The Super Bowl, often viewed as a vehicle to permanence and immortality for those involved, indeed falls short, as evidenced by forgotten champions and the transient nature of fame and glory in the sporting world, according to Ted Kluck in an article published by World Magazine.
Kluck illustrates the fleeting nature of Super Bowl glory through the tale of Steve Mongo McMichael, a legend of the 1985 Chicago Bears, who is now bedridden with fatal ALS. Despite being a Super Bowl champion, McMichael is largely forgotten by all but those who recall that era of football.
He remarks on the extravagant whirlwind surrounding such a sports event, characterizing it as an ironic parody selling myriad products, celebrities, and effectively promising permanence and immortality. Yet, such promises remain unfulfilled. The sporting world, he says, will forget current stars like Isiah Pacheco and Patrick Mahomes, just as it does with all figures of fleeting fame.
He provides a somewhat cynical view of the spectacle surrounding the game, stating it is game essentially for ruthless men and strangers. Despite this, Kluck expresses his personal nostalgia for the game and his longing for the simpler times on the field.
In the larger context, Kluck highlights the nature of a world steeped in sin and decay. In this world, he reaffirms the only hope in life and death is Christ.
Despite all its excitement and grandeur, Kluck concludes that the Super Bowl and the fame associated with it does not promise a respite from human fate. Only by setting Christ before their eyes, he argues, can one evade the wasting away of days wishing for unreachable things or unachievable feats.
Source: Marketing-as-life | WORLD }}.
