GLENDALE, Ariz. — The countdown to Super Bowl XLIX is on, and the biggest event of the week, other than the game itself, is Media Day.
You’ve undoubtedly seen pictures and video from this media extravaganza.
It’s probably best described as a mob scene, with players from each team, in consecutive sessions, stationed in interview booths on the field.
The players are joined by thousands of reporters, photographers and technicians.
This year, 5,500 credentialed media members from 22 countries participated.
The interviews varied from serious to absurd.
While the NFL’s investigation of “Deflate-Gate” continues, there were, of course, many questions on that subject, although no solid answers.
Other highlights from today’s media sessions included tight end Rob Gronkowski saying he’s the best dancer on the Patriots, and Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman actually dancing. Sherman showed off his Salsa skills.
Sherman’s Seahawks teammate, running back Marshawn Lynch, was told he would be fined if he didn't attend Media Day.
Lynch showed up, but didn’t do a whole lot more, only repeating a short prepared answer, “I’m just here so I don’t get fined.”
The game itself is still five days away, and by all accounts, it has the potential to be a classic.
For only the fifth time since 1990, the two top seeds from their respective conferences will play in the Super Bowl.
The Seahawks are trying to join an exclusive group of back-to-back champions, while Tom Brady and Bill Belichick could join Terry Bradshaw and Chuck Noll as the only QB-Head Coach combinations to win four Super Bowls.