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By Jeff Guinee | Patriots
February 6th, 2008 |
As I was waiting for my connecting flight to board in Atlanta on Saturday morning en route to Tucson, I heard a Giant fan cackle at the sight of me carrying one of my replica Vince Lombardi trophies. “That’s a bit presumptuous, wouldn’t you say?” he said in front of the boarding crowd.
“Not really,’ I responded. “Look at the trophy,” I shot back. “It doesn’t have a final score etched on it quite yet. That’s what this sharpie is for.” I pulled a black sharpie from the front pocket of my jeans. “When the game is over, I’m gonna take the sharpie out like this (mimicking my post-game move) and inscribe this thing accordingly. It will probably read something like 42-17 the next time you see it.”
Most of the crowd laughed but one gentleman in the back, wearing an NFC Champs t-shirt yelled, “Whoever gets the ball last will win!” To which I responded, “Yeah and then you woke up from your dream and your pants were wet!”
Little did I know the guy was right- he was dead-on!
To be utterly and completely honest, I never saw this coming. I never imagined in my wildest dreams that Brady wouldn’t perform, and that Belichick couldn’t answer anything the Giants threw at him. This year the NFL’s slogan for the playoffs was ‘Who wants it more?’ and it was clearly evident that the Giants did…
In the days leading up to the big game in Phoenix, I had countless Giants fans come up to me and try their damndest to convince me it was going to be a close game. I didn’t buy it- I also didn’t buy that they were sincere in thinking that. Every Giants fan I spoke to had a sense of false hope. Like everybody, they watch Sportscenter and listen to the media sports machine of today’s world but when push came to shove, none of them truly thought that they could win outright and take down Brady and Belichick on the world’s biggest stage. I can’t even count how many of them would attempt to talk smack and then lean in and tell me that they were just hoping to see a close game. It was mind-boggling and only helped to fuel my confidence.
I’ll be honest though, I’m not sure if it’s because it hasn’t quite sunk in yet, or if I’m still in shock or denial but this loss still hasn’t stung me in the way I thought it would. Maybe it’s because I never even contemplated losing. Maybe it’s because we had such a great memorable run. After all, I caught every single home game the team played this year. I saw them triumph in Dallas and then in Jersey.
Either way, I was five times more depressed leaving the Bronx after Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS. I was three-times as bummed when I jumped in the cab after the debacle in Indy last year. Maybe time will change that… Maybe I’ll feel differently tomorrow when I go into work and get asked about the game every time someone walks by my cubicle… who knows? But I will say this, unlike those other two epic defeats, the Gmen faithful were more than gracious in their moment of victory. Perhaps that’s another reason why the pain hasn’t sunken in yet…
In the end, we were thisclose to making history. We were thisclose to having the undisputed best coach in NFL history. We were thisclose to having the best quarterback to ever step foot on the planet. We were thisclose to perfection and undoubtedly being anointed the best team in NFL history. But that’s why they play the game, I guess.
I have no regrets what-so-ever that I made the trip to AZ. With the exception of the loss, the trip easily eclipsed my Super Bowl experiences in Houston and Jacksonville. Phoenix was an excellent host and the area by the stadium was created for major sporting events like this and maybe that’s why I’m still in a surprisingly good mood. The parties were legendary and the celebrity sightings were something out of a movie. So rather than sit here and type about the game and whether or not Belichick should have kicked a 48-yard field goal or Maroney should have taken a touch-back on the final kickoff- let’s focus on the positive and the moments outside the stadium leading up to the game. But before we do, let me just say that I called my father outside the game and proudly boasted that the tailgating scene in the Westgate area was 7-1 Pats fans. But the situation inside the game couldn’t have been more polar opposite. Inside the stadium it was 3-1 Giants fans. They showed up in force and volume. It was incredible. It felt like I was in the swamp and when the Pats did something worthy of a cheer- our fan base didn’t even register a decibel on the garden noise meter. So weak…
But enough of the in-game experience, no one needs to hear about $10 16-oz beers and relive the play that Sportscenter just named the biggest play in SuperBowl history, especially Rodney and the Pats defensive line who years ago would have benefited from the in-the-grasp flag the zebras always enjoyed throwing back in the pre-Dynasty days. Here are some of my tidbits and run-ins from Super Bowl Sunday:
