Super Bowl LIX Offers Something For Everyone: Six Insights into this Spirited Sunday

Football fan or not, Super Bowl Sunday offers something for everyone. And teaching about it in Sports and Spirituality through the assignment: Faith and Football, I was reminded of its significance to American culture. We are an interesting, inspiring, complicated, spirited and spiritual nation. We love sport and we love athletes, coaches, and yes, a football game between two divisional rivals gives us insight into who we are and what we value. 

1. Guess who will be in attendance?
Kendall Baker of Yahoo sports reports that "Donald Trump will become the first sitting U.S. president to attend the Super Bowl. Three Vice Presidents have attended: Al Gore (1994), George H.W. Bush (1982) and Spiro Agnew (1971)." Will he wear the #47 jersey given to him by the NHL champion Florida Panthers, who visited the White House this week ahead of their game tonight against the first-place Capitals. 

I was surprised to read that DJT is the first to take a seat in what will be the SuperDome's presidential suite. I told my students "if I were POTUS, I would go every year." Then I realized, I might have obligations that are more pressing. Maybe not.

2. Super Bowl Party Time
In the event you're not sure what to bring to a Super Bowl gathering, I have a party pleaser. I first got the recipe from my friend's sister-in-law. I made them and brought them to class on presentation day. My students liked them so much that one boy actually picked up the entire container and placed it on his desk  He and his friends offered unsolicited praise of these pretzels. I don't even have a name for them, but they are magical.

Use a 16 oz. bag of pretzels, 2/3 cup oil, I pkg. ranch mix, 1 tsp. cayenne and 1 tsp. garlic powder.  

Mix everything except the pretzels and then add the mixture right into the bag of pretzels. I shake them gently to evenly distribute the wet mixture and then put on a cookie sheet or roasting pan. 

Bake at 300 degrees for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

Given that the recipe was given to me, it is only right to give it away to others I'd love to know if you have thoughts on variations of this savory snack. Regardless, enjoy!

3. Pre-game Prayer
Rather than examine the public praise of Christ in the post-game presser, I am ever eager to learn the ways that athletes pray before games. Many athletes engage personally and publicly in prayer as a way to center themselves—and they do so in different ways.

For example, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has a ritual. Two hours before every single game Mahomes, an evangelical Christian, walks the field, takes a knee and bows his head at the goal post. Since high school he has made time before the contest to "thank God for those opportunities." He prays,  "In the warmth of your love, will you deport, keep me safe, safe and sound."

Eagles quarterback, Jalen Hurts offers his prayer in private. In a GQ Sports video where Hurts lists 10 things he can’t live without, his daily devotional and his journal were included. In his pregame ritual, he makes time for both. His pregame ritual makes

“It’s really important to me because I’m a man of God. Waking up every morning and having a routine where I can gain some wisdom and learn his Word and just walk by the Spirit. I strive to do that daily, and I challenge myself to spread that Word organically.”

What other ways do the players promote and/or practice their faith? Maybe you will see A.J. Brown wearing his bracelet that says, "I AM SECOND"—meaning that God is first. I appreciate that these three men, like many of their teammates ‘Walk by the Spirit.’ 

4. Spiritual Hero
While it's amusing that Eagles' head coach Nick Sirianni once worked for the Chiefs, and the Chiefs head Coach Andy Reid worked for the Birds, what's more interesting  stood out to me is the personal profile of their assistant running backs coach, Porter Ellet. 

From my students' presentation I learned that the Chiefs "left hand man" was introduced to Coach Reid by his son-in law. Reid was impressed by Ellett’s determination and invited him into the organization in 2017 as a personal assistant, then promoted him in 2020 where he served as an offensive quality control coach (2020-2022). He was promoted to his current position in 2023. 

Ellet Lost use of right arm  in an accident where he fell out of the bed of a moving pickup truck when he was four years old. He fractured his skull and damaged nerves  in his right arm which left it immobile. After 12 years of injuries and struggles living with an immobile arm, Ellet asked his parents if he could get his arm amputated. Although he did not did not play football, he played both baseball and basketball in high school

In 2022 NFL Films, Mahomes said “I know one day he’s going to be a head coach in this league.” That is the right thing to see.

5. Charitable Cause Worth Consideration
As we know sports and the Super Bowl in particular offer a great platform whereby athletes and teams can raise awareness about a cause or charitable organization. For the first time, my students actually showed the video that features one of the competitor's team initiatives.

