The Super Bowl has become a global event, that brings millions together on a Sunday each February as we gather to watch a game, a ton of commercials, and eat anything our hosts will put in front of us.

That makes the Super Bowl ripe for making memories.

For many of us at SB Nation, our love of the sport came years before we became lucky enough to cover the NFL on a daily basis. That means memories that came well before we were able to share our love of the sport with the world. But for others, the ability to be in the building as memories are made is something that will stay with us forever.

Here are Super Bowl moments that will stay with us forever. And we would love to hear yours! Sound off with your favorite Super Bowl memories in the comments, as we’d love to hear your stories.

“Hey everyone. The Patriots won.”

It was the start of 2002, and I was in my third year of law school. The world looked a lot different than it did when that academic year began, with a lot more uncertainty about the future.

But as myself and my friends forged through that final year of law school, we bonded over life, over the world, over the uncertainty of finally entering the professional world after years of schooling, and yes, we bonded over football.

We were not all New England Patriots fans, not by a long shot, but as the Patriots put together a dream run through the playoffs, we bonded over a team of underdogs that made us believe that better days were ahead, and that bigger things were possible.

It was not easy. As a fan who tends to pace I spent a lot of time on a patio, nervously pacing in the cold as I caught glimpses of the game through the sliding glass door. The Divisional Round game against the Raiders, for example, saw me watch most of that game outside in the cold as I could not bear the tension.

But when Adam Vinatieri split the uprights in overtime, I burst back into the room.

“Hey everyone. The Patriots won.”

It would be like that a few weeks later, when the Patriots pulled off a dramatic upset of the St. Louis Rams in the Super Bowl. Time spent on the patio, friends — and the woman who is now my wife — hoping along with me, and a kick through the uprights that allowed me to remind everyon in the room that same thing.

“Hey everyone. The Patriots won.”

Things have changed since then for us all. Some of us went on to be very good lawyers. One of us went on to become a sportswriter, and he’ll get to write about the Patriots in the Super Bowl again over the next few days.

But I’ll never forget that night.

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I’m a Falcons fan who’s spent the past six years trying to get out from under the crushing humiliation of 28-3. Heading into Super Bowl LII, featuring the Eagles facing the juggernaut Patriots with backup quarterback Nick Foles under center, I was fully expecting yet another Patriots Super Bowl win. New England took a 33-32 lead with over nine minutes to play in the fourth quarter with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady to Rob Gronkowski, and based on previous experience, I thought it was a wrap for Philly. But Foles and the Eagles disagreed, and put another touchdown and a field goal on the board to take home the Lombardi with an improbable 41-33 win. It didn’t exactly erase the pain of 28-3, but I am petty enough for it to be my favorite Super Bowl memory of all time.

For the most part my Super Bowl memories aren’t happy. I could write a lengthy soliloquy about the exquisite pain of seeing the ever-reliable Jon Kasay kick the ball out of bounds and cost my Panthers a win in Super Bowl XXXVI, or watch Cam Newton crumble on football’s brightest stage in Super Bowl 50 — but instead I want to share what it’s like working during the Super Bowl as a writer.

February 3, 2013 was the night I realized I had to write about sports as a career. We had an incredible crew of people at SB Nation.com, many of whom have moved on to other outlets or careers — but the spirit and energy of us huddling together in a Campfire room (this was pre-Slack), hastily eating a sandwich at my desk during legitimately one of the best games I’ve ever seen between the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans’ Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

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When a moment like that happens, it is anarchy. Nobody knew what was happening. When it became clear this wasn’t something terrible, and instead an unexpected power outage we all jumped in trying to find out anything and everything we could. There were coworkers in the stadium feeding us info. We were back in our offices and home offices writing stories. For 34 minutes we pondered if the game was actually going to be able to finish.

It was anarchy, and it was so much fun. I knew from that moment on that I had to make a career out of writing about sports — and the incredible ending to the game with the 49ers mounting a comeback, then the Ravens answering and winning, it was all incredible.

Even though they ended up losing to the Giants, which is not the outcome any Patriots fan would have hoped for, Super Bowl XLVI might still be my favorite one among them.

Watching the game with a group of friends in a small town in Austria, we had everything you would need for a regular Super Bowl party in the United States. Well, except one thing: a general understanding of how the sport works. In fact, there were only two of us who really knew the rules, leaving the other dozen in need of constant explanations.

Why are they throwing the ball? Why are they getting more points for some kicks than others? What in the world is a safety?

We ended up explaining all that was happening as well as we could as the game went along. Of course, we were doing it with a slight Patriots bias, which eventually led to almost entire group — You know who you are! — to root for Tom Brady and company

And so, a couple of hours on this early Monday morning in February 2012 saw people who previously had had no real clue about the game of football turn into hard-core Patriots fans. Naturally, the end result was disappointing, but other than that it was as perfect a night as one could hope for — a true testament to sports and friendship.

