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.
