The Hammer’s Super Bowl Diary
A Star of Super Bowl #1 gives the scoop on Super Bowl #42
2008-01-30

Yo!  Did you know that this is Super Bowl #42? Dang, where did they all go?  You can gauge someone's age as to what Super Bowl they saw, and remember. Do you know who named it “Super Bowl”? It was the late Lamar Hunt. He was playing outside with his young son who had some sort of hyper energetic bouncing ball. It was called a Super Ball. 

It was at that tine he thought of calling the big game the “Super Bowl”.   Now here is some info that’s really strange, especially considering today's sports bars filled with TV coverage. All three networks, NBC, CBS and ABC covered the game. It was played 1967 in the L.A. Coliseum. The Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs. And, just to add to your Super Bowl knowledge, I played in that first Super Bowl for the Kansas City Chiefs. We lost, but the Chiefs took that loss out on the Vikings in Super Bowl IV.  

Super Bowl I was the “old school NFL” versus the “new school AFL”. At that time they were two separate leagues and had no ties to each other. If you wanted to go from the NFL to the AFL, no problem, just pack your bags and go. It wasn’t until three years later that it became the AFC and the NFC when they merged and became one controlling conglomerate.  

I hear people talk about the low attendance at Super Bowl I, but hey, it’s all relative. To have 33,000 fans in the stadium at that time was a lot. Pro-football itself was not as big as it is now,. The league was only drawing 25,000 - 30,000 for each game, and some games way less than that. There were far fewer  teams at that time and they still couldn’t fill the stadiums. The press was there but the hype was not nearly as big as today. Between all three networks there were no special features being aired to attract the fans. No big advertisers jumped onto the bandwagon to hype their products. The networks figured they didn’t need it - everyone was waiting to see the Packers and the Chiefs go at it.

Okay, let’s get serious about this #42. The Pats and the Giants? Go figure.  Should be a runaway game. The Giants’ defense is good because they have a couple of stand out players, but the Pats have 22 outstanding players. Seems like an uneven match to me. Does that give you an idea of who I’m picking? The Pats, no doubt.

Eli Manning against Tom Brady? Come on, give me a break. I really don’t know how the Giants got this far. Yeah, I know, they beat a couple of teams. Can’t really figure that either. They beat the Packers? How? With what? A field goal - and in OT. They are going to need a hell of a lot more than that to beat the Pats. The game will be close for the first quarter, after that, it’s “Sadie by the door”. The flood gates will open and the Pats will be sailing away. Pats 31-Giants 6.

FINAL COUNTDOWN TO SUPER BOWL XLII
Day 1 in Phoenix - Monday

I arrived by car from Palm Springs with a wind-aided push of about 50 mph. This was a good thing - it cut off about 45 minutes drive time as the wind was behind me. It was night when I arrived in Phoenix so I was sure I missed the first of the Phoenix hoopla welcoming the Super Bowl to town. I expected to see banners hanging all about the town especially at the hotels. So far, nothing.

What’s the deal? I remember when I played in the first Super Bowl, we could see the signs everywhere while we were practicing in the San Diego area. The hotels had Super Bowl banners even tho’ we would play in Los Angeles at the Coliseum. All of Southern California was wired and ready to see the game.  

Okay, so I check into the hotel. Where are the reporters? I know they are in Phoenix. The lobby is empty, no photogs, no girls, nothing. Finally one dude walks up to me, so I say to myself “here comes some Super Bowl trivia”. Instead, he asked me if I had any tickets to sell for the game. He said he had some buyers who would pay big for some good tickets. Check that out, he not only wants tickets, he wants good tickets.   I asked him if I looked like a ticket salesman. Maybe my response was too much in “The Hammer” style because he walked away.  

Now I’m in my room and turn on the TV to check out the local news. Finally! There’s nothing BUT Super Bowl news. Player interviews, old and new, all types of local events being performed by former athletes, all the NFL golf tournaments (you can be sure I’ll be playing in many).

Here’s my point: All the media seems to be pointed at the national level and not in the town where the game will be played. They are taking for granted that the stadium will be filled, and they’re probably right. But, because it’s the Giants and not the Packers or Chargers playing the Pats, it’s a maybe.

It’s a quiet night, no noise, no loud parties. I did see a commercial on TV asking for pretty models to call an agency who would book them at NFL parties and events for $50 per hour. Oh well, there are still 5 more days for the city to come to life. 

