided to go to Vegas to celebrate her significant birthday. Our goal is to make sure she knows she’s supported. These two are so cool and fun! My role is to make sure they stay protected and respected.
I, my school teacher wife, and my children all agree: There should be no school the day after Halloween.
While I’m at it, can we just make Halloween the last Friday in October? It works for Thanksgiving, Easter, Memorial Day, & Labor Day. Put that on the ballot you cowards.
Here’s my thing. I love BYU sports. I love BYU in general. Without that institution I would’ve never met my perfect other in chemistry class. We’ve since left the church but are still all-in. Our excess dollars go to BYU.
I had a no block policy because I want to see takes from people I might disagree with
But then a fringe Mormon group brought my wife and daughters into it. That group houses some of the most cringeworthy and weird people I’ve ever interacted with.
Going on a block party today
What some Utah fans don’t realize is that a conference full of passionate college football fan bases, amazing tailgating, and a top notch gameday experience fits them way better. Welcome to a conference that is all-in on CFB! Also prepare to get wrecked in basketball.
Breaking my hiatus for a minute to say Puka is a star! Dude can ball. Just glad he landed in the right situation to show off his skills. He has to be in the conversation for ROTY. Also found out today Stafford has a wife & 4 daughters just like me who believe just like this 🥹
This morning my neighbor knocked on our door asking for help. She said her marriage is falling apart and her son is threatening suicide so she asked me to install a lock on the door that houses the ammunition. She knows I’m handy. I promptly installed the lock.
You just never
I just find it kind of funny that according to a certain faction of the LDS church…
Not okay: Going to the grocery store on Sunday
Okay: Calling another person’s wife and daughters skanks on Sunday
Live your Sabbath day how you see fit I guess
What we just watched is one of the most incredible comebacks in BYU sports history! I’m still just amazed that actually happened. Incredible resilience by
@byusoccer_w
tonight! Well done, ladies!
“There is no other religious organization in the world that I know of that has so broadly given power and authority to women”
🤣
People say the darnedest things sometimes
The good LDS members within my following already know this. Sincere thanks for the backup today BTW, you’re all amazing! 👊
There is a faction within your church that has gone off the rails and don’t know it. They don’t represent the members I know personally.
Merry Christmas Eve from our family to yours! Yep, we went full black tie for Christmas Eve dinner. Then did the jammy gift opening and watched a movie. Kids are to bed and now it’s on. God speed fellow parents 👊
I just wanna say this: I’m so excited for
@BYUfootball
season to start! Jaren, Puka, Chris, Keenan, Payton, and Malik about to make some people look like fools.
On Sundays we wake up late. Then I make brunch on the Blackstone. Then we play yard games in the backyard (or watch football) while meat is smoking for dinner. Then we all get dressed up for Sunday dinner. Yet the LDS church insists they have a monopoly on joy. This is my joy.
How is it that the concept of soaking went so viral that everyone knows about it and associates it with BYU and Mormons? I went to BYU. I was Mormon. I skirted the honor code a little when it came to making out with my now wife. And I never heard of this concept ever. It’s not
My final statement on this: I hate Utah. My emotional side wanted them to die in the MWC. My logical side wants passionate fans who constantly sell out their stadium. They will help build the Big-12 brand. They’re a perfect fit. Looking forward to more Holy War lore.
Yes the LDS church was founded by a guy who found a rock and then used that rock to seek buried treasure, which failed 30+ times and he was indicted as a conman. But then he used that same rock to translate golden plates he found. How do you not believe this is the true church?!
Wow, I can’t believe I’m saying this but I’m really starting to like Urban Meyer. He actually went back and watched the film on BYU and is adamant BYU is MUCH better than their ranking. Says BYU would be in the conference championship in Big-12, Big-10, and PAC-12
Okay I’m going to explain this as clearly as I can: LDS leaders have an agenda to keep you in the church. In fact, they pay apologists to come up with reasonable doubt, and the apologists do it at the rejection of their academic community. They have admitted as such. We have on
This woman puts very eloquently into words what most of us ex-members see. Especially in response to the common reply we often get. If you truly want to understand the ex-member mindset please watch.
