The NFL may be content in Las Vegas, but it’s hard to ignore the overwhelming feeling that everything must exist within the orbit of something more famous. Like a solar system with multiple suns, the Super Bowl featuring big names like the State Farm and Taylor Swift guys versus a popular running back seems to fit neatly into this galaxy of recognition and marketing. While it’s undoubtedly good for business, one can’t help but wonder if we’ve missed out on the potential for more meaningful games that could change lives and communities. The Cincinnati Bengals’ playoff run, for example, was a massive, life-altering event for many people in the city. While San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs is a fine matchup, it’s not hard to imagine the sheer force of meaning that could come from a game like Buffalo Bills vs. Detroit Lions. Unfortunately, this possibility was lost when a field goal was shanked wide right in the divisional round. For Bills superfan Scott Rubin, the Super Bowl has evolved into something distant from its roots, leaving behind the shared experience of losing and the sense of community it brought. While Rubin’s silver lining is the idea that winning a championship may not be the same thing that brought us all together, it’s hard not to mourn the Super Bowls that could have been.
Detroit and Buffalo may not need Super Bowl victories to feel fulfilled, as they have something even more meaningful. Despite Sean McDermott’s inability to convince ownership, the fan bases of these teams share a special bond with those in Las Vegas this week. They are content in knowing that they may never be like the arrogant followers of Tom Brady or Patrick Mahomes, whom they have despised for decades. A championship would be nice, but as the movie suggests, losing can still provide an incredible experience. As Buffalo approaches the brink of success, there is a sense of near-death on the city’s east side. Making it to Las Vegas requires a kind of death in itself, but sometimes, it’s more enjoyable to stay home. As Rubin says, “the heartbreak may be the prize.”
