Why I'm Not Going To The Super Bowl
Aaron answers the question he's been asked the most this week.
By PackerAaron
Mere moments after Aaron Rodgers' knee hit the Soldier Field turf to set off the Packers' NFC Championship celebration, I started to receive text messages, emails, Direct Messages on Twitter - you name the form of communication, and it was being utilized. All these missives were asking a variation on the same question:
You're going to Dallas, right?
Wrong.
As you can tell, I have not made the trip with Corey, Brian, Alex and Jayme (not to mention a whole host of others) down to Dallas for the Packers first Super Bowl appearance in over a decade. While Corey and Brian were busy on the field of Texas Stadium during Super Bowl Media Day, I was holed up on Park Avenue tending to my daily business.
Why? How can you go to the NFC Championship game but not the Super Bowl?
There are two reasons at play here, one simple and one complex.
First - we're broke.
I know people read about the fact that I work at Blackstone and assume I have gobs of money falling out of every pocket. Sadly, this is not the reality I inhabit. I am way, way down on the Blackstone totem pole (perhaps a tad above the cleaning crew and just below the maintenance guy) and my meager salary isn't nearly enough to even enable my poor wife to be at home raising our children (which would be her dream job, by the way) let alone pay for the necessities that pop up in your life when you have three beautiful children. In New York City.
But all of that is really so much annoyance. I have had plenty of "I'll get you to Dallas if you just find a ticket"-type offers over the course of the last week. Plenty of people have offered everything from plane tickets to hotel accommodations to try and ease my road to Dallas.
And while I am overwhelmed at these signs of generosity, many of which are coming from readers of this site whom I have never even met before - it doesn't address the real issue of why I can't pick up and leave for Dallas this week.
To put it as simply as possible - I want to watch the Packers win the Super Bowl with my family.
I know, I know. Many of you groaned when you read that. Many of you have even clicked away looking to find some real football talk. But for those that have stayed, let me explain.
When I was growing up the Packers were, to put it charitably, terrible. Yet every Sunday after church, I would sprint out of the car, up to my room, put on my homemade Lynn Dickey jersey (yes, my mother made me a Lynn Dickey jersey) and rush to the living room where my father would already be entrenched in his easy chair. Every week, I would make it JUST in time to see the last part of the local Green Bay pre-game show (CBS carried the NFC back then, and the local affiliate would have their staff pick the game every week. Bill Jartz. Lee Remmel. They almost always picked the Packers. I loved it.)
My father and I would watch the game and (usually) watch the Packers lose. But for whatever reason, it never demoralized me. It was just great watching football and, best of all, spending time with my dad. He was always busy with something, grading papers (he taught high school and junior high history and geography for decades), working on the house (in the summer), painting in his make-shift studio (in the winter).
But every Sunday in the fall, there we would be. Inseparable for three hours or so. My mother and sister would wander in and out of the room but my dad and I would not budge. Ever.
I remember when the Packers won the Super Bowl after the 1996 season. It was my first year at North Carolina School of the Arts. I had met Corey that year and we had started to become friends toward the end of the regular season, mostly because we both obsessed over the Packers and ended up watching the games together. Through the playoff run and on Super Bowl Sunday, I would go over to his house to join bigger and bigger crowds until finally, on the day of the big game, we were joined by a ridiculous number of people.
Of course, the Packers won that day and Corey and I lost our minds in celebration.
But I'll never, ever forget the feeling I had when I got home that night, long after the rest of the city had gone to sleep, lying in my bed thinking about my old man and how much I wished I could have been with him when Desmond Howard had returned that kickoff for a touchdown or when Reggie White broke through for his back-to-back sacks.
My wife and my girls obviously know that I am a bit, um, crazy about the Packers. But I know they know, or at least I hope they know, that nothing in this world, not even the Packers, is as important to me as they are. I want their memories of their crazy, Packers-obsessed father to include a memory of a Sunday afternoon where we all cheer on the Packers to a Super Bowl victory and, as Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers are being interviewed in the falling confetti on our television, we all celebrate and dance and shout and sing because the Packers have won the Super Bowl.
A lot of people tell me this is a "once in a lifetime event." Well, the Packers have now gone to the Super Bowl three times in my lifetime, so that's not strictly true. And I'm also willing to put my money where my mouth is when it comes to what I wrote this summer - the Packers' window of opportunity is opening. As Jermichael Finley said to Peter King earlier this week - "We're due for a dynasty in Green Bay."