The Eagles Autism Foundation provides funding for Autism research and awareness. So far the Birds have contributed $8.1 million dollars to fund 53 research and community projects. The video captures who benefits and how with joy and alacrity. See for yourself.

As noted by my student who presented this slide, "I find it inspiring how the organization utilizes its platform to provide awareness, funding, and resources to marginalized communities.I admire their efforts to make an impact and setting an example for many professional teams." Here. Here.

6. Give back!
The word holiday comes from the Old English and meant holy day. While the term was originally used to refer to religious days, today it has a much broader meaning, and refers to secular celebrations as well.  And a great way to gather for any holiday is with traditional foods and a feast like no other. In this way, Super Bowl Sunday does not disappoint. 

In fact, next to Thanksgiving Day, Americans eat more on Super Bowl Sunday than any other day of the year.Over the last few years, about 12.5 million pizza pies have been consumed on Super Bowl Sunday. Chicken wings are another fan favorite. The National Chicken Council estimates that Americans will eat 1.47 billion wings on February 9. This is enough to circle the Earth three times!

A colleague told me "people consume enough avocados to fill a football field three inches high. No idea if that's true or not..." Who doesn't love a good avocado.

While people will double their calorie intake on Sunday, too many Americans will go hungry. Therefore, I ask students to bring in a canned food item for the SF-Marin Food Bank. We can all do our part to end hunger. Maybe you want to make your Super Bowl squares into a 50/50 raffle with proceeds to a local food pantry or soup kitchen. There are so many ways to give to others.

In Conclusion
Whether or not you will be cheering for the reigning champs or against them. It doesn't matter if you are watching for the half time show or the commercials. Super Bowl Sunday is a day for us to come together for snacks, service, to celebrate spiritual heroes, raise questions, express concerns, dream differently and have fun. Enjoy the game.

Photos
Super Bowl LIX
47
Left Hand

    

Analytics Aside: Five Lessons from Super Bowl LVIII

I woke up Sunday morning with a spring in my step and a smile on my face. I said to myself, "it's Super Bowl Sunday" and this one is special. Why? It's not every year, that your team is in the NFL Championship game. I loved hearing from friends throughout the country with text messages like "Thinking of you today!" and "Go Niners." I went to Mass in my Niners' gear and took note of how many others in the congregation did too. I found my way to the grocery store and was delighted to see extra staff on hand as people got the goods for the second biggest feast day in the US (Thanksgiving Day is #1). I put on my CMC jersey. I packed my Super Bowl snacks and arrived at a super spirited party, knowing the next four hours plus would not be easy. Sadly, that premonition proved to be true. But not all was lost at Super Bowl LVIII. I gained a few insights and life lessons. They are not about questionable calls. You won't find much by way of analytics. Regardless, I think these are a few worth sharing.  

"Super Bowl" is two words and a proper noun.
As a teacher, you have certain tools in your toolbox. The words of William O'Malley SJ, the author of "Building Your Own Conscience" have served as one of the better ones. He writes,  "The first step toward wisdom is to call a thing by its right name. Then you'll handle it as it deserves." I would like to add that writing and spelling it properly are important too.

Maybe I missed the memo, but it seems that proper nouns and the usage of paragraphs are out of fashion for writers under the age of 18. Though social media cares little for the rules of grammar, I cannot and do not let this bad habit slide in my classroom. I have told my students paragraphs are important because they help you, the writer organize ideas and the reader to understand them. Furthermore, proper nouns indicate importance and mark distinction. The Super Bowl is not "Any Given Sunday." It's the NFL championship game. Thus, its title requires differentiation and discipline.

We all watch in our own way
I attended the friend of a friend's annual Super Bowl party. The hostess happens to be an identical twin. I had no difficulty telling them apart because one twin only came down for the halftime show. A die-hard Niners fan, she couldn't watch the game with others for several reasons—she gets too nervous, the crowd's commentary can be off-putting, and she really wants to watch the game. I came to find out she is not an outlier—I know many people who do the same.

When it comes to watching a sporting event we care about, fans have their preferences. For example, good sound is incredibly important to me. I am an info hound and I want to hear the commentary. I need those around me to remain positive. I can't handle it when others rip on the players and critique with unbridled authority how and why they are messing up. I have a hard time staying calm. If you are telling me a story about something during a key play, I won't listen. Why? During a championship game—the World Series, the Super Bowl, etc. the stakes are just too high.

Over the years, I have come to terms with who I am in these environments. I hope I'm a fun and knowledgable companion—but I know I can be overly emotional, tense and on edge. While I can handle being with others, I live by the principle we all can and should watch in our own way. No apologies required.

