Monday through Friday, Ken Johnson is a cube-dwelling software engineer in Rochester, New York. But come late September, Johnson's alter-ego takes over. Ken Johnson morphs into "Pinto Ron."

For nearly twenty years Johnson's been cooking up unique parking lot delicacies outside the Buffalo Bills' Ralph Wilson Stadium on his 1980 Ford Pinto, and providing Bills fans with some unforgettable tailgating entertainment. Over the years, Pinto Ron's dedicated fans have faithfully returned to watch his pre-game "ceremonies" and check out all the new things he's got cooking.

What exactly does Johnson have cooking? Well, it's more like how he cooks it. For starters he uses an old filing cabinet as a pizza oven and deep fries chicken wings in a vintage army helmet. He even cooks bacon on a hand-saw over hot coals. What he lacks in sanitation he makes up for in creativity - each spring Johnson conducts "research and development" to identify the next big hook that will attract and awe his loyal fans.

One of Johnson's most popular pre-game ceremonies is his "ketchup opening" event, which takes place rain or shine, at all home games. This activity started as an attempt to squirt ketchup onto a hamburger from the roof of his car, but has since become an opportunity to douse him with as much of the substance as possible.

Johnson spends eight to 10 hours each week prepping for his tailgate, which includes crossing off more than 100 items from his checklist of items to buy, pack or do.

Johnson never planned to become Pinto Ron; it just happened. But weekend after weekend, his desire to help Bills fans have a good time fuels his passion to play the part and deliver award-winning performances in the parking lot. "I love it when people say that it was the greatest thing ever," he says.

That's the common thread that runs through the stories of many of America's best tailgating characters and superfans. They didn't set out to become one, they just became one. But, read closely; because from their stories you can model your own rise to parking lot idol.

Weirdwolf Emerges

Lynn Schmidt of Kansas City, Missouri is another Jekyll and Hyde. This mild-mannered graphic designer who works from home and cares for his four-year old son turned into "Weirdwolf," one of the unofficial mascots of the Kansas City Chiefs and a much-loved fixture at Arrowhead Stadium, until he "retired" this year. He's also a member of the VISA NFL Hall of Fans at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

For Schmidt, it all started at a home game against the San Francisco 49ers. He managed to get a big part of his own section involved in a cheer, and was reminded of another superfan - Crazy George from the 1980s - who had a knack for exiting crowds at the old Municipal Stadium. The next thing he knew, Schmidt found himself buying football pads from a Goodwill store and painting them red. Then he painted his face. Then he added a few other "decorations." Weirdwolf was born.

"It's like I became a mini-rock star," says Schmidt. "It's a bizarre thing, but it was very easy to do."

Dressed head-to-toe in red gear and matching face paint, Schmidt quickly became well known around the stadium; taking upwards of 100 photos with kids and superfans alike at each game. He even handed out Weirdwolf trading cards.

Schmidt was also able to leverage his popularity and influence as Weirdwolf to team up with other Chiefs superfans, including "X-Factor" and "Arrowman," to create the KC Superfans (kcsuperfans.com) in 2005 which promotes local charities.

That's another common theme of these characters, from Kansas City to our nation's capitol, where Washington Redskins fans, the Hogettes, have raised millions of dollars for charities. It's another way to increase your popularity while helping other fans in your community.

Clowning Around

Sure, it's not hard to find Packers fans in Green Bay, but Greg Jenss, an operations manager for FedEx National LTL, is no ordinary fan. As Titletown's #1 Clown, Jenss has been featured on the front page of The New York Times sports section and in Maxim magazine as one of the ultimate tailgaters in the NFL..

Jenss' superfandom began in 1993 when his brother, Richard, bet him $20 that he could not get on TV during a Packers-Bears game. A determined Jenss paraded around the stadium parking lot adorned in face paint, a wig made of two pom-poms, and green and gold camouflage pants. He pocketed $20 that day.
"I was always a Green Bay Packer fan, but that $20 bet with my brother transformed me into the most dedicated, outrageous, crazy Green Bay Packer fan to ever hit Lambeau Field," says Jenss.

In no time Jenss' profile grew as he appeared on PBS' Our Town and later on FOX Sports. In 2002, Jenss was selected by Wisconsin Sporting News as the state's most dedicated sports fan and in 2004 he was inducted into the Hall of Fans.

Despite his accolades, Jenss' whose tailgate parties before Packer games often entertain more than 50 guests - says he doesn't feel like a superfan. Instead, he likes to refer to himself as a "FANatical." "I just want to make people laugh and have a good time, and leave knowing that Green Bay Packer fans are the friendliest and best fans anywhere!"

You find that spirit among the best tailgating characters; they do it for the enjoyment of others.

For the Love of the Game

The main lesson from fans like Schmidt, Johnson, and Jenss is that to be a true tailgating character and superfan you have to do it for the love of the game.
"It's the only way as a fan to make an impact on the game," says Schmidt.

In fact, Schmidt believes by hyping-up the crowd he was able to help send out a positive energy flow to the players on the field. "There have been times when the crowd has been down," he says, "but when you get the crowd roaring, it gives the players some more steam."

For Pinto Ron, it's this passion for the game that prompts him to grab a room at a local motel the night before each game (he lives 90 miles from the stadium) and wake up at 5:00 a.m. on game day to prepare for his all-day superfan activities. He's been doing it for every home and away Bills game since Ronald Reagan was president.

And while there's no question that Jenss is a diehard Packers fan, he's been Titletown's #1 Clown for 13 years because he believes he can make the game experience better - win or lose - especially for younger kids who are just developing their love of the game. That' s where the next generation's tailgating characters and superfans will come from.

5 Tips for Becoming a Tailgating Character

1. Be Recognizable.
   Choose a "look" fans can see coming from a mile away. The key is to make yourself stand out in a crowd so kids, fans and media are compelled to come over to learn what you're all about.
2. Have a Gimmick.
   For instance, Pinto Ron's car doubles as a cook top, and he provides a slew of "opening ceremonies" that other tailgaters have come to know and expect. Developing a gimmick all your own will give you a way to stand out from the crowd.
3. Be Innovative.
   It's unlikely your gimmick will be so amazing that fans will want to watch it done exactly the same way year after year. Freshen up your act each season so other tailgaters will be interested in stopping by to check out what's new. That goes for your outfit, too.
4. Be On Time.
   First, get to the stadium early so you can be sure to get the same place each week. Second, if you decide to engage the fans in activities, always plan them for the same time on game-day - your fellow tailgaters will soon become loyal supporters of your cause. If fans pop by your tailgate and there's nothing going on, they probably won't come back.
5. Be Dedicated.
   Circulate among the tailgating crowd as much as possible, and make your comrades feel they are a part of the superfan experience. When you're outgoing and friendly, and make others feel they're part of your inner circle, they'll seek you out and become your best "advertising."

This article was written by Eric Gifford of www.TailgaterMonthly.com. Visit their site to get a subscription to their great tailgating magazine!