These are strange days. For NFL fans (one of them writes here), the week after the Conference Finals usually leaves a bittersweet taste. Motivating emotions, such as excitement and anticipation for the last game of the season, are intermingled with the certainty (and a certain anguish that said certainty causes) that after the Superbowl a long period of hibernation awaits us.
In another era – of less hustle and bustle – the usual thing would be to start beating the duel between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, protagonists of the sixtieth edition of The Big Game. However, in 2026 the truth is that we are still far from considering tactics and strategies. Don't worry: next week there will be plenty of time and space to discuss whether Christian Gonzalez should follow Jaxon Smith-Njigba in man-to-man defense or if they should double him with a safety and a linebacker.
Meanwhile, our esteemed editor (Alex Thierry, shout-out more than deserved) suggested writing a few lines about the feelings that this campaign has left. I consider it very appropriate to speak in the past tense because – and this is the sad reality my friends – the season itself has already ended.
Of course the most important thing is missing: crowning a champion and seeing Bad Bunny sing “NuevaYol” and “in the morning coffee, in the afternoon rum” (unfortunately, I don't think the second one passes the filter, but… what a great bar).
All the paraphernalia surrounding the Superbowl is perhaps the main attraction that the NFL has to cultivate new fans. The advertisements full of celebrities, the halftime show, the hilarious bets like the color of energy drink that will be poured on the coach of the winning team, etc. For all the reasons mentioned, it is precisely that I separate the Superbowl from what we know as the 'normal' season.
