Redskins fan base ranks 12th in NFL, according to Emory University study

The Washington Redskins fan base is certainly a passionate one, and that earned them a solid ranking in a study of NFL fan bases done by Emory University.

Washington Redskins fans are among the most passionate and dedicated fans across all of professional sports. Though success has largely eluded the team since Joe Gibbs’ first tenure as the team’s head coach, year in and year out their fans have supported the squad. Through the Kirk Cousins saga. Throughout the RG3 situation. And, of course, the Jim Zorn era.

Through thick and thin, the Skins fans have been there for their team. And for that reason, they should be considered one of the best fan bases in the league. And an Emory University study has confirmed that the Redskins have an above average fan base, but the ranking still leaves a lot to be desired.

Per the study, Washington fans are 12th in the NFL in fandom. The study was based on three factors, fan equity, social equity, and road equity. Here’s a definition of what each of those factors means, per Jay Busbee of Yahoo Sports.

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"Fan Equity: How much fans spend on their team, at the ticket office and on memorabilia/regalia. (Best: Cowboys, 49ers, Patriots; worst: Rams, Raiders, Jaguars)Social Equity: How passionate fans are in following their teams on social media across all channels. (Best: Patriots, Cowboys, Steelers; worst: Rams, Jaguars, Titans)Road Equity: How well teams draw on the road, adjusting for their win-loss record. (Best: the NFC East, Pittsburgh; worst: Texans, Titans, Browns)"

And with those now, defined, here’s a look at the official rank. The Redskins have good rankings overall except in one category.

As you can see from the graphic, the Redskins have very good rankings in fan equity and road equity. This means that Washington fans are willing to spend money on their team and travel with their squad to away games. And considering the team’s lack of success for the better part of the last two decades, it’s even more impressive. And it makes it clear that the Redskins fans are always willing to support the team.

That said, the Redskins ranking low in social equity, that seems surprising. Given the fervor of the debates and discussions that take place among the Redskins Twitter community every day, it’s hard to believe that the team itself is ranked near the bottom of the league in followers. But nevertheless, the numbers speak for themselves.

Perhaps a minor change in methodology to help track mentions of the topic among communities could shift these social numbers. But given that this study is “grounded in economic and marketing theory,” as stated on the blog of Emory professor Michael Lewis who runs the study, the idea of tracking teams followers online is a sensible variable in this case.

At top 12 ranking is nice for the Skins. But realistically, the Redskins have the best, most loyal, and most passionate fans in the entire league. They should be ranked in the top five, especially given that the other NFC East teams are highly rated.

Next: 5 reasons Washington will exceed expectations

But being an underdog is something the Redskins, and their fans, are used to. Their time to shine will come. And hopefully, that will be soon.

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