Westgate Area: Right next to the SuperBowl is where the Arizona Coyotes play in Jobing.com Arena. On the back side of the arena is Westgate Plaza. The area is very similar to Faneuil Hall and is a giant horseshow type area plastered with eateries, bars and store fronts. In the middle of the outdoor area is a giant water-fountain. For the Super Bowl the entire area was transformed into a huge beer garden with Super Bowl vendors and makeshift bars set up everywhere. At the center of the madness was a ‘mega super-stage’ that featured the cover band ‘Metalhead’ (you’d be twice as cool if you weren’t wearing wigs) who cranked out all your favorite tailgate tunes from Ozzy to AC/DC to Guns’N’Roses. Behind the stage were two giant jumbo-trons which looked just like the screens hanging over the Celts parquet. With no cover charge at the entrance, this was by far the place to be on gameday. We arrived at 10am when it opened and instantly grabbed some real estate along the bridge (that goes over the giant water fountain), so we’d have a home base for the next 6 hours leading up to game time. (westgateaz.com)
Other NFL Fans: Like any Super Bowl, it’s common to run into NFL fans that are decked in gear from head to toe of their favorite team. This year the majority of those fans included Packer, Steeler, and Redskin fans. I never really understood going to another NFL game wearing your teams’ colors when they aren’t playing, but that’s beside the point. I saw one Packers fan covered in cheese gear with a post-it on his chest that read, “Yes, I’m still in denial!” Meanwhile, I spotted another embarrassing fan wearing Steelers clothes who walked around all day with a Homer Simpson mask covering his face. So I have to ask you this, if you bought tix in anticipation of YOUR team going to the Super Bowl and they didn’t make it- wouldn’t you sell your tickets? And if you decided to STILL go, would you really wear your team colors when they’re NOT even playing? Isn’t that embarrassing? Either way I couldn’t fathom the amount of Steelers fans that made the trip. Did they really think they had a shot this year? Come on people… ’06 was a joke- you got lucky…
Ticket Prices: Rule number one, when looking for tix to a specific game- do not listen to the media and reports you see on TV. It’s only going to drive you away from attempting to get into the big game. For instance, last week ticket prices started at about $3,000 a ticket on Monday. Each day the tickets seemed to be dropping by about $200 a day. By Friday I was able to get a pair for the low price of $1400. With face value at $700 a ticket, that was a bargain as far as I was concerned. On the day of the game, tickets were going for as cheap as $1000 for a single in the lower bowl. Talk about a steal!!!
Scalping Is Legal: Scalping tix is actually legal in Arizona and as a result, there was a special area at the stadium where scalpers could gather and legally scalp tickets (Mumbles Menino and Fenway are you listening???). It was a small area but was actually policed by cops with actual ticket scanners, so if you were interested in purchasing tix, you could have your ticket scanned by a cop to prove its authenticity. Pretty cool…
Giants/Pats Suit Guy: This guy, Rick, brought Giants and Pats fabric to his tailor and had this sports coat and shorts made special for the big game. It’s become a tradition of late for him even though he’s been to the last 11 Super Bowls. According to Rick, he basically does it to see the reaction he gets from people. The worst part is this dude is actually a Colts fan. Last year, he had a similar suit made with the Colts insignia and logo. He told me that he could really care-less who won this year’s game, but that he was pulling for the Giants because he loves picking the underdog. Honestly, if this guy is REALLY a Colts fan like he says, wouldn’t he despise the Pats and want to see them lose most definitely? I’m calling BS on this guy.
Arizona Locals: As my boy- Fike- so eloquently said, “You know you’re in Arizona when an hour doesn’t go by without seeing a man or woman without a mullet.” If we had any idea at how many mullets we would have ended up seeing on this trip, we would have acted appropriately and taken pictures to create a collage of bad hair-dos.
Common Heckles: (Disclaimer- I know I look like an idiot for saying these things, but at the time they were golden) When Giants fans are caught looking at the replica trophy- “Hey, remember what these things look like- I know it’s been 18 years, but we manufacture them almost on a annual basis in Boston!” Or “How many Super Bowls have you guys won?” and “How many Super Bowls have you guys won without Belichick? … Yeah, that’s what I thought!”
