Super Bowl 2011 Will Be the Last Game Before the NFL Lockout

Warning: Super Bowl XLV may be the last NFL game played in a long time.

The NFL collective–bargaining agreement expires March 3, and unless there is a compromise between players and owners, there will be a lockout.

Essentially, the owners want to extend the regular season from 16 games to 18 games in order to create more revenue, while the players feel more games is a risk to their health.

NFL players don't hang around the league for 20 plus years like they do in the NBA or MLB. Increasing the number of games per season would cut the careers of NFL superstars short.

Why would owners want to do that?

Because the owners do not need superstars, or even an entertaining brand of football, to make money.

People will watch the games, so there's money from television contracts. People will go to the stadiums and buy tickets, tee shirts, and lots of beer. That's even more money. In the grand scheme of things, the players don't put a large amount of money in the owners pockets.

So that is also why the owners want players to take a pay cut?

The players, of course, disagree. Unless the two parties find a common ground, the Super Bowl may be your last chance to watch football.

Luckily, there is much to enjoy.

Two storied franchises face off for the hardware. The veteran QB on a road to redemption versus the young gunslinger looking for his first ring in what looks to be a long and successful career.

I'll be watching. And if it's for the game or the commercials, the owners will be happy.