Gov. Whitmer celebrates 'Faturday' with official proclamation honoring Andy Isaac
"As Isaac would say, 'FTB!'" Whitmer said in a statement announcing Saturday is officially "Faturday," in honor of the late Detroit sports fan.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared the second Saturday in March as “Faturday,” in honor of beloved Detroit sports fan, Andy Isaac.
Isaac, the man behind one of Twitter’s funniest accounts, @WorldofIsaac, died Thursday with his family after battling Hodgkin's lymphoma for two decades. He was 45.
“Michigan has the best, most passionate sports fans in the country, and nobody embodied what we’re all about better than Andy Isaac,” Whitmer said in a statement shared with me Friday. “With his humor, dedication, and love for our teams, Andy helped make cheering on Detroit sports a heck of a lot more fun… Whether you’re grabbing wings from Sweetwater Tavern, Detroit style pizza from Michigan & Trumbull, coney dogs, or your favorite desserts, Faturday is about gathering with friends and family, rooting for your favorite teams, and treating yourself.”
Born and raised in Sterling Heights and a graduate of Michigan State, Isaac was known for hilarious commentary and a love for food.
#Faturday, his popular phrase dedicated to cheat day, was displayed last month on video screens by at Little Caesars Arena, the Breslin Center and Ford Field.
ESPN’s Elle Duncan highlighted the tributes to Isaac on SportsCenter this week.
Isaac was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2006 and fought admirably for nearly 20 years. He remained in good spirits, making sports fans laugh with comedic selfie videos and honest food reviews.
“He brought joy to people’s lives, always asking, ‘Tell me something good that happened to you recently,’” Whitmer said. “Today, we remember Andy and do something good for the state of Michigan by officially proclaiming Saturday, March 8 as Faturday. I lost my own mom to cancer, and I know that so many Michiganders have been through the same. As Isaac would say, ‘FTB!’”
A funeral service is set for noon Tuesday at St. Mary & St. Philopater Coptic Church, on Livernois Road in Troy, according to the funeral home. Visitation is 6-9pm Monday, at A.J. Desmond & Sons in Troy. Isaac is survived by his wife, Meret; mother, Marcelle Isaac; and two sisters.
Isaac’s death is personally devastating. I met him just once, (standing outside of the old Sausage Haus concession at Little Caesars Arena) but through social media, he felt like family. Isaac was the leader of a Michigan sports community that’s been through so much.
I send my condolences to his family.
View the full proclamation from the governor here.
For more on Isaac, read this Athletic story from 2019 by Bill Shea: Andy Isaac on @WorldofIsaac, Detroit sports misery, #Faturday and battling cancer for 13 years