Gonna be honest again 😆 I don’t identify with all these exmo vids I see. In my experience the LDS religion creates amazing people. Keep doing what you’re doing! My one request: the only thing that triggers me is those who think they have everything figured out. We live in gray❤️
These comments 🤣
1) I mentioned ex-LDS b/c I think it’s kinda weird that some families shun their loved-ones over a church (for the record, mine and my wife’s have been nothing but supportive)
2) These dresses are status quo in Vegas. It’s clear some of you need to get out
My wife’s bestie is also ex-LDS and doesn’t have much family support. We decided to go to Vegas to celebrate her significant birthday. Our goal is to make sure she knows she’s supported. These two are so cool and fun! My role is to make sure they stay protected and respected.
I was frustrated as a kid in 1996 when BYU missed an Alliance Bowl b/c of our conference. In 2001 when BYU was told before the Hawaii game that they wouldn’t get a BCS bowl. Watching our peers in Utah and TCU getting P5 invites. Today BYU has their first in-conference P5 game!!!
🤦♂️ As a BYU fan I can say that as soon as this video was made, this game was all over. It’ll be Utah in a blowout. Nobody is better at using the bulletin board than KWhitt.
Brother Wilcox always delivers. As a non-believer I would definitely trample women, children, and puppies to get to safety because I’ve lost all ability to care for others. It’s a thing. Just trust me. “Studies” ya know
“In that moment of crisis….the nonbelievers are the ones who will step on anybody they have to in order to get to their own selfish desire and reach their own selfish goal”
-Brad Wilcox
The fact you believe your religion can’t be challenged should be a massive red flag. You challenge other religions, you challenge science, you challenge the documented history of this world. I get to challenge your faith claims occasionally. Let truth stand up to the challenge.
Lots of BYU to Big 12 smoke this morning, this time from real live reporters with real live sources. If it does happen, I’ll go on record:
1) I’d like to play Utah every year
2) I’d like to alternate BSU and USU
3) I’d like to still play Gonzaga in bball
That loss wasn’t on Isaac Rex at all but I know he’s a competitor and is definitely taking it that way. A brutal way to end your BYU career but competitors get back up, and he will. We’re all a bit emotional rn, Cougar fans, but just remember you’re dealing with real people
Gonna re-up this to make a point. My wife spends late night hours preparing for her classes and spends our own money to buy supplies to make her lessons engaging. And she gets paid a pittance for her Master’s degree and her skill set. Yet we always vote against funding schools 🤷♂️
There are good people everywhere, regardless of religion and creed. And we can all be
@BYUfootball
fans
Here I stand, an ex-LDS, tattooed, not-clean-shaven BYU football fan.
Jeff is one of the good ones. This article was needed and welcomed.
I’ve been watching BYU football for decades and I can recognize a good BYU team. This team is good. They have moxy, they don’t make mistakes, they have a QB who is playing out of his mind. They are pounding the teams they should be pounding.
I’m not a whistleblower because I’m not on the inside anymore, but the deznat faction of the LDS church needs to be called out over the pulpit. They will drive everyone away except their own unless it’s addressed. Just my perspective from the outside.
We were just told by another family of 6 in our neighborhood that they are leaving the church.
Our message to them is we have no rooting interest. We loved them in, we’ll love them out. But they just signed up for a massively difficult deconstruction. IYKYK.
It’s a perfect example of BYU being fully comfortable with their own brand while Utah hitches their wagon to a conference because they know their brand alone isn’t strong enough.
Again, I want to be clear. I’m NOT anti-LDS. Most of my family and friends are LDS and they are fantastic people! But when a quote comes across my TL that the LDS church is leading the way with women’s authority I can’t help but call it out. It’s simply false. Sorry.