Day 2 in Phoenix - Tuesday

Up early, phone is ringing. It’s a call from a network who wants me to come to the station for an on-air interview about Super Bowl 1. How the hell did they know where I was?   Got some phone business of my own with a network about a new reality show I want to produce (will tell you more if it goes). So, I set a time later for the interview.  

I’m looking outside. No Super Bowl parades so far. It looks cold. I check the TV - it’s 32 degrees - good football weather. But Phoenix?

The local sports is trying to make a thing out of the fact that over six players on the Giants team came down with flu symptoms, and Brady’s ankle was heavily taped during warm ups. So what? After they flip that coin the only pain you feel is when you make that first big hit, then the rest is all pain right up to the final whistle.

So, I’m off to do the TV show. Wonder what kind of dumb questions they’re going to ask. But wait! I just picked up the paper in the lobby. I read where the press is starting their PR “ca-ca” about the Pats having a dirty player, the Giants arriving in town all dressed in black, Moss is in trouble with a girl in Florida, Eli might get more endorsements than his brother... Oh yeah, now it starts.   

Day 3 in Phoenix - Wednesday

What if you gave a party and nobody came?   Such was the case last night. There was a party on behalf of the NFL Retired Players Association, but the place was less than 1/4 full.
This is the same attitude most of the active players have about the retired football players’ retirement fund. This is reflected in the poor retirement plan - and no plan for extended health insurance after playing days are over. Anyway, the party went well for what it was. I was the delightful emcee for the evening’s events and we raised a few bucks - nothing the IRS would raise an eyebrow over.  

Unlike most, I am fortunate to have a good plan coming from the Screen Actors Guild. The money was 200% better than the salary paid when I played, and there is insurance after you are vested.   The NFL just started a plan called the “88”, based on the Colts tight end, John Mackey, who nearly has full-blown Alzheimer’s. It’s a half-step forward because they are at least moving toward some type of health care. The problem is you have to prove you are damn near helpless in order to qualify. It’s better than nothing, but they have a long way to go.  

Most of the players today don’t relate to the older guys who played for the love of the game and not for the money. Most of today’s players are millionaires the second they sign their name to the contract. They can’t understand the reality of a former player needing help. I hope their big pay will last them all their days, because if they ever need the help that many former players need, they’ll only have themselves to blame for the poor reception they’ll receive from the NFL.

Hey, right in the middle of all this media attention about Super Bowl 42 Tiger Woods has the nerve to win a major. Now USA Today said the odds of Tiger winning a grand slam is 100 to 1. Tiger has won all four majors, but not in the same year. Okay, we’ve just seen the first, we’ll wait for the next three. Can he do it physically and mentally. I say yes. I say I hope for everyone’s sake that we can witness such a great season of golf. But golf is a strange sport, it holds no favorites. A missed 2 yard putt can cause your demise. We’ll wait and see. It should be interesting - and exciting.

Not much happening today, it's like the quiet before the storm. Tomorrow Seth Joyner has a big golf tournament at We-Ko-Pa golf course. Lots of NFL players are scheduled to play. Will be nice to see a lot of my ol’ buddies there - and meet some of the new kids on the block.  

Still no parade...

Day 5 in Phoenix - Friday

Went to Franco Harris’ party last night.   Big time stuff.   Appropriately called the “Immaculate Reception and Dinner”, it was held at the Hilton Tapatio’s “Different Point of View” restaurant.   Check this out, it’s high on top of a hill overlooking the city.   The hotel’s valet takes your car at the bottom of the hill then shuttles you up to the top.   That gives you an idea of the kind of view this place has.   It has several patios with oversized fire pits and looks like a movie set.   Franco thought of everything - a six course dinner (yeah, I said six!) with an open cigar bar afterward.   Oh, don’t want to forget to mention the tango demonstrations and lessons, with a black feather boa given to each of the ladies.   Franco knows how to give a party.

Before Franco’s party we went to the NFL’s Charity Super Bowl Tournament - in this case the word “Bowl” refers to bowling.   That’s right, a bowling tournament.   Now Dude, I don’t bowl.   My plan was to yell loud while rolling the ball through the back wall.   My biggest problem was finding a ball that had holes drilled large enough for my fingers.   Man, a lot of bowlers must have tiny hands.  

What a great party.   I saw a lot of my ol’ teammates and colleagues.   Guys like Hall of Famer Bob St. Claire, Hugh Mac Elhaney, Ron Kramer, Hollywood Henderson, Billy Wilson, Eric Dickerson, Richard Dent, Bobby Mitchell and many more.    Normally all of us would never have an opportunity to be together, but these kind of events bring the old players together in a venue where we can laugh and remember the “good old days”.   It was very rewarding to see my old buddies.   Had to rush from this party, give a quick interview then on to Franco’s party.   What a night. By the way, it’s the general consensus that the Pat’s will take apart the Giants.  

