Warning: If you were sick of hearing about the Super Bowl a week before kick-off yesterday, you should probably avoid this blog posting. I realize many may be tired of the subject, but it’s Monday morning and my junk food induced lethargy from yesterday – and general laziness – has made it impossible for me to resist the obvious topic. Plus, I promise I’ll link to some funny commercials.
Anyway, what a game. After three quarters of low-scoring, watch-the-teams-shoot-themselves-in-the-foot style football, the fourth quarter was awesome. Having no allegiance to either team – which means I then default to cheering for the underdog – I actually found myself jumping off my chair as the Giants made their final drive. So did one of my coworkers, a self-proclaimed non-football fan, whose excitement left his girlfriend sopping spilled beer off her shoulder.
Since I have little more to offer in way of football commentary, I’ll just link to the game-changing play, one that many say will go down as one of the greatest post-season plays of all time.
Now, to the more controversial side of the game: Who made the most of their multi-million dollar commercial spot?
For the most part, I wasn’t that impressed with commercials this year. Perhaps it’s just that my sense of humor is becoming more sophisticated (doubtful) or I’m jaded by constant exposure to ads (more likely), but only a handful really made me laugh. My nod for best slots goes to eTrade, for it’s talking baby commercials (this one’s good, and this one’s even better). They’re simple. They’re funny. And, yes, clowns are creepy.
The Pepsi spot featuring Justin Timberlake was also pretty good, and although it’s a bit crude, I’ll admit I laughed pretty hard when Will Ferrell’s character finished with, “Bud Light. Suck one.” Other favorites: Charles Barkley’s phone harassment of Dwayne Wade; Bridgestone’s screaming squirrel and friends; and Budweiser’s Rocky spoof. Oh, and for sentimental value, it was nice to see Charlie Brown actually win one. But, as a friend said, Lucy probably showed up right after and took it away.
Yesterday, I couldn’t help but wonder what brings people – many of whom don’t follow either team, or pro football at all, for that matter – together each year to watch this game. My mom, someone who once asked how they were able to move the yellow line on the field so quickly, was busily preparing a veggie tray and bean dip when I talked to her before the game. I was freaked out to find I was doing the same thing.
What is it that makes families like mine, where no member has every played competitive football or avidly followed and cheered for the same team year after year, watch this game? If I had to guess, I’d say tradition and the excuse to gorge on lots of food. Two things, I think, that most families will take most any excuse to celebrate.