Super Sick Monday
I went into work the day after the Super Bowl with my head hung low, licking my wounds and wishing things were different. But at least I went to work. According to the Morning Brew "16.1 million employees are expected to take off work the day after the Super Bowl, according to the UKG Workforce Institute. In all, 14% of US employees plan to miss at least some work on “Super Sick Monday,” 

Perhaps you have heard, but many believe we should observe a national holiday the day after the Super Bowl. I am down with that, and here is my suggestion / solution for how that can happen.

President's Day is observed in the United States on the third Monday in February. Why not move the holiday to the second Monday in the month? The rationale for the current date is because Lincoln was born on February 12 and Washington on February 19. While I understand the goal of honoring a day between the two birth dates, given the larger context of who and what President's Day honors, the distinction is nominal.

One third of the American people watched the Super Bowl—a number that is not decreasing. In short, a lot of spirited gatherings and house parties that involve overeating, drinking, gambling, yelling, jumping, screaming and more make for a work force that is not optimal come Monday. What do we lose by aligning President's Day with Super Bowl Sunday? Maintaining the status quo is a zero sum gain.

Tennyson had it right...
Whether you return to work on Monday or Tuesday after the Super Bowl, those of us on the losing side know it's not easy. As a Niners fan, losing Super Bowl LVIII was especially tough. Sports fans know the window of opportunity is so small. We have gotten close in recent years and this year we got that much closer.

I knew I would have to face my colleagues and recount the loss. One coworker said, "I would rather lose in the playoffs that get all the way to Super Bowl and fall short." I understood what she said. The two weeks between the AFC and NFC championship games are filled with hype. The amount of attention and energy given to your team is astounding. To lose in the playoffs means you are free of the distraction two, three or four weeks sooner.

I asked my students to weigh in on this matter: agree or disagree. They each said it is antithetical to the nature of the game to not go all the way. One student added, it's like that saying, "it is better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all." I responded "so Tennyson had it right. I have to agree."

What could be more American?
In Sports and Spirituality, I have a project centered around the Super Bowl called Faith and Football. A minor theme is "What could be more American?" We address what the Super Bowl—positively and negatively— reveals about our culture. Unfortunately the events surrounding the Chiefs' victory parade—an altercation that resulted in gun violence that killed one woman and injured two dozen others reflects one of the darkest truths of our society. Respect for human life is not a given. It is too precarious, and continually under threat. The fact that a public celebration ends in shooting, death and injury is beyond tragic. It is unacceptable. It's hard to say this, but given the number of shootings we have had this year one must conclude: it is American.

In Conclusion
The second that Mahomes connected with Hardman, I stood up, I thanked and hugged the host and I left. I would be lying if I told you I enjoyed the game. As much as I loved the morning and the two weeks building up to the game, once the clock started running, I was a nervous wreck. I did not enjoy the game. I was hoping for a parade on my 50th birthday. You read that right. The city of San Francisco announced—pending a Niners win— that it would host a victory parade on Thursday, February 15, 2024. School would have been canceled (maybe?!) and I could enjoy the milestone with the Gold Rush, etc. The Chiefs had their own plans.

I called my Dad to talk about the loss. He ended the conversation by telling me that he was already hopeful for next year. A number of our starters would return and we had that much more experience to draw from. In fact, the Niners are the betting favorites for next year already. Super Bowl LIX takes place on February 9, 2025. I'll still be 50... no need for a parade, I'll take the sixth Lombardi trophy for the Niners. Gladly. There's always more to learn, question, hope for and discover.

Thank you to the San Francisco Forty-Niners for a great season.

Photo Credits
Prayer Service
Super Bowl LVIII
Brock Hug
Pointed
Super Sick Monday

Can We Talk About Juju?

I am a religious person and a spiritual person. I'm not superstitious (I learned the hard way on that one. Guatemala, 2007). I've never used a Oujia board or seen a psychic. Nary a tarot card or Zodiac sign will be found among my possessions. I don't dabble. BUT, I don't mess with juju. Do you? And what I really want to know is: Can we talk about it?

To be honest, I thought the word was made up. I think it's a fun word to say. Turns out, there's more to it. According to Britannica

Juju is an object that has been deliberately infused with magical power or the magical power itself; it also can refer to the belief system involving the use of juju. Juju is practiced in West African countries... It is neither good nor bad, but it may be used for constructive purposes as well as for nefarious deeds. 

