Superfan Spotlight: Roger Lurie

Roger Lurie - Venice, Florida

Roger’s Wolverine fandom runs deep, as does his affinity for the Autograph Community. A die hard Michigan alum, avid photographer, and an OG member of the Autograph community, Roger has not only supported the Wolverines for many years and throughout their historic 2024 Championship season, but has also generously offered his time to provide invaluable feedback about the app and onboard his friends into the community. We hit Roger with 5 fan-focused questions to shed light on his devotion to the Maize & Blue.

What classifies you as a Michigan Superfan?
My journey into Michigan “Superfandom” began my senior year of high school. I have the fondest memory of my mom and I watching the 1989 NCAA Men’s Finals, and us going bonkers when Rumeal Robinson sunk those two clutch free throws in overtime to clinch Michigan’s first basketball championship. In the 35 years since, it’s been a series of highs and lows as a Michigan fan. I’ve been to two Final Fours (1993 and 2013) and two football championships (1998 and 2024). I’d be remiss if I didn’t call out my “Welcome to the Big House” moment: it was September 16, 1989, and second-ranked Michigan was hosting top-ranked Notre Dame. In a downpour, Michigan kicked off to the "Rocket” not once, but on two separate occasions, both resulting in game-changing touchdowns for ND. Notre Dame escaped Ann Arbor that day with a 24-19 victory, while the Michigan faithful were left stunned and soaking. I still reflect on that game as a defining moment of what it means to be a Michigan fan, through thick or thin.

What's your favorite moment as a fan?
My favorite moment as a fan took place at the 1998 Rose Bowl. While the game itself was exciting and Michigan brought home the National Championship (at least a piece of it), it’s what happened AFTER the game that stands out as my favorite moment. Back at the team’s hotel, my college roommate and I found ourselves surrounded by Michigan legends, including Bo Schembechler and Desmond Howard, in a spontaneous and resounding version of Hail to the Victors (one, two, you know what to do). It was a moment unlike any other I’ve experienced as a Michigan fan, and it became clear just how much this Rose Bowl victory meant for Wolverines of past and present.

What's the best Michigan game (in any sport) you've ever attended?
Clearly, the answer is the 2024 College Football National Championship. Prior to this game, I would’ve said the 1998 Rose Bowl. Twenty-six years in the making and it was well worth the wait. Congrats to Coach Harbaugh and Team 144. Go Blue!


What's the craziest thing you've ever done as a fan?
While I don’t consider this to be crazy, I’m sure my parents would’ve thought I was crazy had they known we used to camp out overnight in the dead of winter for Michigan basketball games. During my senior year, there was unassigned seating in the student section at Crisler Arena, and I’ll be darned if we didn’t sit in the first few rows to witness up close the legendary Fab Five, the closest thing to rock stars in college sports.

What's the most memorable fan item you've ever spent money on?
I’d have to say it was a limited edition football commemorating the 1997-1998 National Championship Team. The ball had the scores of all the games from Michigan's 12-0 perfect season. Go Blue!