Call me foolish, tell me I'm angering the football Gods - I don't care. I like our chances. The Packers are ready to start winning championships. Plural.
And I want to watch the first one with my girls.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.
__________________________
Comments (80)
February 02, 2011 at 12:19 am
nagler - you are great this is what being a pack fan is about
February 02, 2011 at 12:20 am
Bloody brilliant. I teared up a little just now. I will be with my family too...and I can't think of a better way to spend the Superbowl.
Though if I had the money... :-)
February 02, 2011 at 12:21 am
I commend you for wanting to be with your family. Some day, when your daughters take over the CheeseheadTV empire, I hope they write as elegantly about you as you did about your dad.
I'm sure it might hurt a little having to live vicariously through Corey, Brian, Alex, and Jayme, but don't worry. You'll have plenty of opportunities to cover another Packers team in the Super Bowl.
February 02, 2011 at 12:22 am
This is fantastic. You are truly Packer People! Enjoy the victory with your family :)
February 02, 2011 at 12:23 am
absolutely awesome. i know exactly how you feel
February 02, 2011 at 12:23 am
Aaron-
Wow, what a way to bring perspective to the situation. They may be right, it is a once in a life time event, that you can truly share with family.
February 02, 2011 at 12:26 am
Thank You
February 02, 2011 at 12:28 am
Great stuff man. You made the right choice.
February 02, 2011 at 12:30 am
See, I knew you were going to make my cry. You just did. The first time I went to a game in Lambeau, the last Super Bowl win season, I was calling my dad on my cell phone screaming "I'm in Lambeau, it's Monday Night Football!" Because that was a bond for us too.
Thank you Aaron for all you do for us silly fans. And thanks for sharing it with your wife and girls, as I do with my boys and husband. It seems to be rubbing off on them too.
February 02, 2011 at 12:32 am
Read this site for about two years and haven't commented until now.
I feel the exact same way. I've been invited to various Super Bowl parties in my college town, but I'm going to make the drive back home to watch the game with my parents and brother (who is also making a drive to come back home).
When the Packers played the Patriots in the Super Bowl, and I was a bit younger, we went up to Wisconsin to be with family then as well. It sounds silly to say watching a game can be great family time, but I do too.
Hopefully the Packers can pull of a victory on Sunday to make it a bit sweeter.
February 02, 2011 at 12:34 am
Also? Aunt Gert absolutely is beaming at you from Wisconsin. And you know exactly what I mean.
February 02, 2011 at 12:35 am
Nagler, every time I think you've gone corporate, you do something that assures me you've not only kept your soul, but makes me want to buy you a beer. Thank you for sharing your feelings about that great family of yours...and I am staying home also, for both of the same reasons as you. And I feel that much better about it now.
February 02, 2011 at 10:37 am
Amen. My feelings exactly! I bought my wife and 2 girls "So fly like a cheesehead" t-shirts for the game. My oldest was so excited when they came in the mail yesterday that we had to play the video on youtube! Can't wait to watch the big show with my family.
February 02, 2011 at 12:37 am
I just got chills. My Mom and I are the crazy Packer fans in our family. I have lived away from my WI home/Packers/Family for most of the years since I was 18 (just before the 1996 super bowl win). My Mom and I have spent 1,000's of hours on the phone, either talking pre-season (who's staying, who's new, who's a "Packer", who isn't)in the regular season(the game, best plays, penalties, bad calls, wins, losses) and in the post-season (only the day before, or AFTER the game). I would LOVE to be able to watch the game with my family. Good call Aaron and Go Pack Go!
February 02, 2011 at 12:37 am
That was really nice, Aaron.
February 02, 2011 at 12:37 am
ok, maybe 100's of hours ;)
February 02, 2011 at 12:38 am
One of the reasons I'm driving to the game, rather than flying, is so I can bond with my 26 year old nephew, and share the Super Bowl experience with him (this is probably my only shot at going unless I start playing, and winning, the lottery). My wife and I have no kids of our own, never will, so this is the best I can do in passing my love for the Packers to my nephew. He will be the next one to carry on the season tickets in our family.
Go Pack Go!
February 02, 2011 at 02:33 am
The most respected man in my life is my Uncle. He never had any children but he is my hero.
