On Sunday in Las Vegas, the Kansas City Chiefs will be looking to win their second straight Lombardi Trophy, while a San Francisco 49ers victory would give the team its first Super Bowl since 1995, when Steve Young was under center.
I didnt get a pass to media day, so I didnt get a chance to ask Chiefs head coach Andy Reid about how he tends to his mustache.
But my colleagues and I were able to ask an all-pro lineup of scholars to write about a range of football-related topics, from the partisan food divide to the numbers behind the biggest gambling bonanza in league history.
The Pro Bowl, the NFLs version of the all-star game, usually gets scant attention. Thats because it happens the weekend before the Super Bowl absent many of the stars playing in the big game and the players seem most concerned about avoiding injuries, not winning the game.
A year ago, league officials decided to shake up the annual showcase. It would no longer be a tackle football game. It would be a flag football match. The thinking went that if the leagues stars didnt have to tackle one another, they might play harder, be more likely to showcase their athleticism and, importantly, have more fun.
As West Virginia University sociologist Josh Woods explains, the NFLs promotion of flag football is a big deal, particularly for an emerging sport thats somewhat obscure outside of Florida, Georgia and New York, where roughly 80% of high school flag football players live. Its inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics will only further bolster its profile.
But Woods points to a gender divide and a political divide that could end up clouding the sports future.
Read more: Could flag football one day leapfrog tackle football in popularity?
In 2011, former NFL cornerback Sam Shields was a rookie playing for a Green Bay Packers team that had made the Super Bowl. The night before the big game, he tossed and turned.
I had stomach aches, using the bathroom, but I didnt have to use it, he told Sports Illustrated in 2019. It felt like Christmas too, when Christmas is the next day you cant sleep.
Ive wondered whether I would get a wink of shut-eye if I were scheduled to pitch in the World Series. Something tells me Id be a lot like Shields. And as if the Chiefs and 49ers players and coaches arent feeling enough pressure, it turns out that getting a good nights sleep is one of the most important things an athlete can do before a big game, meet or match.
University of Pittsburgh sleep medicine specialist Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse highlights reams of studies showing how a poor nights sleep can effect performance and decision-making while making you more likely to get injured.
In fact, she writes, Sleep deficits have been linked to decreased performance in every cognitive measure.
Read more: Sleep can give athletes an edge over competitors but few recognize how fundamental sleep is to performance
Did you bet on the 49ers to cover the spread? Perhaps youre playing squares. Or maybe youre betting on Reba McEntires national anthem to last longer than 90.5 seconds.
If youve wagered on some aspect of the big game, youre one of roughly 67 million American adults who have done the same, according to a Morning Consult survey conducted in early February. That would make another new record, shattering 2023s record, which shattered the mark from 2022. The countrys gambling mania has been aided, in part, by the Supreme Courts 2018 ruling that overturned a federal ban on sports betting.
Gambling and the Super Bowl have always gone hand in hand. To University of Iowa sports media scholar Tom Oates, what makes the developments of the past few years so remarkable is the NFLs stunning reversal on its own attitudes toward betting.
Gone are the quaint days of league officials lobbying Congress to put restrictions and guardrails in place. The NFL has gone all in on its embrace of gambling, forging billion-dollar partnerships with the countrys top sportsbooks.
But this infusion of extra cash comes with a substantial social cost, Oates writes. Gambling addictions are at an all-time high, likely spurred by the ease with which people can place bets from their phones.
So if you want to get in on the action, gamble responsibly and dont let your emotions get the best of you.
That being said, a little birdie told me that Reba can really hold her notes.
Read more: The Super Bowl gets the Vegas treatment, with 1 in 4 American adults expected to gamble on the big game
Everything is politicized, so the lament goes. And even the Super Bowl one of the few communal events left in a polarized, atomized nation cant avoid the creep of partisanship.
In recent years, some of the countrys most iconic food brands Bud Light, Goya, Papa Johns, Coca-Cola, Chick-fil-A have been excoriated by partisans on both sides of the aisle.
So food spreads can color every Super Bowl party with a tinge of red team, blue team.
What you serve at your Super Bowl party, or what the host serves at the event you attend, can now be interpreted, or twisted, through a partisan lens, write political scientists Joshua J. Dyck and Shanna Pearson-Merkowitz.