Juju operates on the principle of spiritual contagious contact based on physical contact. The underlying belief is that two entities that have been in close contact have similar properties even after being separated. It then becomes possible to manipulate one in order to reach the other. 

It is thought that spiritual similarity can be created by deliberately placing two things in physical contact. The underlying belief is that spiritual assimilation and fusion will take place, with one entity absorbing the qualities of the other. Amulets, charms, and mascots are all common forms of juju. Usually worn for protective purposes, those objects have been infused with a particular type of energy, and wearing them is expected to create paths and possibilities for the wearer, as well as guard them against ill fortunes and evil spirits.

Wow. And yet, when I think how and when I reference juju...this description rings true.

For example, I am most sensitive to the juju when I gamble. If I don't like the feel of the table or if a person joins it and brings new juju, bad juju, I will walk away.

Like many sports fans, I am mindful of the juju. For example, when people ask "If we win the Super Bowl, what day is the parade?" I can hardly answer the question. I have no problem with pundits and fans making predictions, but to talk about real possibilities and plans? No can do. Bad Juju. 

Combine sports and gambling—which many of us do—and the juju takes on a life of its own. The movie, "Silver Linings Playbook" captures that dynamic perfectly. I too have blamed certain people for messing up my team's juju.

So what gives? Or rather, why give into the juju. "I Don't Want Your Good Juju" a post featured in the National Catholic Reporter, captures my question... and my answer.

Futhermore, I don't pray to roll my point on craps. I don't ask God to guide my hand in Blackjack when I decide to split the eights. I will never pray for my team to win the game—parlay or not. I will however ask God for the health and safety of all athletes. I am happy to pray that my team uses their talents to the best of their abilities and glorify God in the process. I pray for a game that is fair. Do I pray for a game that is fun? why not!

Prayer is raising our hearts and minds to God. It is fundamental to my relationship with the Lord. Prayer is communication—listening and yes, asking. But I don't see God as a slot machine who grants my wishes—as much as I might want them to come true! Prayer is so much more. It is sacred and holy. Authentic prayer is as raw and it is real. And, I believe it's worth making the distinctions. 

In short, I save prayer for the big stuff, for the real stuff. As much as I enjoy gambling and love sports, they have their place. Obviously sports enhance my life. They make it more meaningful and fun, but they don't control it (I am sensitive to the fact that others might feel differently e.g. Kyle Shanahan and his family. I think Brock Purdy is sincere when he thanks Jesus for the opportunity to play in the Super Bowl). And thus, it is in that same spirit that I can tune in to the juju and tune it out. 

I hope Super Bowl LVIII is a great game and my team plays to the best of its abilities. May the best team win and the juju be kind ;-)

And just to prove there is a prayer for just about everything, here's a Super Bowl Sunday Prayer

Dear God, As we gather with family and friends to enjoy the NFL championship game, may we recall the truths and qualities that make sports wholesome and good. May the virtues of preparation, experience, teamwork and determination be on display. Not only on the field but within our lives. Enable discernment, trust, good conduct and sportsmanship. Establish grace in both winning and losing and fill us with hope and anticipation for the new season yet to come. Amen.

Photo Credits
Allegiant
Tiffany and Pat
Jackpot

Faith and Football: Lessons from my students in Sports and Spirituality (Redux)

This semester I am teaching a senior course slightly different than the one I usually do; it is entitled Christian Spirituality. With the tragic death of Kobe and Gianna Bryant and the joy an anticipation of Super Bowl, however, there has been a lot of sport in this spirituality.

I wasn't planning on including Faith and Football—an annual presentation for Sports and Spirituality— into our curriculum, until the local team made good. I informed my students of the project and its purpose and I put it to a vote. Some admitted they don't watch any football and were slightly hesitant, but the overall enthusiasm and excitement galvanized this somewhat-quiet group to take the challenge. This posting highlights what we learned. Feel free to integrate the following ideas and information into your Super Bowl party!

Niners Fans' Theme Song
My students walked into the classroom with this Remix of the 1984 song "We're the 49ers." It's really hard NOT to move to when you hear the beat—whether it's today's cut, one that features the names of today's players or the voices of those from the Super Bowl XVIII championship team! It's unfortunate that crew didn't create a music video of their own in the way the 1985 Chicago Bears did. I decided to play the video of that hit single and am glad I did. The real football fans in the room couldn't help but appreciate the Sweetness of Walton Payton, among several other Hall of Famers. The white pants and dance moves—added bonus.

