At FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, there’s a scent in the air on game day that tells you you’re in the right place. Long before the players hit the field, smoke from Tailgate Ted’s smoker rises above Lot G20 as fans begin to gather, plates in hand, drawn in by the unmistakable combination of hospitality, heritage, and heaping servings of expertly prepared game day food. Welcome to Hail BBQ, a tailgating tradition more than two decades in the making—and one of the most celebrated fan experiences in the NFL.

For Ted Abela, better known across the league as “Tailgate Ted,” this isn’t just about burgers and bratwurst. Hail BBQ is a full-scale culinary production, with a themed menu each week based on the visiting team’s hometown. When the Patriots come to town, expect fresh lobster rolls. Texans? Brisket and smoked sausage. Every Sunday becomes a culinary showcase, tailored to 150 to 200 guests, most of whom have no idea just how much effort goes into each event. Ted shops for supplies on Saturdays, arrives before dawn on game day, and spends the next several hours cooking, serving, and cleaning up before ever stepping into the stadium. He rarely eats himself—too busy making sure everyone else is taken care of.

A lifelong fan, Ted’s roots in the Washington football community run deep. His father was on the waitlist for season tickets for years, finally securing them in 2001. From that moment on, Ted hasn’t missed a home game. Over the years, his presence in the lot and on the airwaves has made him a go-to source for fan perspective. He’s been featured on FOX 5, NBC Sports Washington’s Redskins Nation, and now co-hosts the weekly DMV Mess Hall podcast alongside “The Rally Captain,” offering honest takes that resonate with fans who appreciate passion over blind loyalty. He’ll call it like it is—even if it means ruffling feathers. “I’m not a homer,” Ted says. “But I’ll always love this team.”

More than just food and fandom, Hail BBQ is built on community. Donations collected at each tailgate go to local charities, and the crew regularly hosts drives for causes like Be The Match and winter coat collections for the homeless. It's not uncommon to find fans of opposing teams—Jets, Giants, Bears—lined up at the buffet, welcomed with open arms. As longtime Washington superfan Howard “The Hogette” puts it, “I hate your team, but I love your fans.” That spirit of camaraderie is what has made Hail BBQ such a fixture at FedEx Field, and why it was inducted into the Tailgating Hall of Fame in 2016.

Tailgate Ted doesn’t do it alone. His efforts are supported by a dedicated crew and the legacy of fan icons like the Hogettes, who first made their name at RFK Stadium. Fellow Hogette Churchill says it best: “Ted is carrying the banner forward for us. I couldn’t ask for a better man to do it.” It’s a responsibility Ted takes seriously. Even while battling physical setbacks—including three herniated discs in his back—he’s out there every week, putting on a show for fans who might otherwise have lost faith during some of the franchise’s darker years.

Despite the ups and downs on the field, the tailgating scene at FedEx Field is still one of the best in the NFL. An analysis by Betway even ranked it among the top five in the league, and it’s easy to see why. The parking lots open hours before kickoff, with grills, smokers, tents, and RVs transforming the space into a roaming festival of football culture. Among the largest and most respected of these gatherings is Hail BBQ, consistently delivering high-quality food, strong fan connections, and an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere.

With new ownership energizing the franchise and a sold-out crowd ready to fill the stands, the hope is that what happens inside the stadium can finally match the passion found outside it. For now, fans know that no matter the score, they can count on Tailgate Ted to bring his A-game—smoking, seasoning, serving, and smiling through every snap of another NFL Sunday.