Respectfully on Cloud 9

Monday, January 24, 2011 - 
The Green Bay Packers are going to the Super Bowl!  Whether you are a fan or not, hear me out.

Born and raised in Green Bay, I have always loved my Pack.  I don't fully remember my first game because I am fortunate to have season tickets in my family name.  Yes, the classic "they were my grandfather's and now my dad and uncle each have a set" type of situation.  Would I love to have those tickets someday?  Why yes, yes I would (hint mom and dad - I know you read this!)  I am passionate about my team.

When I was in college at UMass-Amherst, I wore my cheesehead proudly.  And now here in Indy, I still have it on display with my signed helmet from Donald Driver.  Love. The. Packers.  It is tough not being in Titletown when it comes to the love, but I do my best to support the team.

But why was this game a big deal?  Not only because it was on Championship Sunday, but because it was the Bears. 

The two teams haven't played each other in a championship game since 1941.  It is a rivalry that I respect.  I have many friends who are Bears fans, and I adore them all the same.  I respect them because of their history, which is similar to the Packers.  There is not a team who I would have wanted to play more in that championship game, because I love the intense situation it puts us in.  My nerves were all over the place as both teams had more than the Super Bowl to play for (though yes, that is the big one.) 

But, I still love to hate them.  I mean, it is a rivalry after all.  I did raise my glass at the end of the game in a salute because it was a battle.  I am extremely happy that the Packers came out victorious, but I will not be the one who gloats to the Bears fans.  If roles were reversed, I would hope they would do the same for me.  Respectable fans are the best fans.

Here's to February 6 and the great road that we took to get there.  No matter the outcome, I'll wear my cheesehead proudly and raise my glass of cold beer (let us hope it is draft PBR) in freezing temperatures to support my team.  Always.

Who are you rooting for in the Super Bowl, and why?