Columnists
Super Bowl XLV
The game, the event and the circus
A man had 50 yard line tickets for the Super Bowl. As he sat down, he noticed that the seat next to him was empty.
He asked the man on the other side of the empty seat whether anyone was sitting there.
“No,” the man replied, “The seat is empty.”
“This is incredible,” said the first man.
“Who in their right mind would have a seat like this for the Super Bowl, the biggest sporting event in the world, and not use it?”
The second man replied, “Well, actually, the seat belongs to me. I was supposed to come with my wife, but she passed away. This will be the first Super Bowl we haven’t been together since we got married in 1967.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. That’s terrible. But couldn’t you find someone else—a friend or relative, or even a neighbor to take the seat?”
The man shook his head. “No, they’re all at the funeral.”
I just couldn’t resist that one! Hope you appreciate it!
I trust that you have recovered from the two dynamic sports events last weekend: the NHL All-Star game and the NFL Pro Bowl. So much to do, so little time. Truthfully, I passed on both of them.
Come Sunday, I will be firmly seated for the big game. This will be the first time that I will be able to see the American ads as I will be watching the game in Florida. Personally, not a big deal.
I will not try to intimidate my guests with a “Terrible Towel” from Pittsburgh, nor a “Cheese Head” from Green Bay. For me, the game’s the thing.
I look forward to the classic battle between the quarterbacks. “Big Ben” Rothlisberger, the Steelers quarterback, already has two Super Bowl rings. He has indicated he has room on his hands for another bauble. Aaron Rogers, on the other hand, has yet to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
Many Packer fans still believe he walks, (runs, passes— take your pick) in the shadow of the other guy who preceded him in Green Bay. Lest you have forgotten, Brett Favre also won only one Super Bowl championship. So if Rogers wins the game, he will be tied with Favre.
Rothlisberger is also chasing a legend in some respects. Terry Bradshaw won the big one three times wearing the Steelers jersey. I am certain Rothlisberger would be comfortable slipping on another ring.
These teams are in the big game because of their defensive accomplishments. They are the top two defensive teams in the NFL. A player from each team has been nominated as the top defensive player of the year: Polamalu for the Steelers, and Clay Matthews for the Packers. Both play with wild and reckless abandon, often creating havoc when least expected.
The Steelers arrived first at the Dallas airport. As is the case with the modern athlete, many wandered around the airport with their “handcams.” One American radio pundit figured these guys would watch these videos about as often as they would watch wedding videos. Right!
Rothlisberger was interviewed at the airport. He began the verbal jousting by indicating that the Steelers had an advantage because they have been through the “Super Bowl Circus” on previous occasions.
Sunday from Dallas. You will likely need to record the game on a VCR or some such device. The Dukes play at the same time. Pickering at 6:30 p.m. at the Essroc. Make your friends maintain silence about the outcome of the game. Mug the announcer. Don’t let him announce the score!
Enjoy!
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