February 02, 2011 at 06:18 pm
My Uncle is also the reason I am a Packer fan. Growing up in a town full of Viking fans in South Dakota nothing ment more to me than going over to my uncles on Sunday. My dad wasn't as big into football as we were and he along with the rest of the town was also Viking fan. I will never forget after we lost the Super Bowl to the Broncos, I was 12 years old with my Cheesehead in my hand stairing at the ground, my Uncle gave me hug and said we will be back. Time has grown us away from each other I now live in Arizona and wish more than seeing the game in Dallas that I could go back and watch the game back home. However I will still have the joy of enjoying the game with my younger step brother who is becoming as much of a Packer nut as myself. Just a few more days to go!
February 02, 2011 at 12:40 am
Bravo. Seriously. Bravo. I know how you feel because I'm flying my long-time girlfriend up to see me, so that we can watch the SB together, and that's nothing compared to having wife and kids. When we win, I know you'll enjoy it a little bit more!
February 02, 2011 at 12:50 am
You said it, Aaron. I've been waiting 14 years for an opportunity to watch a Super Bowl with both my dad and brother. My girlfriend asked me why I didn't plan a huge party with lots of friends and six-foot subs and beer, the kind you see on sitcoms and in commercials.
Just like you, the only thing I want is to cheer on the Packers with the people that make me love being a Packers fan.
Go Pack Go.
February 02, 2011 at 12:51 am
Hey Aaron, sincere values are great things to have, and family should always be #1. The Packers are part of a lot of our extended families.
I think I'd much rather make the (it seems) every two year pilgrimages to Lambeau to experience a real Packer game than these corporate media extraviganzas. But I hope Bob McGinn is right and we're on the cusp of another GBP dynasty, I could do with a few more of these Packer Super Bowl trips. Gotta love Lynn Dicky!
February 02, 2011 at 12:53 am
Man, it's not just the Packers, but fans like you and the others posting in here that make me proud to be a Green Bay Packer fan. I feel you, Aaron. Same thing growing up, for me. My first Packer game I saw was with my Dad. I had previously been a Cleveland and Bernie Kosar fan (first team I saw on T.V. when we came to America from Germany). It was the game against the Bears where Majik threw the touchdown to Sharpe and it was debated if he crossed the line of scrimmage first. Every week I'd watch the game with my Dad, and usually my uncle as well. I had watched the majority of this year's games with my friends, but wanted to be with Dad when they got to the Super Bowl, and I'll want to be there with him when they win it. I love you guys. GO PACK, GO!!!
February 02, 2011 at 01:01 am
You're a great man, Aaron
February 02, 2011 at 01:05 am
I have a feeling that your article speaks for more people than you think Aaron. This is the stuff that makes this site the best.
I'm making the trip home from college just to be with my Packer fanatic dad and brother for the big one. Wouldn't miss it for the world.
Brilliant, sentimental stuff, Aaron. Thank you very much. And GO PACK GO!!!
February 02, 2011 at 01:10 am
As a 20 year old female right now, I can assure you that choosing not to go will mean the world to your kids one day. My dad was a bartender for the longest time growing up, so he was normally working during game days. But I can remember those few times when he was home and I got to watch the game with him.
I'm sure I annoyed the crap out of him asking every question imaginable but he would answer patiently and explain all he could. Those few times meant the world to me. When I think of my crazy love for the Packers now, watching those games with my dad are my first Packers memories.
Enjoy game day.
February 02, 2011 at 02:30 am
This is something that most people don't "get". When my grandpa was told (at age 90) he couldn't watch the Packers anymore, it broke his heart. Like people discuss the weather, my mother and I always discussed the latest Brett Favre saga. They are gone now and I'm watching the games with my 4 year old grand-daughter as she roots "Go Pack Go". It's just not something that can be explained.
February 02, 2011 at 04:54 am
I completely understand and agree. While it may be 6 days out of the week, even when I lived with my family I may not see them, for damn sure I will see them all on Sunday. Thanks to my amazing grandfather we would have an amazing meal and the ability to all sit back, enjoy a beverage and as a family watch the Pack, win or lose. This is a family organization and its fulfilling to see I am not the only who had them play apart in keeping my family close. Thank you Packers, and thank you Mr. Nagler for the article and insight, much respect.
February 02, 2011 at 05:25 am
This article, 2 thumbs up.