Tbh Utah doesn’t have the best track record with naming professional teams. The Jazz name doesn’t fit, Real Salt Lake pretentiously wants to be from Madrid. Maybe 3rd time’s the charm. Colorado has the Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies, Avalanche, and Rapids. All things that say Colorado
@TomHolmoe
Thanks Tom! I fully believe you’re the best AD in the country. Thanks for making BYU athletics available to all types of fans. We all love our Cougs (except Gary). You make Cougar Nation proud!
Adding one more: when Kalani was hired we were hoping for a “Ron McBride/LaVell Edwards” type relationship. Kalani is on board but it seems KWhitt is still more interested in being Urban Meyer. The act is cringey and unbecoming.
To my Ute friends: I get that you didn’t like Bronco. As a BYU fan, Bronco was the perfect coach at the time we needed it. KWhitt has the same profile as Bronco, just on the opposite side. When KWhitt leaves, please hire someone more akin to Kalani b/c KWhitt is quite the douche
As a father of 4 daughters here are a few reasons I’m super glad we are raising them how we are:
1) They’re not responsible for boy’s thoughts. Boys need to accept that responsibility.
2) Adult men asking about my daughter’s sexuality behind closed doors is creepy af (cont.)…
My logical side: Utah would add a ton to the Big-12, they have a fantastic football program and we want that value in our conference.
My emotional side: Let the Utes rot in the MWC.
The great thing is I really don’t have to care whether my logical or emotional side wins.
BYU had every opportunity to win that but couldn’t get out of their own way. Loved the fight I saw. Retzlaff has lots of upside and A-Rod’s offense works so much better with a mobile QB. On to OSU for bowl eligibility
BYU at
#1
in NET and
#5
in KenPom. This team has blown away expectations. Big one this Saturday. Can’t wait to hear all the BYU fans at the Huntsman Center.
I don’t know who made this but you get a massive high five and maybe even a hug from me if I ever meet you. It’s perfection. I’ve watched this way too many times. Can’t wait for BYU to showcase what they bring to the
@Big12Conference
I’ve tried to stay quiet on this b/c it’s a sensitive subject and didn’t want to discount anyone. I will say this, BYU should be applauded for the way they handled it from start to finish. Took immediate action, but still sought truth, wherever it led. Perfect statement.
We didn’t “give heed” to doctrines of devils. I hope you all know that. When we left the church we were devastated. We are not “lazy learners” in the least. The church is perfect for many but it wasn’t for us. To each our own and much respect on your path! Just be a good person.
Here’s my thing: I don’t follow any of the accounts I called out today. The thing that bothers is how many of the people I engage with as a BYU fan follow, like, & comment on posts disparaging my family. Please unfollow me, I’ve already unfollowed you. You’re just not my people.
Wow, is BYU men’s basketball maybe legit this year? Conference play in the Big-12 is gonna be interesting to watch.
But why do that at the end?!? You won by 28 points, just don’t engage.
And, oh look which truck is the only one that has the conference logo massively stamped on it. This is the reason everyone in the Big-12 wants Arizona over Utah. The cringe factor is real.
Logged in to follow the draft. Sounds like a certain person whom I have blocked made a blunder in his cybertruck. Betas sometimes think they’re alphas and are susceptible to insecurity. There was nothing “alpha” about the dude in the video I just saw.
I’m a BYU fan and always will be! Due to that following I watch you all bearing your testimonies of the LDS church on my TL. I’m okay with it. The thing that bothers is when someone shares an alternative perspective y’all come after them with vitriol
You all embraced David Archuletta. He was a shining example. He brought marketing to your church and you loved him for it.
Turns out he’s gay. And he’s proud of it now, which is awesome.
Please evaluate the “in” vs “out” reaction some of you have and why that is
The way Mormons have turned on David Archuletta is disgusting to me. They used him for positive publicity and recognition and when he couldn’t be who their religion demanded he be they villainized and rejected him.
Absolutely deplorable.
