Welcome!
Rob Rogers' Super Bowl Sketch Journal is a combination of illustrations and reports on the spectacle of Super Bowl XL in Detroit. Have your own observations or comments? Drop Rob a note at rrogers@post-gazette.com.

Home Again / Feb. 8, 2006

BLACK AND GOLD TIME ZONES
I got back late Monday night. Fortunately, I missed the traffic jam on the turnpike. The Steelers madness in Detroit was intense, but it was nothing compared to the Steelers rally and victory parade yesterday. I had to get back to the drawing board, so I only saw the coverage on TV, but it was clear: this town is on fire. Last week I received letters from several parts of the globe where Steelers fans reside. Here are a few:

Jennifer Olup O'Brien tells us what it's like to be a Steelers fan who lives in Seattle. She gives us "a quick POV from Seattle:"

"This city is gorgeous, but it really does lack an edge. Those WTO protestors that you saw on the news 5 years ago were really just punks looking to start something, the true protestors don't care, don't get all pushy about anything. The editorial cartoon representing the Seahawks Fan was spot on (see David Horsey cartoon in an earlier post) - with the one addition that Seahawks fans will go wild with Blue and Green toenail polish for their pedicures (why not, their feet will be ensconced in wool socks under the Birkenstocks or Born shoes and no-one at the office will know).

Now, today, I am getting all sorts of e-mails from friends ? that the refs were siding with Pittsburgh and they can't wait for the call from the NFL on Tuesday, apologizing for bad judgment."

No one has been too gracious to Jennifer about the Steelers win, but she says, " ... there are jobs, and there is hope that a few well-bred people can change a city from within."

Patrick Ecker, 13 years old and his brother Eddie, 10, are avid Steelers fans who live with their family in Kosice, Slovakia. Patrick wrote to inform me that the Steelers fan base is international, not just national, although the time difference often challenges their dedication to the Steelers.

"The Super Bowl will surely test our ability to stay awake, as it will not start until one in the morning. But, how could we miss a chance to see our Steelers play in their first Super Bowl in ten years?"

While I was in Detroit a story broke about how some Danish cartoons depicting Mohammad were causing worldwide violence in the Muslim community. Some of that violence is happening in Afghanistan. My thoughts are with the brave men and women in the military as they strive for peace in the region.

Lt. Meghan L. Cumpston, currently stationed in Kabul, Afghanistan writes:

	Lt. Meghan L. Cumpston
	Lt. Meghan L. Cumpston, (far left) with Navy Lieutenant Gregory Staton and Army Captain Valerie Kokal.

"I'm currently stationed with quite a few other Steelers fans (we truly are global) and we all look at the Post-Gazette online to keep us feeling close to home.

Myself and a few of the other hardcore Steelers fans woke up at 0145 to secure good seats for the game, which began at about 0352 or so. The towel in the picture has been deployed along with me for the past 3 Super Bowls in a row (the past two in Iraq). It looks like the towel in Afghanistan is good luck, but that doesn't necessarily mean that I want to be deployed with it again next year.

Lt. Cumpston sent along a photograph of herself (see it at right), along with Navy Lieutenant Gregory Staton and Army Captain Valerie Kokal.

STEELERS ROCK ANTHEMS
Thanks to all who sent in their picks for a classic rock Steelers anthem. Keep in mind that these were all sent in before the game was played on Sunday. Here are a few ... including one from someone who doesn't approve of how I do my day job:

Jerry Brumbaugh from the Springdale PA class of '57, now of Memphis says: "OK, so my all time most hated political cartoonist writes a great Steelers journal. I'm the guy who wrote you that when you enter the voting booth the top lever, straight democrat, starts spinning by itself. But as you wrote, the Steelers bring us together. Can't stand rock music, but maybe Bill Hailey's 'Rock Around the Clock' could be 'Rock Around Super Bowl 40'."

