Bone-crushing hits, fumbles, interceptions, touchdowns, dancing cheerleaders, funny commercials, parties, flowing spirits and a champion crowned at the end of the night.
According to Huffington Post, based on the Nielson Co. survey, last year’s Super Bowl attracted an estimated 111,000,000 viewers making it the most watched television program ever.
On Feb. 5, the Super Bowl will once again captivate most American households, bars and troops abroad. It has become a tradition for fans to hotly debate which teams should play in the Super Bowl and which of the two should ultimately hoist the Lombardi trophy as professional football’s champion.
The Lombardi trophy was named after Vince Lombardi, legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers, who won the first two Super Bowls.
“All of America watches,” said junior Tatum Lemly. “I’ll probably go out somewhere and watch the game with a bunch of my friends. I thought the Packers would win, but now I’m pulling for the 49ers.”
One thing the Super Bowl does is bring friends together regardless of which team they are supporting.
“It’s America’s game, that’s what keeps everyone watching;” said sophomore Saegan Hilliard, who also plans on watching with friends. “I’m now pulling for the Giants.”
Of course, no Super Bowl gathering would be complete without food and beverages.
“I’m going to a party and eat some wings and food and other stuff,” said senior Brad Monroe, who likes the 49ers in the game.
Most fans agree that the best thing about the Super Bowl is the camaraderie produced as a result of tuning in.
“The Super Bowl brings people together who wouldn’t otherwise be together,” said sophomore Ryan Phillips, a 49ers fan.
The Super Bowl dates back to the merger of the American Football League with the National Football League in 1966. Kansas City Chief Owner Lamar Hunt came up with the name “Super Bowl” for lack of any other name. The original title was “The NFL-AFL World Championship Game.” That was too long, so the media and fans chose the shorter “Super Bowl.” The name was officially changed to “Super Bowl” in 1969.
There have been 45 Super Bowls so far. Generations of fans remember significant plays and moments in all those games and continue to argue controversial referee calls years later.
“My favorite play happened during Super Bowl XXIV in 2000,” said junior JT Thomas. “The first year the Tennessee Titans played in the Super Bowl. Steve McNair of the Titans against Marshall Faulk of the St. Louis Rams. It was the last play of the game. The tackle at the one yard line and time ran out.”
Mike Jones of the Rams tackled Kevin Dyson one yard short of the end zone as time ran out, preventing a game-tying touchdown for the Titans and preserving the championship for the Rams.
“My favorite was David Tyree’s catch in the Giants versus Patriots game in Super Bowl XLII,” said Lemly.
In that game, the underdog, the New York Giants, faced undefeated New England Patriots. Giants quarterback, Eli Manning, avoided a sack and completed a 32-yard pass to David Tyree. Tyree pinned the ball against his helmet and although a Patriot was wrapped all over him, Tyree was able to hold on to the ball for the first down and all but sealed the win for the Giants.
Despite the great memories and plays in the Super Bowl, perhaps the importance lies in the familial bonds it creates.
“My fondest memory is watching the Super Bowl every year for years and years with my dad,” said junior Noah Ratner, a Patriots fan.
“I’d like to see (Tom) Brady, (quarterback of the New England Patriots) who has already won three championships, win again.”
Super Bowl XLVI will pit the favorite (3.5 points according to covers.com) New England Patriots against the New York Giants at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:20 PM EST on NBC.
