Memphis Grizzlies Fans Catch Tony Allen Fever

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - He gives a show every time his hand touches the ball. Tony Allen has become "The Man" in Memphis, and folks are eager to see what happens next and how far the Grizzlies will get in the playoffs.

Some say he's the man behind the unpredictable madness and the driving force behind the Memphis Grizzlies' first winning season since 2005.

Tony Allen has become a new favorite among Grizz fans, and many say he's the key to the playoffs. With his sudden clout so high, newly-produced Tony Allen t-shirts are selling like hotcakes.

FOX Sports Radio host Chris Vernon made $15 t-shirts a week ago after noticing a lack of Tony Allen apparel.

"My cell phone, Twitter, email have been slammed since people found out I have these shirts. I might as well have gold bricks or something," he said. "I wasn't trying to make money. I was doing it because I love Tony Allen and I think Grizzlies fans do too and there was nothing to go get."

Vernon says a match-up with the Oklahoma City Thunder put Tony on the map, and his play caught the attention of many who had overlooked his ability as a leader. The shirt's logo, 'All heart, grit, grind,' is what Allen said to reporters after that game.

Memphis Grizzlies owner Mike Heisley has even been spotted sporting the Tony Allen shirt. He wore one Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors, but took it off at halftime when the Grizzlies were down.

The Grizz came back and won it 110 to 91. A day after the game Tony Allen was in the gym practicing his shot, a place he calls his second home. The new fame still hasn't hit him, although he admits his confidence is at an all time high.

"I ain't looking to be a star. I'm not a star. I'm just a blue collar guy who works hard every day," he said.

Tony attributes his humbleness to his days with the Boston Celtics; namely, in 2005 when he tore his ACL.

"It took me six months. I couldn't even walk. I sat back and I humbled myself and realized this thing can be taken away from you at any time. So ever since then, I've been working on my craft everyday."

While he appreciates the shirts and the new fans, Allen says he's just a guy who loves basketball, his family, music, and food.

"Most definitely, my pregame meal is salmon and mashed potatoes… if I don't have that meal, I don't play good."

The Grizzlies are on the road, playing the New Orleans Hornet Friday. Meanwhile, Vernon says he just ordered a new batch of t-shirts.

For more information on the Tony Allen t-shirts, visit http://chrisvernon.blogspot.com .