I think of myself as your average American sports fan. I follow the ups and downs of the Lakers religiously (ever since the glory days of the Magic-Bird wars). I attend the odd Dodgers, Angels, or Clippers game. I coach my son’s basketball and soccer teams. And I usually catch a few televised games on the weekend. As I wait for today’s Super Bowl festivities to begin (just wishing for a close game and some great ads), I can’t help think of the greatest football game in recent memory — Boise State vs. Oklahoma in this year’s Fiesta Bowl.
It literally had all the elements of a great story. The David vs. Goliath build-up. The early hope-against-hope of a nearly unthinkable upset. The sudden turn of fortune, making you think all was lost. A rookie coach who wasn’t afraid to actually use every play in his playbook. The breathtaking comeback. And, of course, a true fairytale ending — running back Ian Johnson winning the big game and proposing to his girlfriend, Boise State cheerleader Chrissy Popadics. If it had merely been a movie, the critics would say it was unbelievable.
If you’re not a sports fan, those are the moments we hope for, and it’s something no other form of entertainment can give us.