Super Sunday is here. Super Bowl LI is upon us. The Atlanta Falcons take on the New England Patriots. Since my days as exchange student in the USA in 1984-85 I’m an American Football enthusiast. Since then I have watched every single Super Bowl live on TV, even when here in Germany the game is on in the middle of the night. Not to mention that during NFL season usually my Sunday evenings are full of football as well. So you can call me a hardcore fan of this game. I rather not mention that since my exchange year my heart belongs to a team that has been notoriously success less in the past twenty years, even though in this year they showed some signs of life again. I hope I live to see them reach the big game once more.
To see more monochrome photos of one of my live football experiences and read about some of my thoughts about the game continue reading after the jump…..
During the past years I managed to visit a few NFL games. My last one was in 2015 when I got to see the Dallas Cowboys play the New England Patriots in the amazing Jerry World (aka AT&T Stadium) in Arlington, Texas. That day it was another strong performance of the Pats. I am in no way a fan of the Brady Bunch (hint: my team plays in their division), but I have utmost respect for this organization. Owner, Head Coach, staff and team have built a dynasty and each year overcome whatever obstacles are thrown in their way. Professionally I regard this organization as a perfect team and they prove year over year over year what a perfect team is capable of achieving. And Tom Brady is arguably the greatest player of all times.
What I admire about US sport in general that fans from both teams mix and mingle without getting into fights (something that is seemingly impossible in European Soccer) and sharing the love for the game. I love the atmosphere around NFL games with the tailgating parties before and after the game around the stadium. I wish we had this here in Europe.
Despite all criticism towards the violence of this game and the commercialism generated by the league (and all of this needs to be seen rightfully as critical) the game and the show around it does an important thing: for those three hours it brings people and nations together and makes everyone watching it forget for a moment the chaotic world we live in.
I wish everyone a happy Super Sunday and to all of us watching Super Bowl LI a peaceful and exiting game!
Marcus