18-1: Kudos to all the Giant fans who sported 18-1 pins, t-shirts, and anything else 18-1 related prior to the game… You win, I lose! For those of you who know me, that was hard to type.
Junkyard Dog: If you don’t know who the Junkyard Dog (JYD) is then you could possibly be called un-American. JYD ruled during the peak of the WWF in the 1980’s. Entering the ring with his trademark chain attached to a dog collar to the music of Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust,” JYD was one of the most electrifying and charismatic wrestlers in the country. He was most known for his head butt and incredible upper body strength, the latter of which saw him regularly body slam such behemoths as the One Man Gang, Kamala and King Kong Bundy. The word “thump,” which referred to JYD’s power slam, was prominently displayed on his wrestling trunks. So why am I bringing this up? Because one Pats’ fan (Chad) actually showed up with a JYD rubber wrestling figurine and asked if he could get a picture of it with the trophy for good luck. Here’s the story, Chad found JYD on the ground outside the old Foxboro Stadium back in 1990 and ever since JYD has been a good luck charm. He’s brought JYD to every game since and as a result the Pats are like 40-1 with the one loss coming last year to Miami. Footnote: JYD helped us triumph in the snow game!
Best Jersey: I was waiting to hit the Port-O-John when out walked a guy wearing a blue authentic Pats jersey with the number 40 and the name Tillman. Pretty sweet or as my buddy Riles would say- “Heady!”
Worst Jersey: I saw a Giants fan at the game with a Tyrone Wheatley authentic jersey. Is that the equivalent of a Pats fan wearing a Marion Butts #44 jersey?
American Gladiator: This guy had the best outfit I’ve ever seen. PERIOD! He’s a Viking season ticket holder and I’m sure most NFL fans have spotted this guy before on highlight reels or watching games. For the seven years Moss was in Minnesota, every time our ‘Straight Cash Homey’ caught a touchdown in his end zone, this guy pulled him up and lifted him into the stands. The first time he did it was against the Bengals and for each time he raised Moss into the crowd, this die-hard tattooed the opposing team’s logo on his massive bicep. He even got Moss to autograph his outer shoulder which was later tattooed over. Moss loves the guy and why wouldn’t he? At home this maniac has multiple game-balls from Moss as well as signed jerseys. His prediction? Pats in a landslide with Moss pulling in three touchdowns. At the time, I agreed with him! But the best part of his attire was the back of his tank top that read, ‘100% Cheese Free’. Why can’t we get this dude on American Gladiators? He’s way more bad-ass than Venom and would kick the living crap out of Wolf!
American Tailgaters Association: I had never heard of these guys before, but I guess I’m now an honorary member because of the replica Lombardi Trophy or at least that’s what they told me. The site looks somewhat like amateur hour, but what can I say. Check out the video on me somewhere on this site (http://www.atatailgate.com/) – I’m sure it’s me talking about running the table being 19-0 and being the best team ever.
Lawrence Taylor: I was amazed at how many Giants fans sported LT jerseys. Every time we saw one, we chimed, “You guys could use him today! You’re gonna need him.” Too bad I didn’t realize that they had guys named Osi, Strahan, and Tuck who could get the job done.
Flag Lady: Karen Hourigan, aka “The Flag Lady, stopped by for a pic with the trophy. She was named ‘Fan of the Year’ by the Pats in 2006. You might have seen here on a WBZ interview. The 64-year-old grandmother was wearing her patented sequin flag hat. Karen has been a season ticket holder for 18 years and the Krafts make sure to stop by and say a hello to Karen before every home game, calling her their personal good luck charm. Kraft called her personally and made sure she had tix to the Super Bowl because he’s superstitious and wanted her there for another win. No comment.
Super Bowl Tatts: This guy who was originally from Pittsfield decided to tattoo the words ‘World Champions’ on his arm and has since added each of our winning Super Bowl insignias below it. He said he was ready for his fourth tatt this coming week, but it looks like he’ll have to hold off. I spotted him earlier in the day jumping up and down. He was pumped because he snagged a single ticket for a grand in section 109- not too shabby…
Phoenix Stadium: There wasn’t a bad seat in the house, but when it comes to stadiums, I’ll take Houston’s any day of the week. That place is still the premier arena in the National Football League, if you ask me. The concessions were basic and the entire concession area around the stadium didn’t even look that new (the stadium is only two years old) and was less spacious than Gillette. Signs hung behind the beer stands that read, ‘State of Arizona Law mandates the limit of 32oz of beer sold per person’. Thus if the stand only sells 220z brews you can’t buy two… pretty sly/annoying.