For those who do not know Roman numerals, don’t worry, I looked it up for both of us. Super Bowl C hasn’t happened yet, but I have strong memories since my childhood of dreaming that the Cleveland Browns would make the Super Bowl. At this point, Super Bowl 100 seems about the soonest that might happen, and I have a Browns champagne bottle to pop when it does.

To be honest, Cleveland football has been so bad for so long, I might pop that bottle if they just make the AFC Championship game and will make sure to be the kind of fan that appreciates a good, playoff caliber team, even if they do not make the Super Bowl until we get to the letter C…. for CLEVELAND!

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This was the first Super Bowl I attended, which also coincided with it being the first one I got to cover with the media. I happened to also launch SB Nation’s 49ers site, Niners Nation, and so I was far from the objective journalist that is expected to cover these events. Colin Kaepernick not being able to connect on an end zone fade to Michael Crabtree was one of the most difficult moments to endure as a fan, but everything up to that was incredible.

The game was fantastic to an objective fan. The Ravens led 21-6 after the first half and Beyoncé came out with Destiny’s Child to entertain the millions of people watching the game. Then the power went out heading into the third quarter and as James noted above, there was chaos. I remember people texting me asking what was going on and trying to offer up what little I could from the press box.

Things got going again 34 minutes later, and we saw Jacoby Jones run back the opening kickoff 108 yards to give the Ravens a 28-6 lead. It seemed like the blowout was on, but then the 49ers stormed back with a 23-3 run to cut the lead to 31-29. The 49ers got one last real opportunity to win, trailing 34-29 and driving down to the Ravens 7-yard line to set up 1st and goal. However, four plays later, Kaepernick failed to connect with Crabtree and that was effectively it. It hurt as a 49ers fan, but was an objectively wild event to witness.

What are the most iconic Super Bowl moments that will live with us forever?

Super Bowl Moments That Will Live With Us Forever. What’s Yours?

The Super Bowl. It’s more than just a football game; it’s a cultural phenomenon. For decades, the championship has delivered moments of athletic brilliance, dramatic upsets, and unforgettable entertainment. But some moments transcend the game itself, etching themselves into the collective memory of sports fans.Let’s revisit some of the most iconic super Bowl plays and discuss why they continue to resonate.

The Immaculate Reception (Super Bowl X, 1976) – A Defining Play

Often cited as the greatest play in NFL history, franco Harris’s “Immaculate Reception” remains a source of debate and wonder. with seconds ticking away in the AFC Divisional Playoff game (not the Super Bowl itself, but a crucial stepping stone), Terry Bradshaw’s pass deflected off either Jack Tatum or Frenchy Fuqua (the controversy continues!), and Harris miraculously snagged it inches from the ground, running it in for a game-winning touchdown.

* Why it endures: The sheer improbability of the catch, the ambiguity surrounding the deflection, and the dramatic stakes all contribute to its legendary status. It’s a play that redefined what was possible on a football field.

* Impact: This play propelled the Steelers to their first Super Bowl appearance and launched a dynasty.

Joe Namath’s Guarantee (Super Bowl III, 1969) – Upsetting the Establishment

Before Super Bowl III, the AFL was considered the inferior league to the NFL.joe Namath,the brash quarterback of the New York Jets,boldly guaranteed a Jets victory over the heavily favored Baltimore Colts. And they delivered, winning 16-7 in what is widely considered the biggest upset in Super Bowl history.

* The Significance: Namath’s guarantee wasn’t just about winning a game; it was about challenging the established order and proving the AFL’s legitimacy.

* Cultural Impact: This victory helped fuel the merger between the AFL and NFL, creating the modern NFL we know today.

“The Catch” (Super Bowl XVI, 1982) – Montana to Taylor

joe Montana, arguably the greatest quarterback of all time, cemented his legacy with “The Catch” – a 6-yard touchdown pass to Dwight Clark in the final seconds of the NFC Championship game against the Dallas Cowboys. While not in the Super Bowl,this play secured the 49ers’ spot in Super bowl XVI,and its drama is inseparable from the championship run.

* The Play: Montana, under immense pressure, scrambled to his right and lofted a pass to Clark, who made a leaping grab in the back of the end zone.

* Why it’s remembered: The desperation, the athleticism, and the sheer beauty of the play make it a timeless classic.

David Tyree’s helmet Catch (Super Bowl XLII, 2008) – A Giants Miracle

Trailing the undefeated New England Patriots, the New York Giants were on the verge of defeat. Then, Eli Manning launched a desperate pass downfield to David Tyree, who made an improbable catch by pinning the ball against his helmet with his fingertips while being interfered with by Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather. This play kept the drive alive, leading to the game-winning touchdown.

* The Aftermath: The Giants went on to upset the Patriots, denying them a perfect season.

* The Visual: the image of Tyree with the ball pressed against his helmet is instantly recognizable and symbolizes the Giants’ improbable victory.

Malcolm Butler’s Interception (Super Bowl XLIX,2015) – A Rookie’s Moment

With the Seattle Seahawks on the 1-yard line and seconds remaining,Malcolm Butler,a rookie cornerback for the New England Patriots,made a game-saving interception of Russell Wilson’s pass intended for ricardo lockette. This sealed the Patriots’ victory in a thrilling, back-and-forth contest.

