My First Super Bowl
On Sunday, February 12th, the Philadelphia Eagles faced the Kansas City Chiefs in the 57th annual Super Bowl, the finale of the National Football League season. The Chiefs were the favorites to win and emerged as victors with a narrow 38-35 win. This year’s Super Bowl was my first time watching the American rite-of-passage. Back home in England, committed Brits who are fans of American football will stay up to the early hours of the morning to watch the fixture. However, it’s safe to say that I was not one of these fans.
Before coming to America, I had never seen an American football game; however, after experiencing the football season at a “football school,” it’s a challenge not to be consumed by the roaring melodies and unfaltering fandom that embodies the sport. I appreciated the significance of the Super Bowl, especially the half-time show, and was only so keen to participate in the archetype of American culture.
Perhaps too cocky in my knowledge of American football, I quickly realized the rules of the game were beyond me. I understand the basics: a touchdown was desirable and a false start not so much. However, between the frequent ad intervals showcasing a range of products with a variety of celebrity faces attached, it was a challenge to maintain focus on the nuances of the game.
Whilst my Super Bowl knowledge was limited, I knew the halftime show was important – some would say even more important than the sport. A Google search for ‘Super Bowl’ encapsulates the significance of the halftime show as the final score was overshadowed, with analyses of Rihanna’s performance and confirmation of Rihanna’s pregnancy taking top spot.
Assisted by my American comrades, who impressively disguised their frustrations at my incessant questioning of who was who and what meant what, I began to gain an appreciation of the game and its highly tactical nature. I am proud to say that I know who Jalen Hurts and the Kelce brothers are! I can say with confidence that Patrick Mahomes’ brilliance as a quarterback sealed the Chief’s success, cementing the reputation of Mahomes as one of the greats. I now know what a quarterback is and who Mahomes is; it was an informative event, to say the least!
I was amazed at the grandeur of the Super Bowl and accompanied by a day filled with respective fandoms fuelling themselves with chicken wings and tailgating; it’s difficult not to be swept away in the American rite-of-passage. I’m vegetarian, too, so truly a testament to the allure of the Super Bowl!
While I will continue to call soccer football (as I still cannot understand why a sport called football includes one rarely using their foot), when I’m back home I may reassess my refusal to stay awake to the early hours of the morning as the Super Bowl is an event not to be missed. I may have to replace the chicken wings with a chamomile tea, but it’s safe to say that I’ve become quite attached to the American tradition!
Strike Out,
Mae Brennan
