Fanatics Fest NYC 2024 brought together an unforgettable mix of sports legends, civic leaders, and veteran advocates, creating a high-energy celebration of sports culture, civic duty, and military service. Held in the heart of New York City, the inaugural event was more than just a sports convention—it was a showcase of shared values between athletes, veterans, and the communities that support them.
Hosted by Greg Williams, an Army veteran and charismatic voice in the veteran creator community, the video recap of Fanatics Fest NYC featured insightful interviews with New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Navy veteran and voting rights advocate Jeremy, and NBA legend Joe Smith. Together, their stories painted a picture of what happens when sports, service, and civic engagement collide.
Mayor Adams: A Celebration of New York’s Sports Legacy
The festivities kicked off with a conversation between Greg and Mayor Eric Adams, who praised Fanatics Fest as a landmark moment for the city. Known for its iconic sports venues—Madison Square Garden, Yankee Stadium, and Barclays Center—New York has long held a special place in the heart of American sports fans.
Mayor Adams emphasized that Fanatics Fest was a testament to New York City’s global stature in the sports world. “This is the home of sports,” he noted, highlighting the significance of hosting the first-ever event of its kind right in NYC. Although his answer to the customary “Which military branch would you join?” question wasn’t caught on tape, his presence at the event underscored a mayoral commitment to both civic and veteran engagement.
Jeremy: A Navy Veteran Leading the Charge at the Polls
From City Hall to the heart of the veteran community, the next conversation spotlighted Jeremy—a 24-year Navy and Navy Reserve veteran and a key figure in Vet the Vote. With a calm authority born from decades of service, Jeremy explained how Vet the Vote mobilizes veterans to become both voters and poll workers, reinforcing democracy from the frontlines of civic participation.
“When you’ve served, you understand the value of democracy in a very personal way,” Jeremy said. He believes that veterans, who have already sworn to defend the Constitution, are uniquely positioned to ensure elections remain free and fair.Jeremy’s own journey began in 1999 when he joined the Navy. After active duty, he continued in the Reserves as a surface warfare officer and eventually transitioned to the nonprofit sector. He urged fellow veterans to connect with the VA early, not just for well-known benefits like the GI Bill or home loans, but for less-publicized services like career counseling and mental health support.
His interview underscored a growing movement in the veteran community—those who take the sense of duty they carried in uniform and channel it into civic and community leadership roles.
Joe Smith: A Legend Reflecting on Basketball, Mentors, and Service
Capping off the lineup was a wide-ranging conversation with former NBA star Joe Smith, who brought a blend of humility, humor, and insight to the event. Drafted as the number one overall pick in 1995 by the Golden State Warriors, Smith played an impressive 16 seasons across more than ten teams, leaving his mark on the league as a respected veteran presence.
“Shawn Kemp was a beast,” Smith admitted when asked about the toughest player he ever guarded. Kemp’s mix of power, speed, and agility left a lasting impression.Smith also paid tribute to Kevin Garnett, describing him as a mentor and professional who helped guide his approach to training and competition. His off-season routine was no joke—early morning weightlifting followed by multiple basketball sessions each day, embodying the work ethic that helped him stay relevant in the league for more than a decade.
When asked to name his personal NBA Mount Rushmore, Smith didn’t hesitate:
Magic Johnson. Michael Jordan. LeBron James. Kobe Bryant. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Four of these legends he played against—an experience few can claim.
In the spirit of the event’s military tribute, Smith revealed he’d choose the Army if he were to enlist, citing family members who served and inspired him. He closed the conversation by sharing his social media handles—Instagram (@joesmithbasketball), X/Twitter (@joebeast95), and Facebook (Joe Smith)—inviting fans to continue following his journey beyond the hardwood.
A Common Thread: Service, Excellence, and Legacy
What made Fanatics Fest NYC 2024 so impactful wasn’t just the memorabilia or celebrity sightings. It was the fusion of greatness in every form: civic leadership, military service, and professional sports. Whether it was Mayor Adams promoting NYC’s cultural importance, Jeremy defending the vote, or Joe Smith recounting life in the NBA, each guest carried a theme of purpose-driven action.
Greg Williams, as the host, tied it all together. His background as an Army veteran created a bridge between the sports world and the service community, offering each guest a moment to reflect on how military values—discipline, resilience, and commitment—are mirrored in both civic life and professional sports.
Fanatics Fest NYC reminded us that whether you wear a jersey, a uniform, or a suit, greatness comes from how you serve others—on the court, in the community, or at the polls.
Looking Ahead
As Fanatics Fest looks to the future, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a one-time event—it’s the start of something much bigger. A movement that celebrates not just celebrity, but character. Not just highlights, but heritage. And not just wins, but what you do with them.
From New York City to courts around the world to polling places in small towns, the message was loud and clear: everyone has a role to play.