* The surprise factor: Butler was a relatively unknown player at the time, making his interception even more shocking and memorable.

* Strategic Brilliance: Bill Belichick’s decision to leave Butler in coverage on that play has been debated ever since, but it ultimately proved to be a masterstroke.

The Philadelphia Eagles’ Trick Play (Super Bowl LII, 2018) – The Philly Special

Down 24-17 to the New England Patriots, the Philadelphia Eagles unveiled a daring trick play on 4th and goal. Nick Foles,the Eagles’ quarterback,lined up as a receiver,while running back Corey Clement took a direct snap and tossed a pass to Foles

when should African American men start prostate cancer screening?

NFL Tight Ends Break the Stigma to Promote Early Prostate Cancer Testing

For decades, prostate cancer has been a silent threat, frequently enough shrouded in stigma and a reluctance to discuss preventative health measures. Now, a powerful new wave of advocates is emerging from an unexpected place: the NFL’s tight end community. These athletes are leveraging their platform to encourage men, particularly African American men who face a disproportionately higher risk, to prioritize early detection through prostate cancer screening.

Why Tight Ends? A Unique Position of Influence

The choice of tight ends as leading voices in this campaign isn’t accidental.Frequently enough seen as versatile, relatable, and possessing a blend of strength and sensitivity, tight ends connect with a broad demographic. They’re not just known for their athletic prowess, but also for their community involvement and approachable personalities. This makes them particularly effective messengers for sensitive health topics.

Several current and former NFL tight ends have become vocal advocates, sharing personal stories and partnering with organizations dedicated to prostate cancer awareness. This includes participating in public service announcements, hosting fundraising events, and actively promoting regular check-ups.

The Disproportionate Impact on African American Men

prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in American men, but the risk is considerably higher for African American men. According to the American Cancer Society, African American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer at a younger age and have a more aggressive form of the disease. They are also more likely to die from it.

This disparity is linked to a complex interplay of factors, including genetics, socioeconomic conditions, and access to quality healthcare.The stigma surrounding men’s health, particularly within some communities, further exacerbates the problem, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Understanding Prostate Cancer Screening: What Men Need to Know

Early detection is crucial for successful prostate cancer treatment. Here’s a breakdown of the common screening methods:

* PSA Blood Test: measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood.Elevated levels can indicate prostate cancer, but can also be caused by other conditions.

* Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A doctor physically examines the prostate gland for any abnormalities.

* MRI Fusion Biopsy: A more advanced imaging technique used to guide biopsies,increasing accuracy.

* Genetic Testing: Increasingly available, genetic testing can help assess an individual’s risk based on family history and genetic markers.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men at average risk discuss the pros and cons of screening with their doctor starting at age 50. For African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer, this conversation should begin at age 45.

NFL Players Leading the Charge: real-World Examples

Several prominent NFL tight ends have stepped forward to champion this cause.

* Benjamin Watson, a former NFL tight end, has been a long-time advocate for men’s health and has openly discussed the importance of preventative screenings. He frequently uses his social media platforms to share information and encourage men to take control of their health.

* Marcedes Lewis, a veteran tight end currently playing in the NFL, actively participates in prostate cancer awareness campaigns and shares his personal experiences to inspire others.

* Greg Olsen, whose father battled prostate cancer, has been a particularly powerful voice, founding the HEARTH app to provide resources and support for cancer patients and their families.

These players aren’t just lending their names to the cause; they are actively involved in raising awareness, fundraising, and advocating for increased research funding.

Breaking down Barriers: Addressing the Stigma

The stigma surrounding prostate cancer often stems from discomfort discussing sensitive health issues and fear of the screening process itself. NFL tight ends are helping to dismantle these barriers by:

* Normalizing the Conversation: Openly discussing prostate cancer and encouraging men to talk to their doctors.

* Sharing Personal Stories: Humanizing the disease and demonstrating that it can affect anyone.

* Promoting Education: Providing accurate information about screening methods and treatment options.

* Highlighting Survivorship: Showcasing stories of men who have successfully battled prostate cancer.

The Role of NFL Teams and organizations

The NFL itself is also playing a role in promoting prostate cancer awareness. Many teams partner with local hospitals and cancer organizations to host screenings and educational events. The NFL Players Association also supports initiatives aimed at improving men’s health.

Benefits of Early Detection

Detecting prostate cancer early significantly improves treatment outcomes. When caught in its early stages, prostate cancer is highly treatable, with a survival rate of nearly 100%.Early detection allows for less invasive treatment options and a better quality of life.

Practical Tips for Men

* Talk to Your Doctor: Discuss your risk factors and whether prostate cancer screening is right for you.

* Know Your Family History: If you have a family history of prostate cancer,be sure to inform your doctor.

* Schedule Regular Check-ups: Don’t wait for symptoms to appear.

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