One possible way to bridge the divide: Unite in a bipartisan celebration of Taylor Swift. Actually, scratch that.
Maybe you could just serve salmon a food that, according to Dyck and Pearson-Merkowitzs research, is resistant to partisan cues.
Grim times, indeed.
Read more: Super Bowl party foods can deliver political bite choose wisely
According to an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll, 22% of Americans planning to watch the Super Bowl are most excited about the commercials.
Thats one reason companies are willing to fork over so much cash for a coveted slot as much as US$7 million for a 30-second spot.
However, as Auburn University scholars Linda Ferrell and O.C. Ferrell point out, many regulars on the airwaves of the Super Bowl, such as GoDaddy and Ford, are missing from this years lineup.
What gives?
Gen Z, in particular, is not impressed by Super Bowl ads, they write, and complicating the matter is their lack of interest in broadcast TV.
So as a millennial whos spent years listening to how my generation has killed everything from paper napkins to mayonnaise, I take great pleasure in typing: Gen Z killed the Super Bowl ad.
Read more: Super Bowl ads: It's getting harder for commercials to score with consumers
This story is a roundup of articles from The Conversations archives.
See the original post:
Ads, food and gambling galore 5 essential reads for the Super Bowl - The Conversation
- Sports betting and gambling addiction are on the rise - Dakota News Now - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Proposed Alabama gambling legislation includes lottery, casinos, sports betting - AL.com - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Super Bowl betting soars, but it's still not legal in Chiefs and 49ers home states - NPR - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Problem gambling has increased in Ohio since sports betting legalized - Hamilton Journal News - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Sports betting and gambling addiction are on the rise - KTIV Siouxland's News Channel - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Sports bets during the big game could trigger gambling addictions - 25 News Now - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Illegal gambling raid at El Patron leads to 1 arrest and 23 citations - KRIS 6 News Corpus Christi - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Experts discuss responsible gambling ahead of the Super Bowl - Spectrum News 1 - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Gambling addicts face tough test as Super Bowl 58 descends on Las Vegas and NFL cashes in - USA TODAY - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- What are the NFLs gambling rules for the Super Bowl in Las Vegas? - The Athletic - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Personal Frontiers gets $45K to treat gambling addiction - Gillette News Record - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Super Bowl Gambling Grows, But Pastors Are on the Sidelines | News & Reporting - ChristianityToday.com - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Sports betting leading to increase in gambling addiction - Dayton 24/7 Now - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Betting on the Super Bowl: Impacts of sports gambling in Ohio as state's help hotline sees jump in calls - WKYC.com - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Sports gambling during the NFL Championship game will increase addiction rates - 25 News Now - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Billionaires Are Trying to Bring Casinos and Gambling to Texas - Robb Report - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Gambling becomes the first big issue of the legislative session - WBHM - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- DraftKings, helplines, and the hidden toll of sports gambling - The Boston Globe - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- The Super Bowl and gambling are locked in a tight and dangerous embrace - The Guardian - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Sports gambling addictions on the rise due to online betting, experts warn ahead of Super Bowl LVIII - WLS-TV - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Michigan Association on Problem Gambling warns of gambling problems ahead of Super Bowl - 9 & 10 News - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Ivey addresses gambling, AI, broadband and more - Alabama Political Reporter - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Tiny Nicks Gambling Picks: 02/10 - Zone Coverage - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Super Bowl gambling to break records - Action News 5 - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Capitol Notebook: Iowa gambling commission names new administrator - The Gazette - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Gambling in Iran: A prohibited but flourishing pursuit in digital age - G2G News - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addresses legalized gambling, officiating, player safety ahead of Super Bowl LVIII - NFL.com - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Players on the 49ers and Chiefs are barred from gambling in Vegas, until the game ends - NBC Sports - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- Judge in Borgata/MGM case rules casinos have no duty to stop compulsive gamblers from betting - The Associated Press - February 11th, 2024 [February 11th, 2024]
