Comedian Dustin Nickerson's humor includes jests about Oregon Ducks, Thunder, and Astros.
Up in Flannel
Residing in the vibrant city of San Diego, Dustin Nickerson, a man of 40, maintains a strong connection to his roots - the Pacific Northwest. Standing onstage at the Olsen Run Comedy Club and Lounge in Eugene, Oregon, he cuts a distinct figure, sporting glasses, a Sonics shirt, a brown mustache, and a flannel reminiscent of his Seattle pride.
"You're in Eugene!" a spectator taunts, as the two cities' longstanding rivalry surfaces.
"Indeed, I am in Eugene," Nickerson responds, gripping the microphone and wading into a sea of animosity. "And let me tell you, I was a little apprehensive about this Eugene show, mainly because it's not unusual for me to represent the University of Washington here. But I've developed a peculiar affection for the hate—it's kind of endearing. That's why I admire Oregon fans: they loathe me as much as I loathe them."
His remark is met with thunderous applause and unconditional agreement.
"Y'all know, I was thinking about this recently," he continues. "Phil Knight, the magnate behind Oregon, declared he'd exhaust all his resources to attain a national championship before he passes. And I couldn't help but assess this as a fan. I don't wish him a premature death before they win, but still—I silently wish they'd never claim the title and he'd live through it all."
The audience erupts with laughter, including Nickerson himself, as the comedian strikes the perfect balance between tension and relief.
"I'm such a petty soul," he quips. "I wish they'd never win, and he'd live forever."
A lifetime immersed in Seattle sports has ingrained a unique humor within Nickerson. From Joey Cora's tears in Game 6 of the 1995 ALCS to the ill-fated Sonics being whisked away to Oklahoma, his life has been a sea of heartaches and letdowns.
"I was a Mariners fan, and there wasn't much to cheer for at Olympic View Elementary," Nickerson confides. "Seahawks, UW football, and the Mariners' playoff drought—these disappointments have carved a callous within my sports-loving soul."
"I am not built to expect happiness from these teams," he explains. "I'm like Bane. I was born into this misery, thanks to Seattle sports."
It's only fitting that this calloused fan has achieved considerable success in the realm of comedy, a platform far removed from his initial dreams of becoming a sports journalist. After beginning his career with a mediocre stint in middle management, he stumbled upon his true passion through open mic nights.
"With my time at the rec center spent selling gym memberships, hosting Ping-Pong tournaments, and officiating pickup basketball games, I discovered the comedian within me," Nickerson reminisces. "I leveraged my international studies and history minor into a series of unrelated jobs, but I never lost sight of my inner comedian."
Since launching his career 13 years ago, Nickerson's successes have far surpassed mere stand-up, reaching Netflix, Comedy Central, "The Tonight Show," "The Late Late Show with James Corden," and "After Midnight" with Taylor Tomlinson. His debut special, "Overwhelmed," was premiered on Amazon Prime Video in 2020, and he and his wife, Melissa, have amassed more than thirty million downloads on their podcast—"Don't Make Me Come Back There." His first book, "How to Be Married (to Melissa)," was published in the summer of 2022.
Amassing a substantial following on social media with 322,000 Instagram followers and 264,500 on TikTok, Nickerson remains a beacon for Seattle sports fans.
"To genuinely be a Seattle sports fan is not about dwelling in misery," Nickerson says, preparing for his upcoming show at the Neptune Theatre. "It's about expecting mediocrity and being content with that, much like settling for the runner-up. But this is the one we love."
So, like many fans in the city, Nickerson continues his dedication, unwavering in his support for the Mariners, Husky football, and the Sonics, despite their myriad setbacks and disappointments. His loyalty, while fervent, has not blinded him to the humorous side of life, as evidenced by his infamous "Oregon joke."
"I can't build enemies in my audience," Nickerson notes when discussing the infamous Oregon joke, which has racked up over 122,000 views on X. "I need this crowd on my side. That being said, I was confident the punchline would work, as it mirrors my usual comedy routine: build up tension, then release it in a way that nobody is truly offended. I've no victims in this joke; it's just a jab at sports rivalry."
As a Seattle sports enthusiast since birth, Nickerson has navigated a rollercoaster of emotion. But he hasn't allowed his pain and disappointment to harden him.
"The Oregon joke is harmless; it's a jab at the age-old terrific rivalry between our two cities and schools," Nickerson explains. "It's the universal sentiment of 'I hope your team never wins anything.' Fans can relate to it. It's an authentic and honest expression of fandom."
- Dustin Nickerson, a Seattle sports fan, jokes about Oregon's pursuit of a national championship, quipping that he secretly hopes they'll never win.
- Having been a Mariners fan since childhood, Nickerson recalls limited reasons to cheer during his elementary school years at Olympic View.
- Despite Seattle's storied history of sports disappointments, ranging from the Sonics' relocation to the Seahawks and UW football's setbacks, Nickerson found solace in humor.
- Joey Cora's tears in Game 6 of the 1995 ALCS and the Sonics being moved to Oklahoma have encapsulated much of Nickerson's sports-viewing experiences.
- In the spirit of Seattle sports, Nickerson appreciates the never-ending rivalry with Oregon fans and their mutual hatred.
- Nickerson's comedic career took off after a mediocre stint in middle management, discovering his passion for comedy through open mic nights.
- With various comedy successes spanning Netflix, Comedy Central, and multiple television appearances, Nickerson has shared his unique brand of humor with a wide audience.
- Having published his first book, "How to Be Married (to Melissa)," and amassing a significant social media following, Nickerson remains a beloved figure among Seattle sports fans.
- Nickerson continues to support the Mariners, Husky football, and the Sonics despite their numerous setbacks and disappointments, balancing his fervent loyalty with a healthy sense of humor.
- As a Seattle sports enthusiast, Nickerson acknowledges the humor in his infamous "Oregon joke," which pokes fun at the ongoing rivalry between the two cities and schools.
- In the world of entertainment, including sports, Nickerson understands the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with his audience, making sure he doesn't alienate anyone with his humor.
- At the heart of Nickerson's Oregon joke lies a shared sentiment among sports fans—the exasperation and disappointment of rooting for underperforming teams.
- The universal relatability of Nickerson's humor fosters unity among Seattle sports fans, as they collectively cope with the ups and downs of their beloved teams.
- Seattle's rich sports history infused with humor has cultivated a unique fanbase, personified by Dustin Nickerson, who embodies the spirit of perpetual hope, disappointment, and laughter.
