Super Bowl XXV was one of the most iconic in history. The atmosphere in the stadium was different that day. Every Super Bowl is special, the fans, the cameras, the pageantry of it all. What made this one so different was that the event was almost cancelled altogether. America had just entered the Gulf War and when the United States officially goes to war, the security level at major events across the country are even more intense. Super Bowl XXV had helicopters and snipers, something that might be considered normal now, but in 1991 it was most certainly not.
What made that day in Tampa so memorable and different?
The international political climate was in chaos in 1991. America had just entered the Persian Gulf War. The war kicked off after Iraq invaded Kuwait on August 2, 1990. The international world then mobilized with America, as always, leading the fight for freedom and democracy. America has fought in many wars and this one would prove to be one of the worst to date.
The effect the Gulf War had on everyday life was noticeable to say the least. One must remember that this was before the September 11th attacks, so the world was not in such a paranoid state of security. The days leading up to the Super Bowl were strange for the players and staff, who remember many things about that day that made in different.
From going through metal detectors, to searching all the cars and trucks that entered the parking lots, to the two helicopter gunships at either end of the field, that Super Bowl was unique. The Giants went on to win that day and note Whitney Houston’s rendition of the stars and stripes as one of the best they have ever heard. The whole stadium cried in a collective wave of patriotism during the national anthem.
What has changed in the NFL since Super Bowl XXV in Tampa?
The security levels were so intense that day that the league almost suspended the game altogether. When we consider the precautions taken in the modern day NFL games, that would have been a shame. The game went off without a hitch and the Giants claimed that they had no after party to celebrate their victory, just sandwiches back in the hotel.
The halftime show was not even broadcasted during the game. Instead the viewers at home were treated to a delightful piece on America’s progress in the war. The performance, by American boy band New Kids on the Block, was only broadcasted after the game. Imagine if they did that in today’s NFL? How would the legions of fans react to that? The food, football and family are the main attraction to the Super Bowl.
The American patriotism has always found a home in the NFL. But the league’s fans are evolving at the moment. The stadiums in the NFL are still decorated with all types of American flags and images. Once the world saw how relatively easy it was to turn any large gathering of people into a target for those seeking to do harm, security around the world has been beefed up.
How will the NFl adapt to an ever changing world around them?
After the controversy around a certain group of players kneeling, the NFL is keen to move on and rebuild their reputation. Keeping their fans safe at games is definitely at the top of those priorities. The rules around the NFL have evolved since Super Bowl XXV, and the league has adapted to the changes. They now have a new appeal that reaches out over the seas into the different continents of the world. With the memory of Super Bowl XXV fresh in the minds of some, the question becomes, can the league continue their safety regime in other countries?