Following the musical frenzy, I wanted my class to give a nod to the all time epic performance of the late Whitney Houston as she sang our national anthem at Super Bowl Greatness needs to introduction or explanation. Demi Lovato will sing our national anthem at this year's contest.

Coin Toss Plus
With the class divided into two groups: Chiefs vs Niners, I asked the two captains to come forward for the coin toss. Heads or tails, in this case, would not determine who would punt or receive. No, the winner in this case was able get our Super Bowl snacks first. 

This group did not hold back. Students created a taco bar since we met after lunch. Move over stone soup! Kids brought different toppings and some exercised the option to bring in a can of food for the San Francisco Food Bank. 

After Thanksgiving Day, Americans consume more on Super Bowl Sunday than any other day of the year. With this project, it felt like another holiday weekend.

THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

“What I love about the Chiefs is they’ve got each other’s backs always. On the field and off the field, they’re brothers. They’re all accountable and step up when called. It’s not offense, defense, coaches, all separate. It’s one big family. And I love that.” — Heidi Gardner, SNL

Two Player Profiles: Formed in Faith

Harrison Butler: Roman Catholic

• Born July 14, 1995
• Attended and played football at Georgia Tech
• Nickname: "Butt Kicker" is a play on words for his name and position
• Married with one child
• Sometimes serves traditional Latin Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Independence, MO

Mitchell Schwartz: Jewish

• Born June 8, 1989 in Pacific Palisades, CA
• Attended and played football at UC Berkeley 
• 2nd round draft pick in 2012
• Offensive tackle
• Born and raised conservative Jewish
• Hebrew name is Mendel
• Schwartz wasn't allowed to play football until his freshman year of high school as his parents wanted him to study for his Bar Mitzvah instead. Furthermore, in middle school he was already 6’5 and 240 lbs—too big for Pop Warner

THE SAN FRANCISCO FORTY NINERS

The Faithful
Growing up 25 east of San Francisco, the Niners were always our home team. Now that I live in San Francisco, it's strange that the city this classic NFL franchise calls home is 49 miles from where they play. Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara is but a few miles from where I work (in Mountain View). Something about it all feels disingenuous....but the Bay Area is known for tolerance. Our sports fandom is no different.

While this group struggled to find much about the faith of players, their report on the fan base was fascinating.

Known around here as "The Faithful" Niner fans rank eleventh out of 32 for the most annoying fanbase. I would love to see the criteria for this metric. They report, "fans are delusional and unfriendly." 

The Niners do however, have several fan clubs, including WON: Women of the Niners (they have a magazine!), the Kids Club, the Crib Club, and 49ers Pride, a group for the LGBTQ communities. Furthermore, the Niners maintain fan chapters throughout the country.

The Glory of God is the human person fully alive
Watching football has become a moral issue for many people I know. I understand. I also know when I see a play like the one my students chose, something inside of me catches fire. When I see such athleticism, the execution, the vision, and the glory of a great play I stand in awe of the athletes before me. These are the tensions those of us who love football must hold. The guts, the glory, the qualms and questions.

Two teams, similar colors. Chiefs fans have waited 50 years for the Lombardi trophy, Niner fans 25. The Super Bowl brings us together—for food, family and of course football. At mass this morning, I had to laugh as one of the intentions was "For the San Francisco 49ers. That they display great sportsmanship upon winning the Super Bowl. For this, we pray to the Lord!" Before the community could respond, the lector--my friend Rick said "I swear I didn't write that." 

In 2017, the Holy Father gave a message to the world before this non-religious feast day. In the message, the pope says he hopes the Super Bowl will be “a sign of peace, friendship and solidarity for the world.”

AP News reports "Francis is an avid sports fan who often speaks of how sports can bring about social change. He has previously taken to Twitter for the Olympics and soccer’s World Cup. This is his first Super Bowl message."

I was looking for one for today. Hoping he sends hails to the victors....and all The Faithful!

Photo Credits
The Faithful
We are the 49ers
Harrison Butler
Mitchell Schwartz

Super Bowl LII: A Sports Fan's Perspective

I've always liked the question: What gets you out of bed in the morning? Last Monday, the primary reason I got out of bed at 5:30 a.m. in time for my 6:00 a.m. Hour of Power class is because of Super Bowl LII. One might think the sheer athleticism of the contest would light a fire in my inner athlete and motivate me to hit the weight rack, pound the pavement and bench press, dip and curl. No...I went to my gym because I couldn't wait to talk about the game. A great upset, a valiant victory—yes the Eagles won their first Super Bowl—but football won, too. This sport that many people currently "love to hate" revealed to us, once again, why it captures our hearts, minds and our pocketbooks.  Here are but a few thoughts from the perspective of a sports fan.