- The Future of Florida's Sports Gambling on the Docket - 1290 WJNO - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Tiny Nicks Gambling Picks: 01/03 - Zone Coverage - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Casino smoking and boosting in-person gambling are among challenges for Atlantic City in 2024 - The Associated Press - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- What Are the Gambling Laws and Restrictions in Idaho? - kezj.com - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- NFL losing luster as obsession with gambling, numbers takes over - Herald-Mail Media - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- How old do you have to be to gamble in Arizona? What to know about gambling laws - The Arizona Republic - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- NY State Revenues from Sports Gambling Tops $2.9 Billion - Yonkers Times - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Gambling problem help-line calls have tripled since legislature legalized sports betting - pmg-ky2.com - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Here's why Americans spend nearly 4 times more money gambling at casinos than in the lottery - Newscenter1.tv - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Another Landmark Year In Store For New York Gambling In 2024 - Play NY - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- As sports gambling in Missouri remains illegal bars and restaurants in Springfield try to get as close as possible - KY3 - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Israel 'gambling' on Hezbollah avoiding all-out war after killing of Saleh Al Arouri - The National - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- What should the gambling industry's New Year's resolutions be in 2024? - Gambling Insider - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- San Jose Police Arrest Five Suspects in East San Jose for Illegal Gambling, Prostitution - San Jose Inside - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- NASCAR 2023 Season Recap I NASCAR Gambling Podcast (Ep. 319) - SGPN - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Support for gambling addiction increases in Ohio during first year of legal sports betting - WTRF - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Maine lawmakers consider expansion of tribal rights to online gambling, land-based casinos - Yogonet International - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Tiny Nicks Gambling Picks: 01/01 - Zone Coverage - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Virtual Reality Casinos: The Future Of Online Gambling? - TNT Magazine - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- 2024 could be the year Georgia lawmakers move on gambling expansion - The Albany Herald - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Helpline Calls Spike With Virginia Gambling Expansion - Scott County Virginia Star - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- 2024 could be the year Georgia lawmakers move on gambling expansion - The Center Square - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- The River: The story starts in 1991 as Vanna White cuts the ribbon opening casino boat gambling . . . - NKyTribune - User-generated content - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Cowboys-Lions Saturday MNF Week 17: Open thread and gambling picks - Silver And Black Pride - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- NBA First FG Props - January 2 - SGPN - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- 2024 will be 2023 all over again; gambling going nowhere; Decatur is a mess; and more on Alabama Politics This ... - Yellowhammer News - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Lawmakers propose bills to expand tribal gaming - Press Herald - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Five arrested after San Jose raid uncovers illegal gambling, prostitution, weapons - The Mercury News - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- NBA First FG Props - January 3 - SGPN - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Gambling addiction resources available for those who need it - Fox 56 News - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- 'Get your house in order': Lawmakers admonish gambling regulation agency, which defends processes - Indiana Capital Chronicle - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- Blaise Ingoglia bill could open gambling options in the state - Florida Politics - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- Tiny Nicks Gambling Picks: 12/24 - Zone Coverage - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- Gen Z Stocks: The Path from Gambling to Investment - TipRanks.com - TipRanks - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- API report warns that gambling, state lotto legalization comes with downsides - Yellowhammer News - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- Sports Gambling Special with Jason Sarney and Andy Slater of FOX SPORTS 640 - Miami Dolphins - Dolphins Talk - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- U.K. Parliamentary Committee Wants Premier League, Other Sports to Curb Gambling Ads - Covers - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- Leader of state gambling regulation leaving for another job - Radio Iowa - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- Brazil green lights online gambling regulation - igaming included - iGaming Business - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- Shift to Eco-Friendly Practices in Online Gambling - Smithfield Times Eco-Innovation in Online Gambling: A Green ... - Smithfield Times - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- State Rep. Brown predicts vote on legislation with 'free-market - 1819 News - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- Saints-Rams Thursday Night Football: Open thread and gambling picks - Silver And Black Pride - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- Kentucky Edition | Kentucky's First Problem Gambling Fund | Season 2 | Episode 145 - PBS - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- Boxing Day Preview and Best Bets - SGPN - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- 2024 Elections: Changhua officials arrest four for election gambling - - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- Tiny Nicks Gambling Picks: 12/23 - Zone Coverage - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- MGM Resorts International donates six-figure sum to gambling harms research - EGR Global - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- The Degenerate's Gambit: 2023 Week 16 NFL Gambling Lines with Tony - Football Absurdity - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- The Mailbag Episode + State of Professional Golf | Golf Gambling Podcast (Ep. 331) - SGPN - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- Brazil Green Lights Sports Betting And Online Gambling Bill - World Casino Directory - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- Minnesota brothers charged in TikTok livestream gambling scheme - Star Tribune - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]