Super Bowl memories

It is that time of year again, when we await what is called the greatest football game of the year. Though other sporting events have caught more of my attention I do have special memories of the NFL championship game.
My first memories of the big day involve teams wearing black. I first remember my brother, who didn't even like football, wearing that ugly number 32 jersey of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He likely didn't know it was the number of Franco Harris, his motive was being a thorn in my side.
It worked. I countered with that deep purple number ten jersey of the Minnesota Vikings. Fran Tarkenton never won the big game but he was alway a personal favorite.
I remember crying as a small child when Philadelphia lost to the Raiders in the game. Don't ask me why but I just didn't like those black and silver colors and the players that wore them.
As a college student I used language my mother wouldn't be proud of when I lost some money as Cincinatti lost to the 49ers in the big game. I respected Joe Montana but I didn't have to like him. I am still disappointed when I hear the name Boomer Esiason.
In recent years my love to hate attitude switched to the Patriots. Tom Brady and particularly Bill Belichek continue to get under my skin.
I could make a list a mile long of Super Bowl heroes but a few stick in the mind. Tarkenton was one. The performance of Steve Smith for the Carolina Panthers comes to mind. Who could forget other greats like Bradshaw, Warner, Starr, Rice and others.
The bottom line on the Super Bowl is that it is just that Super. This year won't disappoint but you heard it in The Corner first, Indianpolis 20 New Orleans 10.