Have never been a fan of the two-week break between the conference championship games and the Super Bowl. There reaches a point when, having exhausted the stories on facts, figures and human interest, we reach into the obscure.
So, happy as can be that Super Bowl LX -- 60 -- has arrived. Was just thinking of where I watched that very first game between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs. The game was carried by not one, but two networks (CBS, NBC) and wasn't even referred to as the Super Bowl at the time. That moniker came several seasons later.
By the way, the AFC holds a 33-26 advantage over the NFC in the overall standings. But this writer thinks it will be Seattle taking home the Lombardi Trophy, topping New England.
Up in my hometown, paid my cash and got onto a Super Bowl pool at a tavern that bears the name of a late high school classmate. Like having something to pull for in these games, have for years. Yes, this was popular well before gambling found it's way into legal, accepted forms. Did a piece for the Oshkosh Daily Northwestern back in the late 1970's about the fact that most local police departments turned a blind eye to bars running their pools.
In fact, sat down with of one of the local police -- the chief no less! -- who talked freely about ignoring pools as long as they were paid out 100%, with nothing going to the establishment. And admitted he was known to go in on a pool or two.
In that hometown, the bar I've referenced has no less than a pair of $100 a square pools that pay out by the minute and seven others that pay by the quarter. Add in a few 10 line envelopes and you have a day that is pretty typical for the big game.
Mike Tomlin walked as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers after 19 seasons in which he NEVER had a losing season. What's more amazing is that his replacement will be just the fourth head coach the franchise has had in 57 seasons. Incredible.
The Milwaukee Brewers made the right, though difficult, decision in trading away pitcher "Fast" Freddy Peralta. Better to get something in return, like they did in shipping off Corbin Burns, than have Freddy hit free agency and not get a thing for him.
Speaking of the Brewers, 14 members of the organization, from the majors to the minors, will take part in the World Baseball Classic. Of those, only Brice Turang will play for Team USA.
Was thinking that, after a somewhat disappointing season with the Steelers that quarterback Aaron Rodgers, 42, would end his football career. He's a free agent. But along comes Mike McCarthy, taking over the helm in Pittsburgh and hinting he would like to reunite with his quarterback.
If it is the end for Rodgers, his Hall of Fame resume is impressive.
- 66,274 passing yards (fifth all-time)
- Four MVPs
- One Super Bowl win (and a Super Bowl MVP)
- 10 Pro Bowls
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