February 02, 2011 at 06:46 am
I can totally relate to how you feel. As the third daughter of an avid sportsman and sports fan, I learned all I know about football at my Dad's knee - literally. I'd sit in front of him in his loungechair, on the floor and cheer, yell, complain and bond with him.
Those memories are some of my fondest and now that I am older and he is gone, I can still hear him marveling at a play or wondering outloud about a questionable call on almost every football Sunday.
Your girls will thank you, they'll remember you there, and they'll hold those memories for the rest of their lives.
That, Mr. Nagler, is more precious than all the Super Bowls in history rolled together.
February 02, 2011 at 07:46 am
Also, there's less chaos at home. And, darn it, I paid for the HD box so I'm going to bloody well use it!
February 02, 2011 at 07:48 am
Boom! Well put Aaron. I too will watch with my family and I'm really looking forward to enjoying the game with my 10 year old son. We are building memories that will last a lifetime. So what that they are focused on a game...as long as you bond over something your releationship will be fuller. We cancelled a SB party as I knew I'd be a rotten host not willing/able to talk to people that don't care as much for the game/Packers as me. So, we're off to our friend's house...just Packer fans...all family of a different sort.
February 02, 2011 at 07:54 am
Wow. When I first read the headline I said, "Well, I'm not going because I want to watch it will my parents and siblings." Got a little choked up reading this. Well written, Aaron.
February 02, 2011 at 08:13 am
"To put it as simply as possible - I want to watch the Packers win the Super Bowl with my family."
My wife offered the opportunity to break the budget to send me to Dallas for the game. Packers fan tours.
I declined for that reason right there.
Enjoy the time with family. As a father of three children ranging from 17 to 7, they grow up before you know it.
@mcseiltz
February 02, 2011 at 08:26 am
Nicely done Aaron. The tears of victory are nearly upon us!
February 02, 2011 at 08:36 am
ur my hero
February 02, 2011 at 08:42 am
Great write up!! I had a ton of people asking me if I was considering going (and oh did the thought cross my mind) but we are having a small gathering (mostly of Packer fans but also a few just football fans) over for the game. My wife is already apologizing for how I maybe over the course of the game but being with family and friends is what matters most.
Go Pack Go!!
February 02, 2011 at 09:03 am
This is great.
February 02, 2011 at 09:06 am
Aaron - this is just a fantastic post. Right now my daughters are 3 1/2 & 7 months; I hope this is the first of many Packer Super Bowls we can watch together.
February 02, 2011 at 09:24 am
Aaron, you're doing the right thing. I have already had that opportunity to watch the Packers win (and lose) a Super Bowl while watching with my young family. None of us will ever forget that experience. Now that they're grown and young adults themselves, it my "once in a lifetime." I only wish I could afford to take them all with me, but they understand. Hopefully, the Packers will win and there will be much rejoicing and hugging in the Nagler household that day.
February 02, 2011 at 09:46 am
Sorry my Father was a 49'r fan, but still loved him. My two brothers and one sister would watch the games when we could. Living in SoCal was hard to be a Packer fan, did not have all the access we have today.
I too will be home with my wife, a Cowboy fan, but I am turning her into a Packer fan, and watching the Pack.
BTW, great article, but if I had the chance to go...
February 02, 2011 at 10:07 am
Wisconsinites' Life Priorities:
1. God
2. Family
3. Green Bay Packers
You're not alone.
February 02, 2011 at 10:09 am
Yep! Great choice my friend. You are a class act.
February 02, 2011 at 10:15 am
Aaron - Great post. That is what it is all about. Last time the Packers won the Super Bowl, I was 15. I would watch every game with my dad, but for that Super Bowl, I had buddies from school over. We actually wound up watching the second half on a different TV in the house. Looking back on it, I can't believe it. I still watch every game with him - but I will cherish this Sunday more than any other I ever have.
I agree that it appears a lot of good years are in front for the Pack. But I thought the same thing in 1997. Don't take anything for granted - enjoy every moment.
February 02, 2011 at 10:23 am
Great post.Had chance at free Super Bowl ticket from a friend but turned it down as I wanted to watch the game with my 15 year old son who was 2 the last time the Pack were in the big game. Hopefully the Pack will get back to the Super Bowl in the next year or two and then we will go together!!
Jayme Snowden
February 02, 2011 at 10:38 am
So that means you don't consider us family? :) Have fun with the girls.
