Anyone who reads this blog knows that I am quite a sports
fan. So, it should be no surprise that this week’s blog is about Super Bowl 51 –
sort of. From somewhat humble beginnings
in 1967 – the first game didn’t even sell out – to more than one million expected to attend
Super Bowl 51, the event has taken on a life of its own.
How did it all start? Well, in 1966, the National Football
League and the American Football League merged. As part of the merger, it was
agreed that the two leagues’ champions would play in a World Championship to
determine the overall champion. Today, football isn’t the only competition on
Super Bowl Sunday.
It’s almost like attending an extravaganza where a football
game breaks out! The half time shows have gone from marching bands and drill
teams to the likes of Bruce Springstein, Michael Jackson, Prince, The Rolling
Stones, Bruno Mars and this year, Lady Gaga. Almost as many people watch the
half time show as the number who watch the game. Didn’t half time used to be
reserved for bathroom breaks and snack time?
And how about those commercials? If you think that’s not a
competition, think again. Every company, every ad agency tries to outdo the
others. With all the money at stake, advertisers keep their fingers crossed and
hope their commercial is the one that makes the most impact. Think about this –
at the first Super Bowl in 1967, a 30 second commercial went for $42,000. Today
a 30 second spot is going for about $5 million.
There are Super Bowl parties hosted throughout the country
in homes, taverns, restaurants, event halls and more. In fact, some are
lobbying for the Monday after Super Bowl Sunday to be declared a holiday.
All this and I haven’t even really talked about the game. Ah
yes, the game; the reason this all started in the first place. This year the
Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots face off for the right to be Super
Bowl Champions: two teams who have battled the competition all year to get to
this point; two teams who will leave it all on the field to prove themselves; two
teams who will give it their best to win the Vince Lombardi Trophy. That’s what
Super Bowl Sunday is really all
about.
What’s my point? I’m not convinced that bigger is always
better. When things get too big, they can get out of control. Bigger sometimes makes
us lose sight of the goal – no pun intended – not just in football, but in
life. The key in whatever we do is clarity and focus; focus on what’s truly
important, what really makes a difference and to not let that get lost in all
the trappings.
It’s less than one day, 15 hours and 55 minutes to kick-off.
Are you ready?
Posted by MJ Thomas
Thanks
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