If the public is less culturally unified and more tribal these days, we can all at least treasure the Super Bowl as a uniquely American event — one we all can enjoy together no matter what our politics, race, or creed.
We love the competition, we love the hype, we love the chance to second-guess what happens, and we love the extravaganza as a whole. The event has become a cultural touchstone. We all know about Vince Lombardi’s leadership, Broadway Joe Namath’s guarantee, Joe Montana’s “John Candy” drive, the New York Giants’ famous “helmet catch,” and the Seattle Seahawks’ decision not to employ “Beast Mode” at the goal line. Those of us old enough to have seen the early games still marvel at Lynn Swann’s balletics, chuckle at kicker Garo Yepremian’s muffed pass attempt, and viscerally feel the thunder of John Riggins’s rumble to the end zone.
On and on go the replays in tens of millions of minds’ eyes: John Elway’s flip, the New Orleans Saints’ onside kick, Fred Biletnikoff’s sticky fingers, and Reggie White’s stupendous sacks. The Steel Curtain defense, the Greatest Show on Turf, and the ice water in Adam Vinatieri’s veins as he put two games on ice. These are indelible memories of exciting events.
Granted, the NFL has arguably risked allowing the Super Bowl’s spectacle to overtake its sportive identity. The halftime show is often an homage to excess — sometimes tasteless even when there are no “wardrobe malfunctions.” (This year, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira will share the stage. Neither are shrinking violets.) Still, the halftimes and the eagerly watched commercials do add even more buzz to the event. The public responds accordingly.
Ratings show that each year since 2007, at least 150 million people have watched at least part of the big game. That means almost half of all who live here (and in 2017, more than half) are tuned in to the pageantry and the athletic prowess on display. As a share of all televisions in use during the game, the Super Bowl since its very first installment has been on between 60% and 75%. These numbers far exceed not just those of other sporting events but of anything on TV. Indeed, 19 of the 20 most-watched shows in U.S. television history were Super Bowls.
And no wonder. The Super Bowl is quintessentially American. It is big, bold, and a bit bumptious. It rewards a melding of mind and body (strategy, speed, and strength), and it demands both individual and collective excellence while rewarding focused teamwork.
So as the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers ready themselves for a gridiron battle, ready your beer and your barbecue, and don your team gear and your lucky shoes. Join with your friends, enjoy your smack talk, and watch to see which team walks the walk.
Super Bowl Sunday is one of this nation’s remaining unifying rituals. Thank goodness for it — and pass the popcorn.
