Bleeding Green and Gold

Why the Green Bay Packers are better than the Dallas Cowboys...

America's Team is dead. I don't mean they've lost and have been eliminated from the NFL Playoffs. Rather, their claim on this ethereal crown has finally teetered off their over-inflated heads. The crown has been returned to and donned by its rightful owner, by Lombardi-given right.

Living in Cowboy country, I live glorious Green Bay Packer seasons from afar these days. I offer this example to my neighbors about why your team has lost, and mine has won - in the end.

First, the entire idea of having an essay contest to compete for tickets to an NFL game is simply charming. On top of that, the selected essay and its author should give you a glimpse into what my fanaticism is based upon, from Green Bay Packer site:

Loyalty, enthusiasm, positive thinking, and prayer for the safety of the players are my qualifications for being an honorary captain. These attributes have been steadfast through good seasons and disappointing ones.

I have known well the previous teams and have respected each individual player since 1945. My Dad taught me at an early age all the fine points of the game and expected me to know numbers, plays, rules and strategies....now for a girl, this was a novelty at the time. My last game with him was the "Ice Bowl" and by then I was already a Manitowoc Franciscan Sister who did most of her play calling from a chair near the radio or TV. This game was a challenge.I was stuffed, long habit and full garb into a sleeping bag up to my nose and almost bunny hopped over the bleachers on the last play. Lucky for me, the people in front of me had left a minute before the end so I had a spect[ac]ular view from the 50 yard line. If the game had lasted any longer, my fingers would have been permanently stuck to my rosary beads.

This year's team has had some of the enthusia[s]m and drive of the "glory days." It has brought back many memories and I would be proud to be on the field with them to show my support of their dedication to the game and improvement as players.

Each team in our history has included much character building, dedication and unselfishness by the players, and the wisdom and drive of the coaches. There always has been a diversity of personalities but a common goal.....love the game, give your all, and respect the fans who support the team. I would bring this same philosophy to being an honorary captain.

- Sister Sean Marie Tobin, Manitowoc, WI

January 2008 Essay Contest Winner.