February 02, 2011 at 10:43 am
:)
February 02, 2011 at 10:52 am
Excellent Post. Doing the same with my family. :)
February 02, 2011 at 10:53 am
Awesome, Aaron. Simply awesome.
February 02, 2011 at 10:55 am
I'm working in Dallas for the game and trying to convince my old man to fly in. i think i have him 80% committed to coming. just need ticket prices to drop so he can afford to get into the game. i'm "stuck" here, so having my pop join me would be pretty great. he took me to my first game at lambeau 20 years ago, and I plan on taking my soon-to-be-born son someday as well. thanks for bringing tears to my eyes at work aaron.
February 02, 2011 at 11:02 am
Aaron,
Your description of sunday football is a mirror image of my experience on Sundays in Appleton. Wisconsin....
In '96 I bonded with my Dad like never before...and it was special.
For Packers fans it's not always about the party; the spectacle; or the 'hoopla'...
It's all about family and community amongst the die hards and this weekend we get a little extra special feeling...While others are just jumping on to catch a glimpse of something special...well...we've been here the whole time.
The joy is in the journey. The SuperBowl is just the icing.
Thanks for being you. Cheesehead TV just adds another great layer to an already rich and rewarding life experience.
Cheers.
Go Pack!
February 02, 2011 at 11:04 am
There is one reason and one reason only as to why I have been a diehard Packer fan my entire life...my dad. There's a picture of me with my father when I was a baby, wrapped up in his James Lofton jersey. He raised me a Packer fan and I couldn't be more happy about it.
Every Sunday, we watched the games together at our friends house, who were also Packer fans and had the luxury of a big screen TV in their living room. Hardly ever missed a game together.
Within recent years, my dad moved away, hit a bad spot in his life, and consequently, we haven't communicated with eachother in nearly 5 years (mainly my own decision). I don't watch a Packer game without thinking about him, wondering if he's watching and thinking about me as well. It kills me inside and I still hope I will one day be able to watch just one more Packer game with him next to me.
I'll be watching the Super Bowl this weekend with my mom and my cousin and a few other Packer fans. I recently learned where my father is at, and before Sunday, I plan on contacting him for the first time in awhile. I just have to. We're back in the big dance for the first time in 13 years and I just can't let this opportunity go by without speaking to him. He's the reason I'm a Packer fan and I feel like we need to share this together, even if it's not in person. Hopefully, we can put the past behind us, move on, and celebrate a Packers victory, as father and son.
Props to you, Aaron. I've been thinking about doing this since the Packers won the NFC Championship a week and a half ago, and reading this article just convinced me that it's what I need to do.
GO PACK.
February 02, 2011 at 11:11 am
Love it! I could not agree with you more. Nothing better than watching the Green Bay Packers in the comfort of your own home with loved ones. Go Pack!
February 02, 2011 at 11:11 am
I had a few tears reading this, not just ur story but everybody elses as well. Saturday is my 26th birthday and as usual we will be celebrating my birthday on superbowl Sunday,but lucky for me this year not only are the packers in there but its also my 9 month olds first big game! His first year on earth has brought nothing but joy and its only fitting that we made it to the superbowl this year ...I mean after all his name is Korbin CLAY Ballard. I love my family and I love OUR team. Have a great Sunday with your family everyone. Go pack go!!
February 02, 2011 at 11:15 am
Great post.
The reason I am a Packer fan is because of my Mom who was raised in Rice Lake. I spent many summers there as a kid (shout out to Hayward and the Fishing Hall of Fame). This post is so awesome. Sunday is going to be a great day, what could be better than being with family?
Way to go Nagler.
February 02, 2011 at 11:28 am
Great read. Enjoyed this Aaron. I to am looking forward to watching the Packers win their first of a few championships this decade with my family. Mainly with my father who I have watched just about every Packers game with since I can remember.
February 02, 2011 at 11:30 am
Right on Aaron! My kids are too young to know what's happening right now, but I hope that they love the Packers as much as I do someday.
My experience growing up was almost the same as yours, except I'm a little younger than you, so my first memories of Packer games start with Randy Wright. Our church service started at 11:00am so we would listen to the pregame on the way there and then had to listen to the kickoff on the radio on the way home. Then my dad, brother, and I would race into the house to get our seats for the game.
Makes me wish we could all watch the game together this weekend, but we all have separate plans already.
