I’m not gonna lie, I’m a little nonchalant about this game. It’s because I don’t have a dog in this fight, and I’m not actively rooting for one of the teams to lose (although, there are a LOT of NFL fans who are doing just that against the Pats).
Let’s start with the fact that my team, the Green Bay Packers, aren’t in the Super Bowl. First off, what a fucking crazy season. I went into the season saying anything less than winning the Super Bowl would be considered a failure. Then, in an unfortunate turn of events, I began praying that my team would even have a winning record for the year. Testing my true team loyalty, I sat in front of the television and rooted for my team despite some appalling games. I prevailed, successfully passing the loyalty test, to be rewarded with a profoundly sensational turnaround by the Packers. We went to the NFC championship game with one of the worst teams we’ve had in recent memory. It speaks to all the reasons why I love my team. Players and coaches remained committed to each other. Players worked hard and showed up. They didn’t turn on some obvious weak links in our secondary and stood by Rodgers when he played some horrendous games (let’s be real, people. He played poorly in some games, but he’s due. We’ve been spoiled for too long.) So, overall, I was pleased we had a winning record and managed to get to the NFC Championship game. I still, weirdly, don’t feel enthused about our season. It was less than ideal.
The second reason I’m a bit nonchalant about this game is that I’m not rooting against anyone. Hatred can be a true motivator.
Take for example when GB played against the Cowboys. Man, I did NOT want to fucking lose to Dallas. If I had to hear one more time about two rookies, how this was going to be a dynasty, about blah blah blah ….
I was gonna kill myself.
So not only did I want my team to win, but I really, really wanted the Cowboys to lose.
Also, on behalf of GB, you’re welcome, America.
Now take the Falcons. While I absolutely wanted my team to get the W in the Championship game, I didn’t hate losing to the Falcons. They are a good organization with good players and good coaches. I’m happy for them.
That goodwill continues to the Super Bowl. I wouldn’t hate it if they won. There are no glaring issues with players, the coach seems fine, and the organization did not take back Michael Vick after his prison term. These things make me happy.
Now, I know this is where I will differ from many, many people out there. I also don’t hate the Patriots. First of all, they aren’t in my division. I fully comprehend why I would hate them if I was a fan of the Dolphins, Jets, or Bills. Second of all, there is no arguing they are going to go down as one of the greatest organizations to ever play the game – from owner, to coach, to QB. They have consistently been an excellent football team.
One thing the Patriots do have going for me is that I really want Brady to stick it to Goodell. I was not a fan of the way deflategate was handled. Shame on the entire NFL for that fiasco.
So, there it is. My team isn’t in it and I don’t particularly hate the teams that are. I’m kind of leaning toward the Pats because I would like to see Brady stick it to Goodell.
Who do you think should win? Who do you like?
If you want to know what time does the Super Bowl start, just click the link.
Until next time!
** If you would like to read my other blogs, please find them at:
http://www.my-thoughts-blog.weebly.com.
http://www.ihatemyback.com.
**** Madeline Fresco is a novelist who lives in San Diego. She is the author of CROSSED THE LINE, available for Kindle at Amazon.com, for Nook at Barnes & Noble, and as an ePub at other eBook retailers. You can also listen to her novel as a free, serialized audiobook at http://www.madelinefresco.com. Her second book THE CHOICE, is available on Kindle at Amazon. Her third book ANGUISH, is available for Kindle at Amazon.com
Madeline Fresco 