Overnight Open Thread Pre-Super Bowl Edition (6 Feb 2016)

I hope you don't mind the lack of current events or politics in tonight's ONT. Tomorrow is the big game, Super Bowl 50. This is the last NFL football game until August 7, 2016 exactly 6 months from tomorrow. I hate Cold Turkey football withdrawals.

Ladies & gentlemen will you please rise and remove your caps. As usual pants are optional.

Snack Ideas For Your Super Bowl Party

Not sure if our resident Chef CBD will have any ideas for you before the big game. So here's a few ideas.

A Little NFL History Lesson

The National Football League assumed its name in 1922. Previously it had been formed in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association. Only 2 originally named teams remain, the Bears and the Cardinals.

The Green Bay Packers were formed in 1921 and joined the league in 1922. This is the longest residing franchise in one location. The team is publicly owned by stock holders. No Jerry Jones, No Daniel Snyder, no Al Davis just a board of directors and the typical NFL front office.

The very first championship game was played in 1933.

Drafting of college players started in 1936.

The NFL's TV debut occurred on October 22, 1939 between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Philadelphia Eagles. Estimated viewership, 500. Early NFL teams often adopted the name of their hometown baseball teams.

1958 saw the NFL championship played between the Baltimore Colts and the New York Giants. It was the first nationally televised football game.

1960 saw the formation of the American Football League. Many of the these AFL owners had failed in obtaining NFL franchises. Over the next 6 years the NFL and AFL would vie for players with separate drafts. In 1966 the AFL and NFL merged. The very first Superbowl was between my beloved Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs. Of course Green Bay prevailed.

Several NFL players over the years have played in the MLB. Recent players include Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders.

Bud Grant, Minnesota Vikings head coach was 0- 4 in Super Bowl appearances. He however did coach 4 Grey Cup Championships in the CFL. Did you know that Grant is the only person to both play in the NFL and NBA? He was a member of the Philadelphia Eagles and Minneapolis Lakers. He also played in the CFL. He is still alive at age 88 and has an office at the MN Vikings HQ.

Over the years wars and armed conflicts have taken place. Only 2 NFL players have died while serving their country. These 2 heroes are Bob Kalsu of the Buffalo Bills in Viet Nam and Arizona Cardinal Pat Tillman in Afghanistan.

Amazing what this little outfit of football players has become in 96 years. Tomorrow 189 million people are expected to watch Super Bowl 50. I guess that's why CBS is charging $5 million dollars for a 30 second ad during the game.

Speaking of money, Super Bowl 50 is expected to draw an estimated $4.2 billion in bets.

More unique tidbits about the NFL can be found here.

Don't worry Morons, there will not be a quiz at the end of the ONT. Number 2 pencils are becoming a thing of the past.

Pre-Super Bowl Entertainment

This beats a sharp stick in the eye and a free half time show by Coldplay.

Not Everything Is Racism

Yeah Cam Newton I'm talking to you. You were given a full ride college scholarship. You were the number 1 over all draft choice in the NFL. You most likely will be the NFL's MVP this year. Your replica jersey is in the top 5 of jersey sales. I don't think that is racism. While you were a child Cam, I remember a certain running back from the Detroit Lions who handed the football to the nearest official when he scored. Barry Sanders acted like he had scored before. He is also an African-American. He was a classy player who played on a crappy team.

Whether you are white, black, brown, green, if you act like a jackass expect people to be critical of you.

Cheerleaders Anyone?

Moar cheerleaders.

Equal Opportunity

The lovely & gracious Mrs. MH asked, what about the 'ettes? So here goes.

Here are a few surprising names of 'rons who were cheerleaders.

Will There Be A Blame Game?

Seating failures, power outages, wardrobe malfunctions are just some of the problems with the NFL's biggest show in recent history.Do you have any predictions of problems or mishaps at the SB? What will be the conversation at your employer's water cooler or coffee maker on Monday?

Even Pets Are In The Act

Pet Video

Good night. Enjoy the big game!!

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian

Notice: Posted by permission of AceCorp LLC. Please e-mail overnight open thread tips to maet or CDR M. Otherwise send tips to Ace.

posted by CDR M at 10:05 PM

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