Okay, so this morning we all were at Franco’s golf tournament at the Camelback Resort.   One of my favorite courses here in Scottsdale, I enjoyed being there but didn’t like the format, a scramble.   I understand they need to have scrambles for the players who aren’t very good, but I like playing my own ball.   Anyway, we my team shot 13 under, but I left as soon as we finished so I don’t know if we won or placed.  

Rushed from Camelback to another NFL Charities party at the Hilton Squaw Peak.   This was a pairings party for the Saturday golf tournament at Wigwam Golf Club.   During the party Nick Nicolosi, the Tournament Director, presented a specially made NYFD helmet to the widow and daughter of a 911 fallen firefighter.   Nothing like a moment like that to bring you back to the real world.  

The Super Bowl parties have revved up to a crazy pace while the TV hype is getting repetitive.   How many times can you ask the same question in a different way?   No matter what, the answers always remain the same.   Now they’ve run out of things to ask and are down to things like “what kind of shoes will you wear... are you going to wear gloves... are you superstitious about the way you dress for the game... which shoe do you put on first...”
What?   It’s time to just get to it and play this game.  

I think I probably won’t go to the game.   It’s been a zoo for me and I’m not even playing.   I signed as many autographs as Tom Brady (okay, maybe close).   I haven’t put on a uniform in forty years (did I say 40?), but it appears that “the Hammer” hasn’t been forgotten.   I will probably go home to California and watch the game peacefully at home with a good cigar.   I’m telling my wife and dogs, “no autographs please during the game”.
 

Day 6 in Phoenix - Saturday

Another day in Phoenix, same psych games with the players, but now they’ve revved up to lightening speed.   He who lies first creates even bigger lies from the opponent.   It’s time to just play this game and see who can back up their B.S. with performance.  

Hey, I just read the USA Today and they have a line that reads, “Ho hum, Tiger is atop the Dubai leader board.”   What the hell are they talking about?   What exactly is that supposed to mean?   Tiger just has to show up and everyone gives up?  The putts will be made by themselves?   The reality is that Tiger brings out the best in the other players, they have to up their playing level just to compete.   If they don’t, they shouldn’t be called a pro.   And while they are raising their own personal bar to play their best rounds ever, Tiger has to maintain his personal best and play hard to beat them.   Can you believe the crap they write?  

Okay, played golf today at Wigwam Golf Resort.   And in the interest of honesty, I have to let you know that I did happen to win second place in the NFL Charities Tournament.   Considering all the other young lions out their trying their best to beat “the Hammer”, I thought second place was pretty good.   I have to say that NFL Charities, and their tournament director Nick Nicolosi, put on great events that are well organized.   Most importantly, they leave a lot of money to local charities and I’m happy to be a small part in their charitable efforts.

I’m making the four-hour drive back to our place in Palm Springs.   Want to be home with my own popcorn to watch the game.

Day 7 - Game Day!

Finally!   After all the hype and all the psych it’s game day.  

I think the first half of the game was a bore, but like I said, the Pats would be there in the first quarter.   Now I’m watching the half-time show - I’m not impressed.   And even most of the commercials aren’t living up to their hype.   So far my fave is the Clydesdale pony in “Rocky-style” training so he can make the team.   Back to the game...

I’m watching, but I’m not believing what I’m seeing.   In the last quarter, finally a game broke out.   It was sloppy football, but exciting.   The Pats should have locked this game.   Instead, they gave it away with bad defense.   Their defensive backs are the worst - or maybe it’s their defensive coach.   Whichever, the money these guys make to look so bad is unbelievable.   The winning touchdown pass caught by Burress made the defensive back guarding him look like a bad high school player.   No, more like a soccer player trying to play football.   What more can you say?   Fifty-two players play as hard as they can, and one lowly player gets faked out of his shoes to allow a receiver to catch a game winning touchdown.   Understand this, the catch was from the 11 yard line.   The defensive player didn’t have to back up.   He just had to let the receiver come to him, then hit him.   But he backed up, giving the receiver more space to cross in front of him.   That’s a big no-no.

I’m disappointed that we can’t be celebrating a 19-0 season for the Pats.   But, I have to say the Giants played a better game and now it’s over.   The Giants are the champs.  

I’m already looking forward to next year.