Super Bowl Losers - tripping over the goal line
Most would consider a second place finish in a 28 team competition a successful season. However, when the failure to reach that last run on the ladder is presented to a record television viewership, second feels like dead last. Teams that come in second and manage to get to the Super Bowl are entitled to tremendous respect. Super Bowl Losers are respected, but the losing team is remembered for railing. Even the commercials are remembered more fondly than the losing team.
Fans work themselves into a frenzy these days before the championship is settled. Cardinal fans had never even though about a trip to the big game prior to a couple weeks ago. Then they went nuts.
Fans lose their minds as well as their credit during the run-up to the Super Bowl. It is amazint what people will buy when their team reaches the pinnacle game. It is also amazing to look at some of the bills when it is all over.
Steeler fans - although no less rabid in support of their team than their counterparts from AZ - are at least a little more measured in their enthusiasm. Pep rallies held in 10 degree weather keeps things under control.
But what of the Super Bowl Losers? Fans of the Denver Broncos know that it is a high social ris to go all-out in your party preparation. You could be hosting something resembling a funeral by half time. The Broncos finally achieved world champion status, but not after being whacked silly in four previous attempts. Embarassing yourself and your city before 75% of the world’s population is tough to live down.
Following the Broncos 42-10 loss to Wachington in Super Bowl XXII, the city would undergo a remarkable internal conflict whenever the team would appear to qualify for subsequent playoff appearances. Some fans actually wanted their team to lose in the AFC Championship to prevent a fifth Super Bowl embarrassment. When the Broncs took on the Packers in Super Bowl XXXII, the Denver suicide hot line laid on extra staff. Fortunately, Elway figured out a way to finally get the job done. After all, you have to be in it to win it.
And what about the poor Buffalo Bills? Imagine losing and then being obligated to ride the team plane back to Buffalo? Getting off an airplane in Buffalo in the middle of winter is bad enough. Getting off as a loser would be unbearable. Players on the four Bills squads that had to make this trip should have just checked their bags right through to Miami. The Buffalo suicide prevention team should have an emergency staff training process in place in the event the Bills get another shot at the big game.
The one thing that seems to unite all fans is the willingness to sit though Super Bowl commercials. Advertisers actually invest time in making these things interesting and funny. This is the real reason that entire families will watch the Super Bowl when they won’t watch any other games all season. Perhaps the networks should charge outrageous sums of money for all commercial placements during the year and compel advertisers to do some actual work.
So as you enjoy the bean and avocado dip this Sunday, remember that one team will go home a loser. And we will be here to bring you the loser’s ‘Welcome Home’ parade.
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