Throwback – New York Jets (né Titans)

Team Colors
Note: Names not official
Green
White

The Jets’ 1968 season led to their well chronicled Superbowl victory, but it also changed sports TV broadcasting forever.  Their game against the Oakland Raiders ( November 17, 1968) had to go past the TV scheduled slot.  Despite a very close game ( 32–29 Raiders) and having a little over a minute left in the 4th quarter, many stations (except for the west coast) switched over to a broadcast of the film Heidi right on schedule.  Only a little ticker at the bottom of the screen showed the final score (43–32 Raiders).  The viewing public that was forced to watch Heidi flooded their local NBC stations with calls, understandably upset that they didn’t see the end of the game.  In response TV broadcasters changed their sports broadcast policy.  All games are now seen to their conclusion, scheduled programs and sponsors be damned.  This moment in TV history is affectionately known as the Heidi Incident.

Throwback – Philadelphia Eagles

Team Colors
Note: Names not official
Green
Silver
White

Full discretion: I did not know about Vince Papale until the movie Invincible.  The movie depicted the life of another guy named Vince Papale in an alternate universe where Philadelphia sports had a drought.  Let’s not forget that the Flyers (hockey), 76ers (basketball), and the Phillies (baseball) were favored teams in their sports during the time this movie was set.  Things were bad in Philadelphia but not as terrible as the movie depicts.

Here’s the story of an out of luck local kid who becomes a popular pro athlete after a lot of  intense training and determination.  Coincidence? Philadelphia didn’t think so either.  Rocky came out in 1976, the same year Vince Papale began his football career.  It wasn’t too much of a stretch to have Vince’s nickname during his pro days as Rocky.

Throwback – Seattle Seahawks

Team Colors
Note: Names not official
Royal Blue
Forest Green
Silver

2013 (Superbowl XLVIII) NFL League Champions

Congratulations to the Seattle Seahawks for winning the 2013 Superbowl.  Shoutout to the Seahawks defense for stomping on the infallible Denver Broncos offense.  As much as I don’t like divisional rivals winning, I was getting tired of hearing the greatness of Peyton Manning for 2 weeks since my 49ers lost.  The old adage that defense wins championships still rings true.

Since Seattle won the Superbowl, I start my division and conference orders with the winning division first.  We’re going NFC, then AFC, then West, East, South, North.

Team Sanders

Team Colors
Grey
Neon Green

Official Website

If you haven’t heard already instead of the standard “best players of conference by ‘fan’ votes” format, the NFL changed it up for the Pro Bowl this year.  The “fans” (honestly I think it’s rigged) chose the player pool, and Jerry Rice and Deion Sanders choose the members.  To be honest, Deion, I would have Cam Newton on first string.  Andrew Luck had a good season, but he didn’t really impress me as much as Cam did.

Seattle Seahawks

Team Colors
College Navy
Action Green
Wolf Grey

Official Website

At the beginning of the season, it was quickly determined that the road to the Superbowl involves the Seattle Seahawks.  They have all the right elements.  A nasty defense, high caliber offense, and a conspiracy theorist for a coach.  Honestly the wackiness of Seahawks head coach Pete Caroll is what keeps opposition on edge.  What the hell will this looney come up with next?  Have Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch barrel through the defense then throw the ball to back his quarterback Russell Wilson who then throws it wide receiver Golden Tate who fakes a short route?  No, actually, consider that within the realm of possibility for coach Carroll.

Philadelphia Eagles

Team Colors
Midnight Green
Black
Charcoal
Silver

Official Website

The Eagles have terrible luck, don’t they?  After decades of mediocrity head coach Andy Reid gave them good seasons. However coach Reid soon became former coach Reid because the Eagles couldn’t make it far in the playoffs.  The 2013 season ended up being more of the same.  Coach Chip Kelly changed the Eagles’ styles of play, earning them a spot on this season’s playoffs.  Sadly they lost in the first round, even with the coveted home field advantage.  Maybe next year, Eagles fans.

Green Bay Packers

Team Colors
Dark Green, Gold

Official Website

Green Bay and the state of Wisconsin wouldn’t be on my radar if it weren’t for the Packers.  I grew up watching Bret Favre, then Packers quarterback and potential cyborg, throw these crazy fast and far flung balls.  Aaron Rodgers, current QB and mustache aficionado, always comes off as a great guy to hang out with.  (Discount DAAAHBLE check. :wrestling championship belt motions:)  The Packers are like the Patriots to me, in that chances are very good they’ll make the playoffs no matter the injury list.  Also much respect to the Packers fan base.  I likely have to wait 30 years for a chance to purchase season tickets.  Packers home games always  appear to be a great time, even in near zero night games.  It was one of the first sports related things I have on my bucket list.  I want to attend a Packers home game.  Preferably against their division rivals the Minnesota Vikings, but I’m not picky.

New York Jets

Team Colors
Hunter Green, White

Official Website

Aah the Jets.  I can think of two great things I can credit to the Jets.

One:  Their former quarterback Joe Namath was very drunk when he told sideline reporter Suzy Kolber, “I just wanna kiss you.”  This phrase turned into the base for football humor site Kissing Suzy Kolber.

Two:  The infamous play in recent memory named the Butt Fumble.  On screen, Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez runs into the butt of teammate Brandon Moore.  He dropped the ball, which was picked up by Patriots player Steve Gregory.  Gregory scored a touchdown because Sanchez ran face first to a butt.  Many parodies were created on the Internet.  I happen to believe this is the crowning achievement.  Bah gahd the play was retired by ESPN Not Top 10.   ESPN, the king of replay clips, didn’t want to broadcast it anymore