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The Super Bowl is Coming
Super Bowl XIX is looming large on the horizon and four teams have high hopes for winning the ultimate football prize. Of the 32 teams that make up the NFL, only 4 remain: the Jacksonville Jaguars, the New England Patriots, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Philadelphia Eagles. If one of these final four is your team, then this is the time to show some pride and let the world know that you’re its number one fan.
The Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are a franchise based in Jacksonville, Florida – one of two teams from the sunshine state. Originally starting as an expansion team, they won division championships in 1998, 1999, and 2017. They have also qualified for the playoffs seven times (including this season).
The franchise boasts strong leadership under head coach Doug Marrone, and powerhouse players like QB Blake Bortles and running back Leonard Fournette. Their next face off is against the New England Patriots, and it’s sure to be a nail-biter of a game!
The New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are quite possibly the most successful NFL team in history, appearing in the Super Bowl nine times – more than any other team. Most of these wins have come since the arrival of head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady in 2000. The Patriots have since become one of the most successful teams in NFL history, winning 15 AFC East titles in 17 seasons since 2001, without a losing season in that period.
The Patriots have also set numerous records, including most wins in a ten-year period, an undefeated 16-game regular season in 2007, the longest winning streak in NFL history, and the most consecutive division titles won by a team in NFL history. And, currently the Patriots hold the record for most Super Bowl appearances with nine, and are tied with the 49ers and Cowboys for the second most Super Bowl wins with five, after the Steelers, who have six.
This team will be tough to beat!
The Minnesota Vikings
Hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Vikings also started at an expansion team. They’ve played in four Super Bowls, but to date they’ve not won one. That may change this year if they can overcome their opponents: the Philadelphia Eagles.
Since the team’s first season in 1961, the Vikings have had one of the highest winning percentages in the NFL, and they currently have 13 players in the NFL Hall of Fame. Under the coaching of Mike Zimmer, the Vikings were responsible for a historic milestone in the late rounds of the 2016 NFL draft by choosing as their sixth-round selection, German wide receiver Moritz Böhringer, making him the first European player ever to be drafted by an NFL team without having previously played at any level in North America.
The Eagles are sure to hear the sound of the Vikings’ Gjallarhorn which is loudly played after the team has made a big play, gets a first down, or scores a touchdown. This will be a game to watch!
The Philadelphia Eagles
Opponents of the Eagles beware! This team, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is fierce! And their fans are fiercer! In a Sports Illustrated poll of 321 NFL players, Eagles fans were selected the most intimidating fans in the NFL, and they’re consistently ranked in the top three in attendance, selling out every game since the 1999 season! So they’re sure to be loud and proud when their team takes on the Vikings in the playoffs!
Doug Pederson leads this team, having completely revamped their offense and strengthened their defense after several disappointing seasons. His new players have certainly risen to the challenge, placing the Eagles in Super Bowl contention for the first time in years.
Who’s Your Pick?
So, which two teams are your picks for Super Bowl XIX? Are you wearing purple and gold; green and silver; red, white, and blue; or teal, black, and white? Are you partying with your own raving fans at home, or are you heading to the big game to show your support? No matter what you’re doing as this season comes to its pinnacle and concludes, be sure you’re showing off your pride and looking great at the same time.
