Last Sunday, I along with millions of Americans gathered around the television to watch Super Bowl XVL. Any sports fan understands the excitement and chaos that goes into this major event. Every aspect of the game is picked apart and dissected, from the numerous interviews conducted with the players and coaches during the pre-game show. All the way down to the field just before the coin toss. People are waiting with anticipation to see who will be crowned the next champion. However, if paid close attention, one would hear more than just the sound of “black & yellow” playing throughout the stadium. See pass the fans wearing the weird cheese shaped hat and discover a story unfolding right before our very eyes.
“I’m excited about the game this Sunday because it celebrates something very unusual in sport, and that is race and class.” This was stated by talk show host Tavis Smiley when interviewing former football player turned sports analyst Rod Woodson a few nights before the Super Bowl. He stated on one side of the field, there stood Mike Tomlin, head coach of the Steelers, the youngest, and first African American head coach to bring two teams to the Super Bowl. Many viewers just saw a man with headphones on preparing to call plays. While others saw a historic moment being made because not long ago, men of ethnic background were not even considered candidates. For the head coach position until the Rooney rule was implemented in 2003. Therefore, for any upcoming “Mike Tomlin’s”, more was on the line than just winning the Lombardi trophy. His presence made a statement that minority coaches are equally talented as any other race when given the opportunity.
On the other side of the field, less than 60 yards away gathered not just a team, but also a community ready for battle. According to the Green Bay Packers, they compare there entrance into the sports industry to the story of “David & Goliath. There were many obstacles this franchise faced, but with the love and pride of the citizens of Green Bay, Wisconsin. The team still managed to win 11 championship titles (before winning the Super Bowl) against other franchise team who has wealthier owners and reside in cities twice their sizes. This story is a prime example of what being the underdog is all about, when the opponent is bigger than you, it’s using what you have to persevere.
Every Super Bowl game has a story behind it. At the end, there can only be one winner; however, the message of self-determination and strength will never be lost. Even though its not being discussed over ESPN, people will remember the African American coach who prove to posses the skills and technique to lead a team to the championship. While the citizens of a small town, demonstrated through their love and passion, they too can beat the odds and win (which they did). Therefore, when peeled back the layers of fame and fortune that comes along with the Super Bowl, one would see that its not just a game, but a movement.
-The Sportsnista ‘95
-The Sportsnista ‘95
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