Super Bowl XL
by Kelly Croslis

The pomp and circumstance of the New Year will soon be a mere memory, but not far under the surface a storm is brewing. If you watch the news, read your newspaper, you know what is coming……Live from Detroit, Michigan comes possibly the single most watched event in sports - The Super Bowl.

On February 5, 2006 all eyes will be on Detroit for the 40th anniversary of the Super Bowl, starting with the pre-game show with Stevie Wonder, the half-time show with the Rolling Stones and almost as important the game itself.

While it may still be a little early to tell, the running for the championship is well on its way. As of this writing, the NFC race is still a true race. While Seattle and Chicago have clinched their spot in the playoffs, there are three spots still up for grabs. Over the next two weeks the N.Y. Giants, Washington Redskins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers will battle for those available spots, so in a sense it's anyone's game. The AFC, however, is set and ready for 'battle,' New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos have clinched their spots, with the Jacksonville Jacquars getting the opportunity to play with a Wild Card berth.

One of the highlights of these years Super Bowl will be the tribute to the last 39 games. Beginning with Bart Starr and his return to Los Angeles, the site of the very first Super Bowl, the 'story' will continue with Starr meeting up with an up and coming quarterback looking to play in his first Super Bowl. From this point the 'story' will continue with a player who has won the Super Bowl being paired with a young star looking for his first Super Bowl victory. The TV spot will look back and forward, focusing on the tradition that connects all Super Bowls.