The Super Bowl LVI brought me joy even though my favorite team was absent. The Los Angeles Rams versus The Cincinnati Bengals revealed girth and heart throughout the game. Peter and I hosted my stepdad, Chris Blue. My mom was out of town, aiding to help her sister in recovery from surgery. Between Chris, my dad, and a few friends, the knowledge and intricacies of the sport keep me riveted to the show of the season.
The table was set with fun game day snacks, and we had a ball playing Monopoly, Durham style. With a decent game, fun commercials, and incredible food and company, the highlight stamped in my mind was the halftime show performances.
The collaboration of Hip Hop Legends taking the stage reenergized my spirit for the next half of the game and my nostalgia. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, and Eminem dazzled the field while invoking the joy of great house parties and the incredible music of my young adult life. After the show completed its spectacular celebration, the game and crowd awakened with contagious enthusiasm that compelled me to watch the last two quarters.
The first two quarters felt lackluster to be a super bowl caliber appearance. The players came to play with intention and vigor in the third and fourth quarters. The final score of 23 – 20 sealed the Los Angeles Rams’ fate as the victors.
Always, Keep Pounding, people! My beloved Carolina Panthers have a new level of excellence to strive for this coming season.
