Super Bowl XX. Greetings from New Orleans.
The Chicago Bears would go on to crush the New England Patriots with a score of 46-10, solidifying their legacy as Da Bears. I, on the other hand, was left red-faced by the Patriots (probably by all of them, considering I had predicted a 13-10 win for them).
In the lead-up to this historic defeat, I am covering the Patriots’ media session for USA Today. Having followed the Pats throughout their journey from wild-card playoff entrants to the brink of an NFL championship, I am familiar with most of their players. That morning, I am working on a piece about the Patriots’ running game.
They were ranked sixth in the NFL in rushing, with Craig James leading a group of backs with 1,227 yards.
I approach Patriots center Pete Brock, whom I have had several conversations with during this captivating playoff run that included three away wins (against the New York Jets, Los Angeles Raiders, and Miami Dolphins). He is engaged in a discussion with a couple of other writers, dissecting how James navigates his way to the outside or inside. Oh, and let’s not forget, this Super Bowl took place in New Orleans, the land of the Cajun martini. It’s a miracle I recall any of this.
I inquire, “With Craig surpassing 1,000 yards, did he express his gratitude to the offensive line?”
It’s a tradition for 1,000-yard rushers to show appreciation to their blockers. Whether it’s watches, boots, or even treating the entire line to a trip to the Pro Bowl. Brock responds, “Yes. He gifted us a television.”
Remember, this is January of 1986. Televisions were bulky contraptions back then. Most locker rooms typically had just one, which would usually be tuned (during media times) to All My Children.
My quest for accuracy doesn’t help me with my next question.
“Just one TV?”
Brock glances at me and shakes his head. I have now earned myself The Stupid Reporter Award, no small achievement in a crowd of around 2,000.
“Yes, bleep-bleep. We have to share it,” he remarks.
Bleep-bleep? Me? After all we’ve shared? After three road trips and all the time spent with this team? Grr.
We could have handled this exchange more gracefully. Perhaps from me: “How many TVs did he purchase?” Or maybe from him: “Eight. One for each lineman and I believe the tight end.”
Instead, I come off as a bleep-bleep.
But hey, at least I didn’t lose 46-10.