February 02, 2011 at 12:36 pm
My thoughts exactly. I have a friend near Dallas so accomadations were not a problem for me. However, I have rode this journey with my wife, my 6 years old today daughter, and my 3-1/2 year old son. We live in Chico home of Aaron Rodgers! We celebrate with kid champagne(sparkling cider) after every win! We proudly display our game gear on Fridays and our Aaron Rodgers jerseys on Sunday! I like you am hoping I am creating a memory for them that they will cherish a lifetime. I know they are for me! Go Pack GO!
February 02, 2011 at 01:01 pm
You're doing the absolute right thing, Aaron. Your daughters will have a forever-lasting memory of both you and the Packers, specially if they win, but win or lose.
You're putting your daughters' interests ahead of yours, and, for that, you are a great father.
JohnRehor
February 02, 2011 at 01:16 pm
Bravo Aaron-discussing the priorities in life for all to see, while still maintaining a fanatical love of the Packers.
Well done.
February 02, 2011 at 01:23 pm
I'll be gathered with my parents, my two sisters, my sisters' boyfriends, my wife, and my daughter on Sunday to watch our beloved Green Bay Packers. However, I really wish my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins could be there to watch the game too. As much fun as it would be to watch the game in person, watching this team with those who have watched them for years and helped me become the Packer fan I am today is just too important.
Plus, it's ungodly expensive :)
February 02, 2011 at 01:31 pm
Great post Aaron. Have not left a reply in quite some time but had to after reading this. I had almost an identical Sunday routine with my father. Dad was a man of few words and what seemed like even less free time. However we always had 3 hours together on Sunday with our favorite team no matter how abysmal they were. I too was a child of the 80's and loved me some Lynn Dickey, Paul Coffman, James Lofton etc. Growing up in St. Paul Minnesota you know I took my fair share of lumps for it. Anyway thanks for the post as it brought back some great memories for me and will make this Sunday even more sweet that I can share it with my two girls and their Grampa who has a bit more time these days.
February 02, 2011 at 05:02 pm
Loved that team, too. Won some redemption and office pool cash in one of the games.
February 02, 2011 at 01:50 pm
"I want to watch the Packers win the Super Bowl with my family."
That's awesome dude, me too. I have a soon to be 5 year old boy and a 7 year old girl... Times like these are what memories are made of. I just hope there memory of their 1st Packer SuperBowl isn't of daddy with his foot through the TV.
WHITEHOUSE ON THREE
February 02, 2011 at 02:46 pm
Since Aaron can't go, I'll gladly accept his ticket, plane and accomodation.
I've been consistently rated in the top three of the Most Enjoyable People Watch a Packer Game With, am a great wing man before and after the game. Plus I kinda rarely fart hardly that much anymore lately.
February 02, 2011 at 03:36 pm
Solid case dude. You have my vote.
February 02, 2011 at 04:30 pm
Ahh, hell, Fitz. For that comment, I'd rather you go, but only if you change your gravatar to Johnny Briggs.
February 03, 2011 at 12:37 am
I've vowed not to change that pic until this team loses. So get used to it. It's gonna be around for a few years.
WHITEHOUSE ON THREE
February 02, 2011 at 03:44 pm
Beautiful article..I used to watch football with my dad. Who was a big Baltimore Colt and Johnny Unitas fan. That's how I became a Packer fan because the Colts and Packers used to have a quite a rivlary. I've been a Packer nut since 2nd grade which was 44 years ago. I now have my own family with 2 beautiful children who much to my chagrin are becoming Eagles fans. We live close to Philly. My wife keeps telling me I should to to a bar to watch the game but I insist I want to stay home and watch it with my family, hopefully my son will cheer on the Pack and we'll get to watch them celebrate being World Champs! My son did wear a Packer shirt to school today, so there is always hope.
February 02, 2011 at 03:52 pm
Aaron awesome post. That is the same way I feel. I too grew up in the 70's and 80's when the Pack was not the best team. It was about watching the Packers with my Dad. My daughter is 18 and my son is 11. We are out in the Great Pacific Northwest and to be able enjoy the game with my wife, daughter and son is priceless. Let's go Pack!
February 02, 2011 at 04:55 pm
They'll win just for you with that attitude Aaron. Enjoy your day with your family, as I will mine. I can't think of anywhere I'd rather celebrate than here at home with my husband and daughters.
