The 59th Super Bowl connects community
Annual anticipation builds as millions of football fans eagerly watch the Super Bowl. Screaming supporters swarm around any available screen, desperate to watch the coveted Super Bowl LIX. Hosted by the National Football League [NFL], the Super Bowl is a matchup between the winners of the National and American Football Conference. This year, the Kansas City Chiefs played the Philadelphia Eagles, resulting in the Eagles winning 40-22.
Paying tribute to her former home of Philadelphia, Annabelle Shannon, sophomore, has been a lifelong fan of the Eagles. The qualities of the Eagles process that stand out the most to Shannon are the team’s teamwork and motivation to finish games strongly. “I grew up around fans all the time. Being a fan of this team has helped me see that supporting something in your life that you enjoy seeing grow and achieve its goals helps you become more motivated to keep trying at your own goals,” Shannon said. “Also being with other fans of the same team is so much fun especially when your team wins.”
Accompanied by his friends and family, Grant Synder, senior, eagerly watched this year’s Super Bowl, rooting for the Eagles to secure the win. Usually, Snyder roots for the Baltimore Ravens, but this year, he hoped that the Eagles would bring home the title of champions. “Being a fan of [the Baltimore Ravens] has impacted my life by allowing me to spend more time with family on game days. I enjoy watching football because not only is it a fun and exciting sport to watch but it also brings my family together, especially on big games like the conference championships and Super Bowl,” Synder said.
As she aspires to be a sideline photographer for the NFL, Lauren Calverley, senior, never misses watching a game. Calverley has been a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs since Super Bowl LV. “I was very disappointed in the results of the Super Bowl. It was a blow out and to be honest it wasn’t entertaining at all. The Chiefs barely put up a fight and it was devastating to watch,” Calverley said. “I want to work in the NFL because I’ve recently grown to love the sport of football over the past few years. I find it the most entertaining and enjoyable sport. I love everything surrounding football, from the fans to the players; it all just feels like a huge family and I want to be a part of telling stories to the family of football,” Calverley said.
Watching football is not only a pastime for Shannon, but also a way to feel connected to her family and friends. Shannon believes watching football games with others enhances the viewing experience. “I was very excited that the Eagles won the Super Bowl this year because I know they have been doing very well and have deserved it,” Shannon said.
