A party of one for Super Bowl LV
No gatherings. No potlucks. No silly, or serious, bets. Celebrating Super Bowl LV was anything but normal.
The pandemic-altered Super Bowl concluded Sunday evening, crowning the Tampa Bay Buccaneers champions led by legendary quarterback Tom Brady. Whether one is a fan of Brady or not, one can’t dismiss his greatness. The seemingly timeless cyborg is unparalleled: he acclimated to a new team, conquered a new season amidst the coronavirus pandemic and secured his seventh ring at the age of 43.
His first hike set the tone of the game; he was prepared to lead his team to win the title. I always respected his athletic accomplishments but today I discovered another layer to him.The collectiveness of the team directly reflected his leadership and their relentless defense illustrated a unified heartbeat that chanted “zero touchdowns allowed.” Half my computer screen was on the game and the other was opened to articles on Tom Brady. I needed to learn more on his journey since leaving his New England dynasty to play at the Super Bowl wearing a skull on his helmet. What was at stake?
Brady critics would hold against him the “Brady or Belichick debate,” but with each Brady- Gronkowski dynamic duo touchdown he was proving the debate was almost frivolous.
Without the usual circumstances, I watched the game by myself with the exception of commentary from friends via text messages. In the absence of a room full of cheering friends glued to the TV screen, my thoughts had the space to wander elsewhere.
Ever since a young age I’ve been fascinated, almost mesmerized, even obsessed, by athletes deemed as greats in their respective fields. From Olympic icons like Jesse Owens, Kerri Strug and Michelle Kwan to the legends of our generation Kobe Bryant, Tom Brady and Natalie Osaka I’m greatly inspired, a tad bit jealous, of not only the elite level of their accomplishments but their remarkable dedication to their passions, their ability to refine their crafts. As a spectator, we witness a few minutes of their high level performance, and oftentimes look past the countless hours training and daily decisions to pursue perfection.
Watching the players compete for the precious title, I reflect on their journey, the process they’ve endured to be here. These thoughts trail back to my memories of playing basketball.
I’m reminded of my very first white low-top Jordans with light gray bottoms. Before each game, I made sure the laces laid flat and tied tight because I knew I would blame a missed lay-up or jump shot on forgetting the ritual.
I tried soccer, track and field and volleyball before committing to basketball. There was an unexplainable connection I had to the game: the wooden floors, in-bound lines and even the air of an empty court. Laced up and jersey tucked in, I enter a whole new realm– a place to call my second home.
Spending hours working on my jump shot was easy. Running timed suicides was thrilling. Each drill was an opportunity to get better. Through the prism of the game, I built character and valuable lessons that resonate with me today.
I loved practices because first I was competitive and knew it was the work needed to win games, and second it’s the time we grew as a team. Practices were the preparation for the small, rare pockets of the game-altering steals, momentum-powering fast breaks or unimaginable buzzer-beater shots.
Beyond the practices and games were when relationships were built. Traveling with a team and spending hours at a time together unlocks friendships deeper than the game itself. When stories, hardships and great joys are shared, it’s no longer just a pass to a teammate but a representation of trust. Sports has the ability to connect us in such a way.
To be in the arena as a player or fan, the game is not a spectacle but a connection. It encompasses all: the supporters in the stands, teammates on the bench and the coach on the sideline. The beauty of stringing everyone together.
As an athlete, it’s to value and recognize the incredible moments and the opportunities to give oneself to the sport. The amount of times I’ve left parts of myself on the court but also took from it are unnumbered. Basketball is genuine. Basketball is my first love. I wonder if this year’s Super Bowl champions feel the same way about football.