February 02, 2011 at 04:56 pm
Great post. I understand the sentiment and hope to be going next year (I spent most of what could've gone to me in Dallas on the Giants game, so will save up next year). I can't wait to watch with my little boy who just turned two and proudly wears green and gold all over the city of Chicago. I just wish he would remember this when he's my age.
Aaron, did you forget to mention the other factor that kept you home: inability to play Madden in Dallas? When will we get the simulated game?
February 03, 2011 at 12:08 am
Awesome post, Aaron. I'm going to step out on a limb and guess that you're not a big fan of the "Never miss a Super Bowl" jackasses on the VISA commercials? Yeah, me either. Can't relate to what they're trying to sell.
February 03, 2011 at 12:15 am
Great post. The Packers are and will always be about more than just football.
February 03, 2011 at 09:49 am
Awesome post. Many of our vivid first football memories are with our families.
My first was as an 8-year old on Christmas Eve. A wide receiver named Yancy Thigpen for the Pittsburgh Steelers became a loved man in Wisconsin. I think we all know why.
I'll never forget the joy of my family on that day, who'd grown up with Lombardi but had witnessed mediocrity since. I've been hooked as Packers fan ever since.
February 03, 2011 at 11:02 am
Great post!
I have close to the same story:
Growing up in GB my earliest memories of watching the Packers play were of my dad telling me to turn the game off...Now mind you this is when the Packers were very bad (Starr years) but I didn't care I was just so consumed with them as a kid. My dad would tell me "you don't understand, they used to be the best" he particularly was against any former "glory days" players being HC namely Bart Starr and Forrest Gregg.
But none of this could crush my love for the team. Now we fast forward to the 90's and the team is now clearly moving in the right direction, He returned to be a very vigilant fan again knowing things were going the right way. I didn't live with my dad so watching a game together was a rare opportunity. He always said once they got over the "glory day guys" and brought in football smart people not associated with the past in GB the tide would turn for the Packers. During the 96 season my father was losing his battle with diabetes and other ailments, I was able to watch a 2 games with him that season and he was so happy that "The Pack was back!" But my dad didn't make it past mid Dec that year and never got to see their triumphant return to their rightful place as Super Bowl Champions.
As much as I was elated over our win part of me is empty due to him not being able to see the entire season. I curently have 3 kids and all are Packer fans, I hope the memories for them will be much happier than the ones I have of with my dad.
February 03, 2011 at 03:21 pm
The only reason I am a Packer fan is because of family. My father grew up in Milwaukee but then moved to central Illinois before I was born. By the time I was old enough to know I was a fan it was the 1980's and boy we Packer fans took a lot of grief from local Bear fans all around us. But none the less, every Sunday my father and I would be out in the family car trying to pickup 620 on the AM dial. See, living in central Illinois, it was always the Bears on TV. So we would be out in the car trying our best to make out the play call in between static and snow because central Illinois is a good 4 or 5 hours from Milwuakee. I am surprised we were able to hear the game at all.
So when the Packers made the SB in '96 there was no place I wanted to be than with my dad watching the big game. I was in college at the time and drove 5+ hours to be with him and the rest of the family and we had a great celebration because of the victory. When they made it to the SB again the next year I was a little bit spoiled from almost 2 straight years of winning and my father and I stayed at our respective homes and chose not to get together. Well, we all know how that turned out. This time, 10+ years later, you can bet your favorite Packer jersey who I will be watching the big game with and hopefully celebrating with too. GO PACK GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 04, 2011 at 09:02 am
Because at the end of the day, Packers football is about family. Having married into this madness, there is nowhere I would rather be than at home with my family, watching the Packers grind Rothlisberger (spelling?? what a stupid name!!!) into the turf!!
February 04, 2011 at 12:46 pm
Aaron, you hit the nail on the head...great choice! I'll be doing the same. After Jordy's big game against Atlanta we ordered up his jersey for my wife. Her maiden name is Nelson and she graduated in 87, which is his number. Have our oldest son dressed with his Arod jersey on today as the 2nd grade class is having a Packer Party...Awesome!
Have to ask you,...I heard on the radio that 1.5 million people call in sick the day after the Super Bowl. Will you be one of the 1.5 million, or did you already take Monday off?
February 04, 2011 at 02:24 pm
This is absolutely awesome. I can't wait to watch the game with my brother this Sunday. We're going to go bat-shit crazy when the packers dirty up the Lombardi Trophy on that giant ugly blue star.