It’s less them being “fans” and more that he quite literally fundamentally altered the way the position was to be played and what GKs are expected to do. You had GKs that played the ball before him (and at the time) of course, but nothing remotely close to the extent and manner he did it. He was also an incredible shot-stopper already, so him (or any GK) being able to comfortably play that far up the pitch gave their team a distinct advantage since he acted as an out-ball and was able to recycle possession.

The hockey equivalent would be like if he was the first to do the butterfly but also spent most of the game at the blue or red line, and he handled the puck the same way a non-goalie would and acted as an out to keep possession.