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Breaking news! The Detroit Lions will not be participating in Super Bowl LVI next month.
Michigan can hold its head high, even as the Lions remain among the four NFL teams that have never made it to the Super Bowl.
Even though they hail from the mitten state, fans of the NFL can proudly boast a remarkable Super Bowl legacy.
Michigan has a lot to be proud of, from having the Super Bowl GOAT to hosting two of the games. The Ford family cannot diminish our accomplishments.
Impress your friends at this year’s Super Bowl party with these five interesting Michigan ties.
The GOAT: Tom Brady
Tom Brady undeniably represents Super Bowl success and its strong connection to the state of Michigan.
Tom Brady, a former sixth-round NFL Draft pick out of the University of Michigan, holds the prestigious title of an unmatched 7-time Super Bowl champion in the NFL. Throughout his career, Brady has participated in an impressive 10 Super Bowl matchups.
Brady, who is also a record-breaking Super Bowl MVP winner for five times, has accomplished almost everything on the grandest platform in sports.
It is unlikely that anyone will ever surpass his Super Bowl stats.
- The NFL record for passing yards is 3,039.
- The record for the most passing touchdowns in the NFL is 21.
- 277 completions (NFL record)
- The NFL record for passing attempts is 421.
- 6 interceptions
- 65.8 completion percentage
Brady not only possesses numerous career Super Bowl records, but he also holds three individual game records.
- Super Bowl LII witnessed an impressive 505 yards gained through successful passes.
- Super Bowl LI saw a total of 43 completions.
- There were 62 pass attempts in Super Bowl LI.
Despite all of this, he remains in contention for an eighth Super Bowl title this season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Two-time Super Bowl hosts
Although the Lions have never competed in a Super Bowl, Detroit has had the privilege of hosting the event twice.
On January 24, 1982, the San Francisco 49ers won their first-ever Super Bowl in franchise history, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals with a score of 26-21. This historic event took place at the Pontiac Silverdome, marking the debut of both teams in the Super Bowl.
In case you don’t recall, allow us to refresh your memory: Have you noticed that your wallet is not where it should be?
Super Bowl XL arrived in Detroit over two decades later, precisely 24 years after its previous occurrence in the city. The long-awaited event took place on February 5, 2006.
The Pittsburgh Steelers emerged victorious with a 21-10 win over the Seattle Seahawks, securing their fifth Super Bowl title at Ford Field. It was the first-ever Super Bowl appearance for the Seattle Seahawks.
There were numerous controversies surrounding that game too.
Desmond Howard’s historic MVP performance
The Super Bowl MVP award has been lifted by more than just Tom Brady, who is a Michigan alum.
On January 26, 1997, Desmond Howard, a controversial media personality, achieved a significant feat as the first and sole primary return man to receive this distinction. As a former Heisman Trophy winner, Howard played a pivotal role in leading the Green Bay Packers to a triumphant victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI, with a final score of 35-21.
The Packers secured the win as Howard returned a kick for a touchdown from 99 yards in the third quarter. Similar to his famous Heisman pose from his college days, Howard commemorated the moment with an unforgettable touchdown dance.
In the triumph, Howard set a Super Bowl record with his impressive 244 total combined yards.
Eminem to be part of seventh Michigan-related halftime show
The halftime show of this year’s Super Bowl will showcase a Michigan vibe.
Inglewood, California’s SoFi Stadium will feature Eminem as a performer during the halftime show of Super Bowl LVI.
This year’s performance will feature the inclusion of Slim Shady alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and Mary J. Blige.
A Michigan native will be taking the big stage of the Super Bowl for the seventh time this year. Previous performers include:
- The University of Michigan Marching Band at Super Bowl VII.
- Super Bowl XXX featured a memorable halftime performance by Diana Ross.
- Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves & The Temptations performed at Super Bowl XXXII.
- Stevie Wonder headlines Super Bowl XXXIII.
- The headline for this event would be: “Kid Rock Rocks Super Bowl XXXVIII”
- Super Bowl XLVI: Madonna
Which songs will Eminem bring to the collaboration this year?
Michigan voices creating iconic moments
Each incredible Super Bowl moment is accompanied by its own soundtrack.
In numerous instances, the state of Michigan has supplied the soundtrack.
One of the most prominent broadcasters hailing from Michigan and having worked at the Super Bowl is Dick Enberg, an esteemed Central Michigan University graduate. Enberg, originally from Armada in Macomb County, stands out among other broadcasters with ties to the state.
Enberg served as the primary play-by-play announcer for a total of eight Super Bowls. His debut in this role took place in 1981, covering Super Bowl XV on NBC. Enberg’s last appearance as the lead announcer occurred in January 1998, during Super Bowl XXXII.
Tracy Wolfson and Jay Feely, both Michigan alumni, were involved in the CBS broadcast just a year ago.
Michigan has a strong broadcasting connection to the history of the Super Bowl.
- Dick Enberg announced the Super Bowls XV, XVII, XX, XXIII, XXVII, XXVIII, XXX, XXXII for the Armada.
- Super Bowl XXIX featured Dan Dierdorf, a former Michigan football player.
- Ron Pitts from Sterling Heights has attended and witnessed the excitement of Super Bowls XXXI, XXXIII, and XXXVI.
- Armen Keteyian from Bloomfield Hills attended Super Bowls XXXV and XXXVIII.
- Tracy Wolfson, a graduate of the University of Michigan, has covered Super Bowls XLVIII, 50, LIII, and LV.
- Jay Feely, who attended the University of Michigan, has participated in Super Bowls 50, LIII, and LV.
