I was a devoted football fan from about 1979-87. I rooted for the Cowboys during their declining years and, locally, for the Jets, during their typical Jets years (some promise, much frustration). My favorite players were Tony Dorsett and Tony Hill, Wesley Walker and Kenny Easley (the AFC’s answer to Ronnie Lott). The greatest game I ever watched was the Chargers-Dolphins playoff overtime game, a week before the most painful game I ever experienced—“The Catch.” I would religiously get together with friends growing up, play a big game of pick-up football on Super Bowl Sunday, no matter how cold. Then we’d go to one of our houses to watch the (usually lousy) game.

I don’t care much for football anymore, though I will watch games during the season. It’s hard for me to make it all the way through one though (I get bored so easily), and I don’t know many of the players and coaches in the sport. Still, I was thinking the other day, that I’ve watched every Super Bowl since 1979. Haven’t missed one. To my mind, the first one I saw is still the best, in terms of sheer excitement and great plays: Super Bowl XIV between the upstart Rams and the powerhouse Steelers, Jack Youngblood playing the game with a broken leg, Vince Ferregamo almost pulling off a Joe Nameth, John Stallworth’s brilliant receptions, Jack Lambert’s game-ending interception. After that, Super Bowl XXIII (49ners over Bengals) was incredible, as were XXV (Giants v. Bills), and Super Bowl XXXIV (Rams over Titans). Recently, the Patriots have played in two damn good games too.

So, will you guys be munching away, watching the game, or at least the commercials, later this evening? I’m rooting for the Colts, but wouldn’t be terribly upset if the Bears won (so long as Manning has a good game in defeat). Whatta ya hear, whatta ya say?