2008 Woodie Awards
Dynasty battles Destiny: '75% chance of tears'
Dan McCallion
Issue date: 2/1/08 Section: Sports
I have three priorities in life, and they go in this order: First, my family and friends. Second, the New York Giants. And third….um, school, I suppose. So it is with deadly seriousness that I say the following:
I have been waiting my entire life for this Sunday. For the chance to see my beloved Giants win the Super Bowl. For the chance to wipe away 18 years of consistent underachievement, disappointing acquisitions and nightmarish defeats. For the personal chance to see my dream since I was 9 come true. I'm more excited about this Sunday than any before it, for many reasons. The many aspects of this game have me so on edge, so carefully walking the cold, fine line between optimism and crushing fear, that I can barely stand it.
Let's talk geographical rivalry. It's typical. New York versus Boston, episode God-knows-how-many. For years throughout the 20th century, Bostonians got the short end of the championship stick, forced to watch their hated rivals from down I-95 win championship gold after championship gold. We live in a different time, however. New York sports are, perhaps, at an all-time low. The last Big Apple team to win a title? Those would be the 2000 Yankees, and for them, eight years is quite the drought. Running through the New York sports teams, the dearth of titles becomes evident for a city expected to be the best, no matter the cost. The Rangers? 1994. The Islanders? 1982. The Knicks? 1973. The Jets? The famed Joe Namath guarantee in 1969. The Mets? 1986. And finally, my Giants? 1990. New York City is starving for a title.
Meanwhile, Boston is riding high on the proverbial horse. The Red Sox, once perennial choke artists, have won two titles in the past four seasons. The Celtics are sweeping through the NBA with a current ledger of 35-8. The Patriots are gunning for their fourth title in seven years, and are a certifiable dynasty. I say it's time to knock those smug "Havahd Yahd"-ers down a peg or eight. And if it sounds like I'm challenging the entirety of New England to a fight, well you're damn skippy.
I have been waiting my entire life for this Sunday. For the chance to see my beloved Giants win the Super Bowl. For the chance to wipe away 18 years of consistent underachievement, disappointing acquisitions and nightmarish defeats. For the personal chance to see my dream since I was 9 come true. I'm more excited about this Sunday than any before it, for many reasons. The many aspects of this game have me so on edge, so carefully walking the cold, fine line between optimism and crushing fear, that I can barely stand it.
Let's talk geographical rivalry. It's typical. New York versus Boston, episode God-knows-how-many. For years throughout the 20th century, Bostonians got the short end of the championship stick, forced to watch their hated rivals from down I-95 win championship gold after championship gold. We live in a different time, however. New York sports are, perhaps, at an all-time low. The last Big Apple team to win a title? Those would be the 2000 Yankees, and for them, eight years is quite the drought. Running through the New York sports teams, the dearth of titles becomes evident for a city expected to be the best, no matter the cost. The Rangers? 1994. The Islanders? 1982. The Knicks? 1973. The Jets? The famed Joe Namath guarantee in 1969. The Mets? 1986. And finally, my Giants? 1990. New York City is starving for a title.
Meanwhile, Boston is riding high on the proverbial horse. The Red Sox, once perennial choke artists, have won two titles in the past four seasons. The Celtics are sweeping through the NBA with a current ledger of 35-8. The Patriots are gunning for their fourth title in seven years, and are a certifiable dynasty. I say it's time to knock those smug "Havahd Yahd"-ers down a peg or eight. And if it sounds like I'm challenging the entirety of New England to a fight, well you're damn skippy.
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