A Case for Impartiality

For years, Pats fans have proclaimed loud and proud that you can't be impartial about their team: you love them or hate them. One Boston sportswriter went so far as to liken this sentiment to the words of Christ who said, "...for whoever is not against you is for you." Jesus' message was about a false prophet, one who claimed to exorcise demons (Luke 9:50). Needless to say, his words aren't about fan loyalty.

I've heard sports fans accuse the Yankees and Notre Dame of a similar fate. Personally, I find this assumption brazen and impudent. Perhaps I don't want my alma mater thrown in the mix, but when it comes to the New England Patriots, I don't stand in either camp. I can't cheer for them, but I certainly have respect for their legacy. I am fascinated by what Bill Belichick has done, but I'm not dreaming for a selfie with him or an interview for the purpose of this blog (though that would be great). I can't deny that Tom Brady may be the best athlete to hail from the Bay Area and I am intrigued by The TB12 Method, but I don't read or write about him (probably) often (enough).

I'm sure New England fans find themselves defending their greatness and the GOAT given some colored history and reasons to fuel the fire of non-impartiality, I'm just indifferent. Meh.

Given that Wentz played at North Dakota State U, I'm wondering how this is possible....

Forced Choice

All that being said, when the game clock starts, I have never been able to watch a championship game and NOT pick a team. Dodgers vs Astros, Sergio Garcia vs. Justin Rose, Dubs vs. Cavs (easy!) and as Super Bowl LII revealed: Eagles vs. Patriots. As written about in A Sports and Spirituality Icon: The Eagle, I had no dog in the fight. When forced to choose, I wanted the Eagles to win. I prefer the NFC over the AFC (Niners!) and who doesn't want to see an upset? I know and love a few Eagles fans, but not enough that I felt a need to go out of my way to cheer or promote the Birds.

However, seeing this team brought joy, happiness, and amazement. As a loyal Giants fan, I remember when my team finally got their first World Series crown. These championship series—as over the top and gratuitous as they are—don't exist for nothing. I rode an emotional high for days, weeks and honestly a full year at a time. The other rings have been super special, but to deny that the first one isn't the sweetest of victories is just not true. 

Through all of it, I realized that I saw this win, the post-game celebration, the fan reactions, the parade, the commentary, and even the takeaways from the perspective of someone who "gets it." I have felt that hunger and tasted that joy. I am not overstating matters when I say the Eagles' victory made me even more grateful for the championships I have known in my lifetime. In our head and in our heart, we know that victory is never a given. I have learned in my life as a sports fan that when it comes your way, hold on to the ride. It's magical. I know Philadelphia will and I also know that Doug Pederson will NEVER pay for another meal or drink anywhere in and around Philly.

A Double Standard
I do love a good Super Bowl party. I always have "Super Bowl squares" in play, I like the healthy and not so healthy snacks, and it's nice to gather with people of all ages on a Sunday afternoon. The party I attended was your typical  Super Bowl gathering: awesome flat screen TV, mixed beverages and but a few true fans of either team in attendance. The ratio of men and women was equal and the number of people who really like football veered toward, maybe 50%? I know the rhythm of these gatherings: the focus on the game won't settle in until late in third/beginning of the fourth quarter. The conversation prior to that time is all over the place. However, this year, the conversation among women, in particular, caught my attention.

• Doug Pederson is a "silver fox." I think he's hot.
• Only certain men can look that good in a visor.
• That player's body is amazing. Totally rock solid and I love how the pants these guys wear showcase them 
• Don't you think the tight end lives up to the name? He has one...

Two women discussed Tom Brady's hairstyle and its past iterations for at least 3 downs.  The extent of their conversation reminded me of media reports on how inappropriate it was that the American public talked about Hillary Clinton's hairstyle, cut and color during debates and on the campaign trail. Is one worse or different than the other?

I don't really feel the need to defend men, but I guarantee if men were talking about female athletes they way these women were talking about these men, they would be called out. Several women objectified the men on the field in the same way female athletes have been for years. For too many women, those remarks have been hurtful, disrespectful and inappropriate. I'm not convinced these were that much different.

