A Sports Team Won A Sports Trophy Last Night And People Were Happy
I was once again struck by the complete absurdity of sports fandom last evening when I heard someone behind me (actually, it was Awl pal Meghan Keane) saying, "I think that's the most excited I've ever seen Alex Balk in my life."
Tracy Porter had just intercepted the ball, essentially ending the game and giving the New Orleans Saints their first ever Super Bowl championship, and I had performed a vertical leap which was astounding both because of my lack of agility and the extremely rare display of emotion expressed therein. I say "extremely rare," but the fact is I was not very far removed from a massive and embarrassing display of fist pumping (I know) when the 2-point conversion was ruled valid a few plays earlier.
And that's the thing. It is completely illogical for most people to get so animated about a sporting event, even one as COMPLETELY AMAZING as this was. I had no money on the game. I am not a resident of New Orleans. I am not now nor have I ever been a member of the Saints organization. But in those moments—and even still right now, although that may have more to do with the fact that a significant amount of alcohol remains in my bloodstream—there was absolutely NOTHING ON EARTH that was more exciting. Hopefully we all have something in our lives that can occasionally give us those sharp bursts of pure joy. I guess it is harmless enough that there's no reason to be ashamed of it, but, yeah, I was pretty much a kid for the entire second half (I was a regular foul-mouthed adult during the first half.) When you think of the ridiculous lengths people go to to celebrate an event like this—hell, look at the ridiculous lengths people go to just for the ads—you have to believe there's some larger, animating purpose to it.
But who knows? Maybe I'm just another schmuck. That said, there's is no happier schmuck this morning than I. Except maybe for the guys who actually played the game. Probably.
[Oh, yeah, right, a deal's a deal. Kim Kardashian, will you marry me? Don't worry about hurting my feelings if your answer is no. I'm just SO DAMN HAPPY.]
The onside kick was what sent me over the edge. My wife didn't understand (she just wanted me to not wake the baby) so I tried to (quietly) explain THE GREATEST TACTICAL MOVE IN SUPER BOWL HISTORY. Never been done before. Perfect element of surprise. Kicker who was a punter and has never been seen by the Colts on any tape doing a KO. Incredible. Organized, prepared and lethal. I knew the game was over right then.
The football gods would not deny the Saints after that, would they? Surely a sufficient homage had been paid by Sean Payton and New Orleans. After all, had it failed (and there was a substantial chance that it would fail), you would have the Colts offense on the field in Saints territory — basically Peyton Manning instantly on your doorstep wanting to extend his lead to two touchdowns.
Not the greatest athletic effort or personal sacrifice (I think Doug Williams scoring four TDs on a broken leg in one quarter wins that one). But the greatest TACTICAL move ever. Period. Done. Who dat indeed?
I(ve) watch(ed) football pretty religiously ever since college as I too had never seen that before. Had to call my cousin who plays college football to understand what the hell was going on and was very impressed with Payton's coaching cojones.
Aww when Alex Balk wins we all win! Or something like that. I dunno, I'm just here for Choire Friedan Cady Stanton Steinem's rant about the ads.
:)
seconded.
You weren't alone. Even the queens and the hipster children in my neighborhood (the Marigny, next to the French Quarter) took to the streets when the game was over — despite the fact that I'll bet exactly none of them could cite the technical details of two-point conversion. But whatever: everyone could enjoy the backstory.
The downside: all that black and gold may make Carnival look pretty somber this year.
The only thing that dimished the broadcast of the event was the inclusion of Katie Couric. And that old lady in the wig sure sounded a lot like Roger Daltry.
Alex, you were indeed like a kid out there.
@wedding proposal: PICS OR IT DIDN'T HAPPEN.
And who DIDN'T melt just a little bit when Drew Brees held his tiny son up, both looking in awe at the spectacle all around them.
WITH THE LITTLE BABY HEADSET THING NO LESS.
Too bad the kid couldn't turn off the iPod for 5 minutes.
(Where does one obtain tiny ear protection like that?)
Protecting the ears so the kid can ruin them himself in 12 years. FATHER OF YEAR.
I was just explaining to my wife what a pussy I am for getting all weepy at that!
Then I told her we're buying a Charger.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/07/drew-brees-son-baylen-cel_n_452946.html?slidenumber=gRM7UUoBKj0%3D&&#slide_image
The AAAAAWWWWWW factor is off the charts on this one.
I'm still pissed we didn't watch Cougar Town instead.
Sometimes it is only in hindsight that you realize you've just had a Haley's Comet-like experience, as happened last night with the Balk excitement. In retrospect, I'm just glad I got to be there. And hope I live to see the next one.
I am not a resident of America, I had never even watched your football till yesterday, but I rocketed off the couch screaming like a banshee when that interception happened. Um, and all throughout the game if truth be told. Truly thrilling.