NFL Super Bowl XLVI-the Calm Before the Storm

It's almost here. We are just 24 hours and some change away from the biggest NFL calendar event and arguably the greatest day of the year in American sports...if not competitive games around the world. Super Bowl XLVI of 2012 is about to all kick-off and from the blogs to the bleachers, everyone couldn't be more excited about it.

It's more than the concessions: the hot dogs and burgers that join you on the sofa or in the stands. It's more than the jerseys, caps, flags and banners (although they're very important too). It's the pride in the cities and teams that are emblematic of America's patriotism. 

It's more than the celebrities paying or playing (Madonna may be big...but can we bring back Springsteen?). It's more than the halftime show, the highest-paid commercials (no matter how good they are) or the product placement. It's about the four quarters. 

It's about the game.

It's more than the buzz and the hype and that's why the 1,756,242 Indianapolis residents and the billions of people around the world should all be tuned in. It's about every Polaroid, camera flash or iPhone Instagram picture taken, every Facebook upload, every Tweet, hash-tag and water-cooler creating conversations at the office on Monday morning.

From all those prime-time fans in the United States to those around the globe refusing to give in to their heavy eyes before four in the morning, it's about every fan that can't get enough. It's about that kid who'll see his or her first game tomorrow night.

On 'Any Given Sunday' you'll never know what will happen. Get your Al Pacino motivational speeches ready, because this one's going to be inspiring. As the New York Giants and the New England Patriots do battle everything counts.

Every grunt, every punt. Every bump, every run. The Blindside, the limo-window visors. The helmet tugs, the sacks. The button-hooks and the interceptions. From the line of scrimmage to the coffin-corner. The first coin-toss to the last touchdown and field goal. Everything will be left out on the field.

This is what dreams are made of. This when fantasy becomes reality, and sports and entertainment become cinematic with the fans and players cheers next to opposing tears serving as the soundtrack. This, to some, is nothing, but to others, everything.

One things for sure...it really is something. The Roman numerals XLVI will be Googled more than any other number tomorrow and only more food will be consumed in America on Thanksgiving. Christmas must really be coming early...already.

This is legend...legacy. Something that will last and resonate with sports fans for some time to come. It's what all the sensational 2011 season has culminated into, from Larry Fitzgerald's giving to Tim Tebow's praying. 

It's the New England Patriots and the New York Giants duking it out like they were Ali and Frazier in the boxing ring. It's a rematch four years in the making.

From a David Tyree miracle to whatever Hail Mary play will be thrown tomorrow. From the epic battles in this war. From Eli Manning to Tom Brady, it will all be settled tomorrow. From everyone on the field to everyone in the arena. Everyone plays their part but no one is more important than Vince Lombardi.

Can you hear that? Silence, for it's all quiet and calm now. For tomorrow comes the storm and whoever's ready to reign. May the best team hoist the trophy on just another Sunday.

Now, how about it?