There is only one way to prove that you are a die-hard Chargers fan and you will have to suffer for it. Forget the hats, the jerseys, the blue and yellow face-paint, those tactics are for the feather-weighted fans. This year it’s all about the ink. On Saturday hundreds of self-proclaimed San Diego Chargers devotees crowded outside of the Propaganda Tattoo Parlor in Point Loma. Inside several dedicated tattoo artists painted 100 three-inch gold and blue bolts on the skins of screaming fans. Some pumped their fists and hollered in support of their beloved football team, others merely yelped from the prick of the needle. They all were present though in the spirit of solidarity with the Chargers.

Last year Propaganda Tattoo jumped the gun when they gave away 72 freebie bolts in support of the first round of playoffs. The Chargers lost the next day and 72 fans were stuck with a bolt of lightening that didn’t quite strike enough touchdowns. This year they wised up and waited. For those staying true to the blue and gold, this is a mark they will carry forever whether or not the Chargers do make it to the Super Bowl. Of course none could be quite as committed as New England Patriots fan Victor Thompson, who proudly got the Patriot’s team helmet tattooed on his head. Three inch bolt of lightening or an inked helmet head-it’s hard to say which team will emerge as champions, but it’s pretty clear who is the fanatical winner in this contest.