Super Bowl 43: Kurt Warner represents the State of Iowa today

To most in the USA, Super Bowl 43 is a match up between the AFC's Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFC's Arizona Cardinals. But, to most people in the State of Iowa, Super Bowl 43 is about native son, QB Kurt Warner, being back in the biggest football game of the season.

His home town paper, The Gazette, put together a 12 game spread in today's paper headlined:

C.R.'s Warner Returns to Football's Biggest State

SUPER AGAIN

Growing up, I have always been a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, behind the Green Bay Packers and others. I guess the Black & Gold didn't hurt, while Terry Bradshaw & company were stepping up and getting it done in the NFL. I don't recall ever rooting against the Steelers before in a Super Bowl. But, today, as an Iowan, I have to go with the local feel good story, with Kurt Warner.

It's great to see Warner get back to the elite game, after three outstanding seasons in St. Louis, ironically, the prior home of the now Arizona Cardinals. Warner played high school football in Cedar Rapids. He went up the road to the University of Northern Iowa, but didn't start until his final year, as a fifth year senior.

From Hy-Vee Food Stores to the Arena Football League to the National Football League, Kurt Warner has clearly been a Cinderella Story. A win today leading his Arizona club over Pittsburgh could lead the way to a Hall of Fame spot for Warner in Canton. Another outstanding accomplishment, since no Iowa native sits in the NFL Hall of Fame.

Of course, today is about the game, a classic chess match between the defensive minded Pittsburgh Steelers and the offensive minded Arizona Cardinals.

Game Forecast:

Pittsburgh's defense is allowing six points more in the postseason, as compared the the regular season. On the flop side, Arizona's defense is playing stronger in the postseason. This should be a good game. Turnovers will be huge, as could special teams.

Here's to a great Super Bowl today. Hopefully, Kurt Warner will help his team bring home the Trophy.

peace

Should I Stay or Should I Go, Part 2?

Back in March, two events occurred regarding Brett Favre's relationship with the Green Bay Packers NFL franchise. At the time, the franchise was working towards the 2008 NFL Draft and it's future without Brett Favre at QB.

We know now, in March, Brett Favre indicated that he wanted to retract his retirement with the Green Bay Packers and come back and wear the Green and Gold for 2008. But, Favre changed his mind again.

So, the Green Bay Packers did the honorable thing and floated an agreement with Brett Favre. "I know (Packers president and CEO) Mark Murphy talked to me about it in the past, how important it was for Brett to continue to be a part of the organization after he was done playing," Packers Coach Mike McCarthy said after practice Friday morning. "And frankly, it's good for Brett. Brett needs to stay a part of football. Obviously, he's a part of the Green Bay Packers."

After the March discussion with Brett Favre, where Favre told the Packers he wanted to stay retired, the Packers franchise moved on. The 2008 team is Aaron Rodgers at QB. The Packers drafted two QBs in the 2008 NFL Draft and began the post-Favre era in Green Bay.

As former Pittsburgh QB Terry Bradshaw pointed out in Canton recently, he feels for the franchise and it's fans. Brett Favre will have to determine if he wants to not retire and become the next Johnny Unitas or Joe Montana... ask the Packers to trade him, so he can continue to play the game?

With the potential agreement out there, worth a reported a reported $20 million over 10 years, Favre really has to ask himself: "should I stay or should I go?"

Some in the media disagreed with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's involvement in the Green Bay-Favre negotiations, but to his credit, he is giving both sides more time to resolve the situation. It is good to see Goodell involved.

The Hall of Fame will induct six men as the 2008 Pro Football Hall of Fame class today, including former Iowa Hawkeye Andre Tippett. Aug. 2nd is the official beginning of Football season in America. The NFL preseason is beginning and college football players are beginning to report for physicals and the start of official camp for the 2008 football season. The University of Iowa's football Media Day will be Monday in Iowa City.

peace