The column is up and I'm back at my hotel for a quick stop before a morning flight. I'm not thinking straight enough to put together coherent thoughts on how the Steelers won, but here are a few stray things I learned after the game that I'd like to record before my goldfish-like memory forgets it all.
I stood right next to Dan Rooney as we both tried to get into a packed locker room well after the game. Even the owner of the team was having trouble going where he wanted. I’ve never met Rooney before, of course, but I said congratulations. I asked if championships were like kids or if you are allowed to have favorites. I hate that question, but it just came out. He said all championships are good, but the first one is the most special.
James Farrior said earlier in the week that he wasted too long with the media and missed a lot of the celebration the last time they won. This time, he made sure to finish up the minimum time on his podium, then run like hell out of the room while screaming in joy.
Gary Russell, despite being a rookie, seemed as overwhelmed and happy as any Steeler. Just beaming, continuing to say, “It’s better than I thought. And I’m speechless.” He said he didn’t get too caught up in his touchdown run because he had to get right back on the field for special teams.
I didn’t go into the locker room until after most of the podium pressers. It’s a strange place to be, with so many happy players trying to enjoy their moment while out-numbered by media. Chris Hoke and all the defensive linemen took turns taking pictures with the Lombardi trophy. Some players dressed and bolted as fast as possible to the team buses.
The most awkward scene in a locker room full of them was seeing ten people surround Ben Roethlisberger as he had a tearful conversation on the phone. Everyone was maintaining a respectful 5-10 feet, but it was like we were watching the “Ben Roethlisberger Show.”
Hines Ward teared up at the podium while holding his son and talking about what the Rooneys meant to him. He said he “couldn’t describe” the pain he played in. He said the injury was a 5-6 week injury. He held up well early, but blocking wore him down. Ward’s teammates have taken to calling him Papa Smurf. My wife calls him Hinesy.
Ryan Clark on the Larry Fitzgerald score: “He’s way faster than I thought.” Clark said he yelled Fitzgerald’s name while running behind him in an effort to make him trip.
Clark also said the Steelers were truly America’s team, because they have a home crowd wherever they go. He said the Cowboys can have their reality shows, the Steelers will take their rings.
When the podium location for Ben Roethlisberger was announced, I hesitated for a second whether I wanted to leave my post at the time. Then an entire swarm of media bees descended on the podium before I was done looking up. Lesson learned: you must act fast or not bother.
Apparently Santonio Holmes’ friends and teammates have been saying all week that he would be the MVP. You just hope this game doesn’t affect Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie moving forward. He had a memorably rough night.
Although not as rough as Aaron Francisco, who would get the Buckner treatment in Phoenix if their fans were as diehard and mean-spirited as Red Sox Nation.
Talking to the Cardinals after the game was depressing. It’s tough to get them to dissect what happened, good or bad, without feeling like you are bringing up a recent tragedy or accident. Bertrand Berry was ridiculously composed, oddly positive, trying to spin it well, like the reality hadn’t set in yet. One of the saddest things I saw all night was the questions for Berry dry up quickly, then him stare out for a few seconds, wait, and then awkwardly just shuffle out when he realized it was over.
Adrian Wilson wore the pain more openly, saying, “Great catch” about Santonio Holmes’ winning play, shaking his head, and just stopping. The losing seemed to limp more after leaving the podium.
The Cardinals had their share of bad breaks, but I’m glad Santonio Holmes wasn’t called for using the ball as a prop after his touchdown. Even though he did use the ball as a prop.
Mike Tomlin became the second Africa-American head coach to win a Super Bowl in three years, and didn’t answer a single question about it. That's progress, cool, or weird.
All year, the Cardinals responded when it looked like they had totally blown it. That was a ridiculous comeback tonight, two fourth quarter touchdowns against a historically good offense. They survived an avalanche of penalties, and a 10-point swing (at least) to end the first half, and still they put themselves in position to win. I thank them for showing up so well Sunday and giving us a great game.
Larry Fitzgerald said the game was like getting the “chair pulled out from underneath him.” The Cardinals, my team all week, were depressing to hang around by then. I headed over to the Steelers side of things.
There is nothing grosser than a press box at 2AM. It looked like a war zone, if every soldier was fat and loved quote sheets.
I didn’t think anything could top Alex Marvez’s mullet from last year, but Alex Marvez's 2009 mullet was bigger and badder. The ninth wonder of the world.
I was still wired when I returned my hotel, so I went over to the Marriot for the end-of-the-week press party. Apparently, they don’t let you in after 2AM. Rookie mistake. All the newspaper writers are much quicker getting out of the stadium because they are on deadline. And the other internet writers are mostly quicker because they are smarter than me. Still, it seems weird that a full week of build-up only leads to two hours of work after the game.
There were still tons of Steelers fans milling about in the hotel lobby and bar. And plenty of championship gear available at a kiosk in the lobby.
Two Super Bowls attended, two game-winning touchdowns with 35 seconds left. I could get used to this.
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Comments
Russell is a second-year player..
Fitzgerald's breakaway run up the seam off the slant pattern made me knock my drink over - I've never seen him dust the pack like that.
Posted by: TD | February 2, 2009 10:10 AM
Looking good, bro - very nice! We look forward to reading more about this next year - excellent coverage.
Posted by: Dean | February 2, 2009 12:22 PM
Thanks for the behind the scenes comments. Keep the great posts coming!
Posted by: Jacyln | February 3, 2009 03:27 AM
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Posted by: Bxknicbd | June 25, 2009 11:17 PM
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Posted by: Okcqxzsf | July 14, 2009 08:34 PM