I run on facts. Here’s what I know. I posted a pic of my wife and her best friend looking great in Vegas. It was mostly my fellow BYU fans coming after them and mostly Utah fans who defended them 🤔
I used to think it was BYU’s conference that didn’t adequately prepare them for the tourney. This year proved me wrong. It’s BYU who sadly can’t get tourney-ready for some reason.
It started as smack toward the Utes (see previous post) but then I researched BYU fan attendance at Women’s sports. As a father of 4 daughters I’ll just say I’m proud of my fellow BYU fans. In awe at the accomplishments of the lady Cougars & glad they get the support they deserve
We’re snowed-in here in Colorado and school is canceled. Trying to convince my wife and daughters to start a LOTR marathon but not having success. To me it sounds like a fantastic idea
Here’s one of my favorite things about being a former LDS BYU fan: Watching my fellow BYU fans interacting with other fan bases after them making fun of your religion. When you respond with humor and kindness, I just love it! Keep doing it. We see you 💙 This is the way.
Hi. This is my wife. This is how she dresses when we go out. She’s not ashamed & I love it! “Skank” 🙄
In life and social media there will be some who project their own insecurities onto you. One of the greatest skills in emotional intelligence is recognizing when it’s happening
To my Ute friends: I get that you didn’t like Bronco. As a BYU fan, Bronco was the perfect coach at the time we needed it. KWhitt has the same profile as Bronco, just on the opposite side. When KWhitt leaves, please hire someone more akin to Kalani b/c KWhitt is quite the douche
I just learned about the handwringing from BYU fans over KWhitt’s comments on the Holy War. I think he makes a good point. It’s logical. At the same time you’d have to be completely dense to think he didn’t deflect the question purposefully b/c he has an unhealthy disdain for BYU
I’ve thought about it a lot and I just need to say it and then I’ll put this topic to bed. I don’t mean this to disparage, I just mean to explain. Please take it in that context.
“Why can you leave the church but not leave it alone?”
I’ll answer if you’re willing (a thread)
This man has become the single most marketing genius to the ex-LDS cause. And he’s totally unaware. What he doesn’t understand is we see through the manipulation. God bless to him but his tactics are severely outdated.
I don’t often get into politics on here. A few things I know:
1) You can succeed regardless of who the president is. Just take care of your day-to-day and own your accountability
2) Biden sucks
3) Trump sucks
Politics in the US has become theater
“Can leave the church but can’t leave it alone”
Can we retire this phrase?
The only reason we “can’t leave it alone” is b/c we’re bombarded with it every day by our family and friends and sometimes share an alternate perspective. I promise we’re all good people seeking truth.
I have 4 daughters who aren’t interested in
@BYUfootball
at all. But when BYU just won that game, we were all jumping around the living room. Keep doing what you’re doing, Cougs!
This is completely unbiased, but watching all the Big-12 teams on this thread back-to-back, BYU’s royal uniforms hit hardest. That shade of royal is 🤌 The navy is cool too, but branding is key and BYU’s brand needs to be royal. I rarely agree w/ a USU fan but let them have navy
BYU | AIR FORCE ONES
Fact: BYU was one of the first Universities to sign a partnership with a young Nike Co. in the late 1970's. LaVell Edwards was friends with Nike Exec. Bill Keller and Co-Founder Phil Knight.
As Tom Petty says, We’re learning to fly. My wife, daughters, and myself are currently flying. But this app somehow makes us feel like we aren’t. So we’re done. We will fly on our own. I’ve loved the interactions, the camaraderie, the BYU fanhood. But I’m done. This app has taken
I was there when Doman hit Pittman on 4th and 13 in LaVell’s last game. I was there when Hall hit George for the game winner. I celebrated with my dad and siblings when Beck hit Harline. Was watching late at night in Italy when Hall hit Collie on 4th and 18. The Holy War hits!
My Utah conference comrades, your Twitter fans have earned this reputation on a national level. It’s not a good look. Especially when you’re joining a conference that actually cares about football.