Every-Thing Sports

Jermaine's Super Bowl Memories

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New England Patriots website

On Sunday evening, Super Bowl 53 will be played between the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams. Sports bars, restaurants, dives, lounges, and other places of public gathering will be bubbling with party-goers. As will the various homes and other private establishments of those who prefer a less public atmosphere. .

Different people have their own preferences about how they choose to consume and remember different Super Bowls. Some are marked by bets made and money won. Some are looked upon fondly because your team won, or you spent it with people having an amazing party. Here's how I remember some past Super Bowls:

Super Bowl 31 (1997)

1997's Super Bowl was a first and a last for me

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Taking place on January 26, 1997, Super Bowl 31 saw the Packers beat the Patriots 35-21. It was the first time the game was held in my hometown and I was old enough to enjoy some of the sites and sounds. Imagine being a 16-year old living in New Orleans, and your teacher takes your English class on a field trip to see a play in The French Quarter, then cutting your class loose for hours to roam freely. It was also the last time I got to enjoy it with my little brother who was murdered a few weeks later. To this day, I've never been the same and have had a love/hate relationship with this time of year.

Super Bowl 38 (2004)

When "wardrobe malfunction" entered the lexicon

Donald Miralle/Getty Images

On February 1, 2004, we were treated to a great game and learned a new phrase. The Patriots beat the Panthers on a field goal with four seconds left in the game. During the halftime show, technically after the game and the next day, we learned about the phrase "wardrobe malfunction" when Justin Timberlake pulled on Janet Jackson's top revealing her bare boob complete with ornate nipple ring on live broadcast television. My 10 month old son was almost dropped due to my shock and awe reaction. This was also the start of our family tradition of watching the game at our own home.

Super Bowl 44 (2010)

Brees' son, Baylen, was fascinated with confetti

Bill Feig/The Advocate

I'll never forget February 7, 2010 as long as I'm of sound body and mind. The Saints beat the Colts 31-17. The team I grew up watching and rooting for my whole life, the team that had caused me so much grief and pain, they had finally topped the football mountain. I took a road trip with my friend Geno to New Orleans to watch the game with my family. Because we also saw the Manning boys grow up and play football nearby, my maternal grandmother felt the need to troll the family by wearing Colts gear. When Tracy Porter caught the pick six to seal the game, I took my jersey off, ran outside and danced in the street and on top of my truck. Turns out it was the last Super Bowl I watched with my maternal grandmother as she passed away a few years later. My wife later told me my son was so upset at how the game was going, that they took him to watch a movie at halftime. Wonder where he gets that from?

There are plenty of good memories, and bad ones that surround Super Bowls. I shared some of mine here today that were pretty near and dear to my heart. As hard as it may be sometimes, I like being vulnerable to you guys. One of my favorite recent memories was last year being able to write a column on Super Bowl 52 for this website. I look forward to doing the same thing this year. Go out this weekend and create some memories this Super Bowl Sunday.

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A new era begins!Composite Getty Image.

The Houston Astros enter the 2025 season with intriguing roster decisions and key players working their way back from injury. With Opening Day approaching, one of the biggest questions is whether Cam Smith makes the team—and if he does, is it because of his talent or a lack of strong alternatives?

Cam Smith and the outfield puzzle

The Astros have long prioritized defense, making the possibility of starting two outfielders (Jose Altuve, Cam Smith) with no experience before this spring a curious decision. Chas McCormick is a solid defender, but his below-average arm strength limits his effectiveness in right field. If McCormick gets the nod over Smith, he'll be a better overall defender. But an outfield of Altuve, Jake Meyers, and McCormick might have one of the weakest throwing arms in the league. That’s why the Astros might take the gamble on Smith developing defensively in right—his power bat could make up for the learning curve in the field.

Plus, Altuve and Smith will gain experience as the season progresses, and by the time the playoffs roll around, both could be much-improved defensively.

Spencer Arrighetti’s new secret weapon

Spencer Arrighetti is making adjustments of his own, working on a sinker to generate more ground balls. Opposing batters slugged over .500 against his four-seam fastball in 2024, which made up about 40% of his arsenal. Given that he threw only 10 sinkers last season, per Baseball Savant, this is a major shift in approach.

Arrighetti is an extreme fly-ball pitcher, but he struggles to finish batters off and often throws too many pitches early in games. In his most recent outing, this Thursday, he needed over 50 pitches to get through the first three innings. If the sinker helps him get more weak contact and ground balls, he could take a leap similar to the one Hunter Brown made in his development.

Injury updates and roster moves

The Astros are also dealing with several injuries and rehab assignments:

  • Brice Matthews was reassigned to minor league camp, with manager Joe Espada noting that second base is where he can develop into an above-average defender.
  • Christian Walker has resumed hitting in the cage after missing time with a sore oblique, a promising sign for his return.
  • Luis Garcia is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery.
  • Lance McCullers is making steady progress in his rehab and is expected to pitch in a game next week for the first time this spring.
  • Kaleb Ort threw 15 pitches in his latest rehab outing as he works his way back from an oblique injury.

Final thoughts

The Astros have some big decisions ahead, particularly in the outfield. If Cam Smith breaks camp with the team, will it be a testament to his offensive potential or a reflection of the Astros' lack of depth? Perhaps a little of both.

Meanwhile, Spencer Arrighetti’s sinker could be a game-changer for his development, potentially helping him become a more efficient starter. With key players like McCullers and Garcia on the mend, the pitching staff is looking like a strength for the ball club.

We have so much more to cover. Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!

The countdown to Opening Day is on. Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday. Click here to catch!


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