Security: I’d be shocked if anyone snuck into this Super Bowl. The security was much tighter and more organized than that in Houston or Jacksonville. No shady dudes were taking cash and slippin’ guys in this place…
Entry Songs: The Gmen came out to ‘Stronger’ by Kayne while we emerged with ‘Crazy Train’ by Ozzy… At the time, I thought that said a lot about the two teams playing, but much like the final result, what the hell do I know! Did anyone else notice how Rodney had his hand on Seau’s shoulder during the national anthem? I need a picture of that!
All in all, Phoenix and the surrounding areas (Scottsdale/Glendale) proved to be an ideal location for the NFL’s premier event. The city was more than hospitable and its law enforcement extremely helpful. Everyone was pleasant to deal with and unlike my previous experiences in Jacksonville and Houston, everything was relatively close. If the NFL ever decides to limit the championship game between the NFC and AFC to a three or four city rotation- Phoenix has to be included. Take it from someone who bumped knuckles with Chris Rock, yelled ‘Yo Jesse’ to the Reverend Jackson, high-fived Jacoby Ellsbury, posted up against Shawn Marion, rapped with Akrobatik and Mr. Lif, pointed Big Boi to the bathroom, and stared at the girls from ‘Deal Or No Deal’ while getting my goose on… How did we ever freakin’ lose?
And before signing off, I can’t forget the following:
A special thanks to Pete in Newton who got me tix on Friday night- You hooked me up and I’ll never forget it…
A major shout-out to Matty Slo who got me into the best Super Bowl party I’ve ever been to. I strolled the red carpet for the first time and now I know how the upper-echelon of society parties! What’s better than watching Chris Rock perform with 500 people, most of who belong on Access Hollywood at a private party located on a 40 million dollar estate? I OWE YOU DUDE!
To Jerome the cabbie- your KINDness will never be forgotten. Thanks for softening the blow…
To the random guy driving the stretch Hummer limo who gave three dejected Pats fan a ride home in style!…
To the two Giants chicks who starting chanting ‘Let’s Go Giants’ and ‘18-1’ at my Red Roof Inn at 4:15am on Monday morning- I deserve it after Saturday night!
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8 Responses to “AZ42”
Leave a Comment
February 7th, 2008 at 9:12 am
Awesome read! Not sure if I told you I hung out w/Belichick and his wife last summer on my club trip. Cool guy very funny-dry humor.
Go Mizzou
-Dombi
February 7th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Amazing buddy
February 7th, 2008 at 11:01 am
I thought the article was OFF DA HOOK YO!
February 7th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Now that I’ve lived vicariously through you, the blow has been softened for me as well. Great article
February 8th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Very well done. Thanks for representing the faithful. Love the TB shirt.
February 9th, 2008 at 7:31 am
Youre somethin’ else.
Excellent article.
Proud of you….
February 23rd, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Hey Jeff,
Remember me, the Pittsburgh fan and your ex-neighbor. I was in Glendale last September to see the Steelers lose. I saw your pic when you were at the Fox Sports Grille. I was there too. AZ is awesome, I wouldn’t live there but it’s great to visit.
I see nothing’s changed about you, Mr. Diehard Boston Sports fan. Sorry about your Pats, but it was a well played Super Bowl and the G-Men deserved it because they knocked Brady around. The Patriots were definitely the best team in the NFL, but they weren’t on the most important day. I think the Pursuit to Perfection caught up with them, I don’t think they were as focus as they were in all their prior games.
February 28th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Stumbled on this late…
I spent one SuperBowl weekend in Vegas when my team was a HUGE favorite, only to have them blow the big game. Fans of their opponents would tell me the same thing “We are gonna win (I hope its close)” After their win, those same fans were kind “Man, I never thought this would happen” It was kind of cool, because I could see in them a little bit of myself, when my team one its first Super Bowl. My team? The Rams. I think you remember that game too…