Carson Wentz
The Eagles' *star* quarterback, the player who laid the groundwork on this championship season saw his own season come to an end on December 10, 2017. As Steven Ruiz of USA Today writes The Eagles were 10-2 and their second-year quarterback had just broken the franchise record for touchdown passes in a season. Everything was going right. But then Eagles fans were offered a stern reminder that they can’t have nice things, and Carson Wentz left Philadelphia’s game against the Rams with a knee injury.

His personal fate and the team's fate met a major roadblock. A torn ACL and LCL meant that Eagles would call upon Nick Foles. The questions that loomed large were answered as Foles stepped up, so high that he became the Super Bowl MVP.

After the game, the camera showed Wentz in the locker room, in plain clothes—the ones he wore during the game—sitting alone and crying. A number of players broke down in tears. Relief, exhaustion, pure joy, amazement, gratitude and so much more. However, when I looked at Wentz, my heart swelled. He is such a good person, I know he was crying tears of joy...but the human part of me had to wonder if those same tears weren't tears of disappointment....for not being "the guy"....for what the injury cost him...for not having the opportunity to lead the team to the win. 

Dear Players' Tribune please ask Wentz to share his thoughts on this moment. He is a man of devout faith and integrity. I know he could teach us a lot from this vantage point.

The Best Fan Reaction I've Ever Seen
The Philadelphia Eagles have sold out every home game since 1999. They have the third highest number of season ticket holders in the NFL. Sports Illustrated has deemed their fans to be the most intimidating and obnoxious of all NFL teams. 

Perhaps it's because I live nearly 3000 miles away from the Link but I find all of it highly entertaining. I scrolled and trolled social media for a good hour after both the NFC Championship and Super Bowl wins and laughed out loud time and again. In that time, I encountered what I think is the funniest and most creative fan reaction I've ever seen. Yes, I love what Steve Kerr, my favorite coach (men's sport) tweeted out: Just another Arizona Wildcat QB winning a Super Bowl. Seen in once, seen it a thousand times (Yawn)....Bear Down Nick Foles!!!! but whoever it is that had the foresight and gumption to take his dune buggy up the same steps that Rocky once scaled....Brilliant!

Philly, I know you have not yet even recovered from the victory because you are still celebrating. You might be all year. I also know, to take from "Silver Linings Playbook" there will NEVER be a question of what to wear...

Pat: Hey, my friend Ronnie is having this party on Sunday night and it's like a real hoity-toity thing. And his wife Veronica is a real stickler for... I don't know. My mom got this Gap outfit she wants me to wear, but I want to wear a jersey that my brother Jake got me from the Eagles

Dr. Cliff Patel: Which jersey?

Pat: DeSean Jackson.

Dr. Cliff Patel: DeSean Jackson is the man.

Pat: Well, that settles that.

Photo Credits
Carson Wentz
Coach Pederson
Tom Brady hair
Eagles win
Map

My NFL Experience: Hearing the National Call to Service

Super Bowl 50 has come and gone. The nation woke up with a great hangover. Too much food, drink, festivity have always led me to believe that Super Bowl Sunday should be followed by a national holiday. But it need not be just any ordinary holiday, I believe it should be a national day of service. All members of the NFL from the commissioner on down could lead the charge. It would be a wonderful sight to see.

I learned  from a friend, whose brother is a Marine stationed in Okinawa, that the US Military already has this one figured out. All members of the armed service receive a day off on Super Bowl Monday. I'm glad they do, but I would like to challenge the status quo. 

Rather than giving a day off, why can't we create a "day on." Super Bowl Monday could be a day to serve on a local, city-wide, state or national level—you make the call! This "Day-On" would be for everyone, including those  in service to our country. Such unity could serve as a powerful testimony to the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr who said: "Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve." Those words cannot be just a vision or an excerpt from a historic speech. If we want to be great, we must serve. 

I appreciate that the NFL included live footage of troops overseas in Afghanistan during the national anthem and paid various tributes to all members of the armed services at different points during the game. All attendees at the NFL experience (inside Moscone Center)  were encouraged to hand write a card to men and women serving our country; I was grateful for an opportunity to say "thank you." Indeed, the NFL has more than a few things to thank the US military for, and defending our freedoms  is the least of them. What I considered to be the most interesting exhibit at the NFL experience tops that list.

A fan of Bose, a company best known for its home audio systems and speakers, noise cancelling headphones and automotive sound systems, I decided to stop by the "Bose NFL trailer." In true marketing genius, they lured people in with their flashy sets of headphones in the two colors of every NFL team (32 pairs in all). I happened to make my way inside to try on the headsets that NFL coaches wear on the sidelines. As written on the Bose website, 
Fans at Super Bowl 50 heard firsthand how we enable clear communications for coaches when the pressure is mounting and critical calls make all the difference.

