FOND FAREWELL TO FOOTBALL

I am a football fanatic.  It does not matter if it is high-school, college or professional games, I watch them all.  Of course I can only watch in the comfort of my home.  You see, I get too radical to be out in public enjoying the games.

Today is a sad day for me.  The last game of the season will be played out in New Orleans today, the Super Bowl; the game that will determine the champions of the NFL.  In the beginning of the season all football fans had high hopes their team would make it to New Orleans.  I am certain, like me, many are upset over the outcome of their team’s performance during the season.  Oh well there is always next season to look forward to.

Super Bowl Sunday has become a day for people to have parties and celebrations.  Sports bars, pubs, private clubs and eateries all offer specials for people to watch the game at their establishments. 

Stores set up displays of must have snacks and beverages to enjoy during the game. 

I don’t remember the first Super Bowl party I attended.  It could have been 1975.  All I recall is my co-worker invited a crowd to party and enjoy the game.  Over the years, since then, I been to Super Bowl parties, but found I rather sit at home to enjoy the game. 

There is a commercial on television about superstitions, beer and football.  Fans seem to have their ritual on game day.   Like many, I have my own; never wear my team jersey or tee shirt on the day they play.  As I cheer for an AFC and NFC team, I wear their attire either on Monday and Tuesday during the season.  I need to do my pre-game cheer for my teams no more than two hours before the game begins; as for snacks and beverages, what I begin with on the first day of the season is the snack and beverage throughout.  Okay you think it is odd, but everyone does what they think will help their team.  I met a man who told me he has to wear his team shirt on a Friday and never on a Sunday.  Another person told me they wear their team jersey or tee shirt to church during the season. 

No doubt the fans of the Ravens and the Forty-niners are doing their rituals.

Who will be the victor?  Who will go home for the season knowing they missed being champs by only oh so much?

Whatever the outcome may be, all I know is that tomorrow my football jerseys, tee shirts, sweatshirts and ball caps will be packed away in storage till September. 

As we say farewell to play on the gridiron today, we will be saying hello in a few weeks to play on the diamond.  The boys of autumn leave us, but the boys of summer are waiting in the wings.

Hope you all enjoy the game, as for me, I am looking forward to the commercials and half-time show.

SUPER BOWL (Written January 18, 2010)

©Scottie-ann Murphy

Sixteen weeks gridiron warriors battle to become CHAMPIONS

Under dome covered stadiums and skies of blue and gray

Pigskin play reigns supreme from September to early February

Every weekend fans fill the seats and tailgate in parking lots

Rain, heat, humidity or frigid temps, the game must be played

Boys of autumn, protectors of their end zone from the foe

Offense pushes forward striving for yardage with each down

While defense tries stopping them from reaching their goal

Lombardi trophy, the prize coveted on Super Bowl Sunday