Tailgate prep is a family affair in the Courtney household. It's a tradition that started when the oldest sibling, David Courtney, was a kid, when it was just him and his dad."Down at Riverfront, we would tailgate in the parking garage, just the two of us. Mom would make us whatever. We would eat it and go in and watch the game," David Courtney said. Over the years the family has grown, and Bengal pride has been passed down to the next generations."Everything about the Bengals makes me think of him," said Kelsey Courtney, David Courtney's daughter.Kelsey Courtney is referring to her grandfather, Duane Courtney. This is the first year without the patriarch of the family.Duane Courtney died unexpectedly in his sleep April 30. He was 68 years old."It was the night of the draft, and he passed sometime before the next morning," David Courtney said."He was watching the draft and was very excited when he saw we got (Ja'Marr) Chase. That was one of his last texts to my niece," said Christen Courtney, Duane Courtney's daughter.Knowing his love for the Bengals and the optimism he had for this season, Duane's kids decided to keep his season tickets and save his seat for him. "We salute him, and he's always in our thoughts," David Courtney said. Tomorrow will be no different as they remember how Duane Courtney would love to sit and take it all in."And he'd like to drink his beer during the games. We couldn't keep up with him," Christen Courtney said So, of course, there will be a toast in his honor as he's remembered as a funny family man, a die-hard Bengals fan whose presence will be felt tomorrow."We definitely feel him, and we know he'll be there tomorrow, and hopefully help us bring home a win," Christen Courtney said.
Tailgate prep is a family affair in the Courtney household. It's a tradition that started when the oldest sibling, David Courtney, was a kid, when it was just him and his dad.
"Down at Riverfront, we would tailgate in the parking garage, just the two of us. Mom would make us whatever. We would eat it and go in and watch the game," David Courtney said.
Over the years the family has grown, and Bengal pride has been passed down to the next generations.
"Everything about the Bengals makes me think of him," said Kelsey Courtney, David Courtney's daughter.
Kelsey Courtney is referring to her grandfather, Duane Courtney. This is the first year without the patriarch of the family.
Duane Courtney died unexpectedly in his sleep April 30. He was 68 years old.
"It was the night of the draft, and he passed sometime before the next morning," David Courtney said.
"He was watching the draft and was very excited when he saw we got (Ja'Marr) Chase. That was one of his last texts to my niece," said Christen Courtney, Duane Courtney's daughter.
Knowing his love for the Bengals and the optimism he had for this season, Duane's kids decided to keep his season tickets and save his seat for him.
"We salute him, and he's always in our thoughts," David Courtney said.
Tomorrow will be no different as they remember how Duane Courtney would love to sit and take it all in.
"And he'd like to drink his beer during the games. We couldn't keep up with him," Christen Courtney said
So, of course, there will be a toast in his honor as he's remembered as a funny family man, a die-hard Bengals fan whose presence will be felt tomorrow.
"We definitely feel him, and we know he'll be there tomorrow, and hopefully help us bring home a win," Christen Courtney said.
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