By Joseph Ax
NEW ORLEANS (Reuters) – Before they battle for a championship under the bright lights of the Superdome, the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles have already had to survive one of world sport’s most grueling contests – media week.
News conferences are nothing new for elite athletes, but there is nothing quite like Super Bowl week and its relentless, day-after-day schedule where players are thrown all manner of teasers from the sublime to the ridiculous.
If Fred Johnson thought he was here to answer questions about life as an Eagles’ backup offensive tackle, he was soon put right when asked what kind of tree he would be.
“I was like, I don’t really know too many trees,” the 6 feet, 7 inches (2 meter) tall, 326-pound (148 kg) Johnson said. “I mentioned the big ones in Oregon, the redwoods – probably one of those.”
Eagles defensive tackle Thomas Booker deflected when asked this week whether he would tattoo a picture of his quarterback Jalen Hurts’ face on his body if it guaranteed a victory, insisting his public relations team had instructed him not to answer such queries.
However, he was quick to add on Thursday, his non-response did not mean the answer was no.
“But I’m not going to say that in the public domain,” he said.
The madness kicks off with a chaotic free-for-all glitzy session inside the stadium on Super Bowl Monday, where fans pay to see the players grilled by reporters – not to mention social media influencers and practical jokesters – on the field of play against a backdrop of cacophonous music and marching bands.
That sets the tone as the following days players are subjected to the glare of the spotlight like few other places.
It is a distraction from the job in hand, but despite expressing relief that Thursday’s session – held inside team hotels – was the last time they would have to face reporters until after Sunday’s game, the players in New Orleans were quick to embrace the positives.
“It’s not as crazy as everyone thinks – but you know, it is as crazy as everyone thinks,” Johnson said with a smile. “I think you just roll with the punches.”
“It’s challenging,” Eagles cornerback Avonte Maddox said. “But you can cherish the moment. It’s an opportunity to get to show your personality, who you are.”
Eagles rookie linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., whose father, Jeremiah, played in the Super Bowl for the Eagles two decades ago, said his father and veteran teammates had tried to prepare him for the week.
“Honestly, I really enjoyed it,” he said. “It’s my first time, and I feel like it’s all part of the Super Bowl experience. You’ve got to appreciate every single little thing.”
Some find the whole experience harder than others. Chiefs running back Samaje Perine, a self-described introvert, said he was glad to be finished with interviews.
“I don’t like big crowds as it is,” he said.
(Reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by Michael Perry)
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