The quality of sound was pristine.  It was incredible for me to have the sheer noise of the crowd (simulated in the booth) totally blocked out from the technology of Bose. On any given headset, coaches have one of two options to distill ambient sound. I also learned/experienced how quarterbacks and other designated players have a similar speaker put on one side of their helmet so they can hear play calling from their coaches. Obviously, they do not wear noise cancelling headphones on two ears as they need to catch the audible /team talk on the field through the other one.

I came to learn that Bose first created these head sets for those serving the US military. They are extremely durable—a primary concern for those in combat. They are also effective. It was a raw moment thinking of the pilot flying a classified helicopter who might wear a similar headset. I was slightly conflicted as I went from thinking how cool it was to be wearing what Chip Kelly wears on any given Sunday to realizing that people these were designed for aren't playing a game. They aren't earning millions of dollars either....and yet nothing is as loud as Autzen Stadium (University of Oregon).

At the end of the day, professional sports are entertainment. And I know they bring a great amount of joy (and heartache) to fans in a way that little else does. I don't doubt that the men and women serving overseas find a healthy diversion from their duties in a weekly game on the gridiron.

In Luke 12:48 we are reminded:

Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.

We Americans have been given much, let us do something with it. And to the great athletes of the NFL--you have been blessed with incredible athletic talent, a wonderful platform and opportunity to change lives—do more. Let us make the day after a contest viewed by over 111.9 million people, a day of national service. No head phones required. 

Photo Credits
NFL Experience
NFL Bose

Sports Can Illuminate Scripture: Thank You Super Bowl 50

Sitting in Peet's coffee, it was hard to concentrate on writing given the volume of the conversation between two men sitting next to me. They were discussing their plans for the weekend, as the Super Bowl and the whirlwind of festivities that accompany it are in the Bay Area. Anyone can visit Super Bowl City at no cost. For $35, an adult can attend the NFL experience.  Celebrities abound. At my golf club, members identified Roger Gooddell, John Elway, Maroon Five and my favorite, Bo Jackson on the course. Because Levi's Stadium, is 48 miles from San Francisco, it feels as though the larger Bay Area and not just "the City" is hosting "50." 

Even though I wanted those two men to stop talking, or at least turn it down, what I heard prompted an interesting realization: familiarity with sports can help us understand Scripture. Usually the faithful read and pray with the Word to illuminate other areas of our life, but in this case, I realized what else might be true.

A man in his mid-50s said, "Is the Super Bowl on Saturday night?"  

His friend said "no...it's on Sunday. It's always on Sunday."  

"Really?! he replied. "I  could have sworn it was going to take place on Saturday evening." 

"No, it's Sunday. That's why we call it...Super Bowl Sunday."

I couldn't believe what I just heard. I thought to myself you've got to be the only person who thinks that way. This man wasn't foreign born (meaning, that American football might be unfamiliar to him). He wasn't that old that he grew up before the first Super Bowl or that young that he wouldn't know what football is or its popularity in American culture.

I even told my students because I thought it was so funny and someone said in response, the NFL owns Sunday—isn't that a line from the movie "Concussion?" The Church used to own Sunday, and now the NFL does. It's true.

I responded by saying "he's got to be the only person in the Bay Area that thinks this way" and then I realized, I've heard those words before...my words...my response. They aren't much different than the words of Cleopas, a disciple of Jesus.

"The Road to Emmaus," one of my favorite stories in the Gospel, refers to one of the appearances of Jesus after his crucifixion and the discovery of his empty tomb. In Luke's Gospel, we learn that what occurred was "the talk of the town" and had social, political and emotional implications—big ones. It says:

Now that very day two of them were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred.  

And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.  

He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?”  

And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” 

They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him.

I never want to forget that Jesus Chris was a real person who lived, breathed, walked and died. His life generates controversy and conversation; his death even more. What transpired at Golgotha was big—so big—that there was a sense among those in the community that it was on the forefront of everyone's hearts and minds.

Super Bowl Sunday doesn't feel that much different. At Mass this morning. several people in the congregation were dressed in orange and navy Bronco ware. At the grocery store, folks were stocking up last minute party snacks and drinks. It's hard not to know what will take place later today.

As we prepare for Lent, let us take time to realize that what we will celebrate in the next 40 days and the 50 thereafter is more than worth talking about. 

Photo Credits
Super Bowl 50
Logo