Here is an attempt to write an article on the Super Bowl from someone who knows little about the game of American Football, let alone the NFL (National Football League). Until a couple of years back, I did not even know which sport was played in the Super Bowl. I don’t know what you would call this lack of knowledge, but I would refer to it as sheer ignorance, especially for a sports enthusiast like me.
But let’s take a shot at it, hopefully it won’t be all that bad.
What is the Super Bowl?
For the benefit of those who were in pretty much the same unfortunate situation as me, a little bit of background information is quite necessary. From what I have heard, it is quite the happening event, marked in calendars months in advance and an evening looked forward to by people all over the country.
The Super Bowl refers to the annual championship match (final) of the National Football League. The trophy won is called the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
It usually takes place towards the end of January or beginning of February and represents the culmination of the season, which begins in the summer of the previous year.
The NFL Season 2014 and Playoffs 2015:
The season started on September 4th and Ended on December 28th, 2014 (date written in the American way to well sort of suit the mood). The playoffs commenced on January 3, 2015.
The regular season featured 256 games played out over 17 weeks and the league had a total of 32 teams. The top 6 teams each from the AFC and NFC qualified for the playoffs. These were the 4 group toppers, and the 2 with the highest scores.
The Qualifying Teams:
American Football Conference:
New England Patriots (East) (in picture)
Pittsburgh Steelers (North)
Cincinnati Bengals (North)
Baltimore Ravens (North)
Indianapolis Colts (South)
Denver Broncos (West)
National Football Conference:
Dallas Cowboys (East)
Green Bay Packers (North)
Detroit Lions (North)
Carolina Panthers (South)
Seattle Seahawks (West) (in picture)
Arizona Cardinals (West)
The winner of each conference competes in the Super Bowl!
The Super Bowl 2015:
This year, the 49th edition, always shown in roman numerals: XLIX, of the Super Bowl took place.
The game was played on February 1st, 2015 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. It was played between the AFC champion New England Patriots and the NFC champion Seattle Seahawks.
The game remained scoreless for a long time, until the Patriots finally took the lead. After this, the scoreboard kept ticking, Seattle kept equalizing, and the Patriots kept getting ahead. Seattle came back, by tying the score when there were just a few seconds left on the clock for sounding halftime. Halfway through, the teams were at 14 points apiece.
In the second half, Seattle took the lead for the first time in the match. However, they lost their way eventually, and the Patriots emerged winners with a score line of 28-24. They defeated the defending champions and clinched the title. Patriot Quarterback Tom Brady was awarded the most valuable player.
What’s more:
The Super Bowl is all in all, one big party! As always, the half-time show, this year too, was star-studded! I won’t be surprised if some of the people who come to see the Super Bowl, do so just to see this performance. Music sensation Katy Perry, along with Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliot set the stage on fire. The Arizona State University Sun Devil Marching Band also got a few minutes in front of the roaring crowd. Point in case: even if you’re not a sports fan, the Super Bowl has something for everyone. So what is it for you; songs or touchdowns?
Well now that we have made this interesting (and long overdue) discovery, for all the sports fans out there, not so well-versed with American sport, the 2015 NFL season is tentatively scheduled to begin on September 10th. Make sure you catch all the action; the timings won’t suit but it sure will be worth it!