John Hanlin from Los Angeles was born and raised in Oakmont, PA and writes: "My pick is Van Halen's 'Unchained'- '...and you hit the ground runnin!' That's what we're gonna do @ 6:31 p.m. on Sunday!" Maybe he had a premonition of Willie Parker's record-setting touchdown run.

Melanie Linn has a good pick:

"Back in Black - AC/DC...it just seems like a good song for the Steelers, a 'kicking-butt-and-taking-names' kind of team. If it hasn't already been done, someone should change the lyrics to 'Back in Black & Gold'!"

Mike Oles, from Canton, OH has a whole list:

If you were passing through NE Ohio, the true classic rock mecca of the world, I've no doubt you hit a deluge of the oldies. As for my anthem songs, check these out:

1. "Livin' on the Edge of a Broken Heart" by Vixen. 4 losses in AFC Championship game at Home. 'nuff said.
2. "Seek and Destroy" by Metallica.
3. "Crazy Train" by Ozzy. It's been a wild ride this year.
4. The theme from Mission Impossible.
5. "Truckin" by the Grateful Dead "What a long, strange trip it's been?"
6. If we win "Dancin Days" and if we lose "The Song Remains the Same" both by Led Zeppelin.

John Conroy, a Carrick native, says:

"I don't know any Steelers anthems necessarily, but I do have one highly appropriate tune that I've been playing constantly since my homies have made it to Detroit. The Bo Diddley song 'Bring It to Jerome' fits perfectly with The Bus's big homecoming. Even though Bo's singing about a woman bringing her sweet self home, I find it suits our Jerome's incredible journey to a T.

And Bob Cianciosi, from South Windsor, CT, says:

"Since they are playing the same gig ... 'Salt of the Earth' by the Rolling Stones"

Timothy Irr sends his two cents:

"The obvious choice for the Steeler's smash-mouth, grind-it-out style of defense is The Smith's 'Meat is Murder.' Alright?I realize this is an anti-beef anthem by vegan singer Morrisey ... but the title fits anyway. The fact that Bill Cowher chose to go with the white jerseys over the traditional home color of black, leads to my next choice of The Clash's "White Riot". Alright ... I realize this is an anti-establishment anthem by punk singer Joe Strummer ... but the title fits anyway."

Now that the game is over, I'll throw in my own classic rock pick ... Queen, "We Are the Champions" ... I realize this is thought by some to be a gay rights anthem ... but the title fits anyway.

Click here to see more Rob Rogers cartoons.

Motoring On / Feb. 6, 2006

ME AND MR. ROONEY

After the game last night, I ended up having a nice chat with Mr. Rooney. No, not the man holding the Vince Lombardi Trophy. I am talking about Andy Rooney of "60 Minutes" fame.

"Did you ever wonder why they play the music so loud in the stadium during the Super Bowl?" OK, he didn't actually say it that way, but that was his complaint.

"This may be my last Super Bowl," he said, "I just don't enjoy them as much as I used to." I sat down at the same table with Andy during the NFL's post-game buffet for the media. When he heard I was a cartoonist, he mentioned the current violence surrounding the Danish cartoons depicting Mohammed. He defended the right of the cartoonists to draw them, even if he didn't like them. "They may have been in bad taste … but I guess that's your specialty."

When I mentioned I was from Pittsburgh, he smiled. "I like Pittsburgh, it's a nice city to fly over." He wasn't referring to stopovers at Pittsburgh International. Years earlier he had taken a cross-country helicopter ride. He loved the way the city looked from up there.

	Rob Rogers, Post-Gazette See a larger version

ORIGIN OF THE BLACK AND GOLD SPECIES

As I was walking out of the stadium last night in a sea of screaming fans dressed in black and gold, I wondered what this looked like to other planets.

What if aliens had landed in Pittsburgh last night after the game? What if they had seen the fans in Ford Field all waving their Terrible Towels and yelling like Romans egging on the lions? What would they think?

They would probably think we were a part of some cult that worshiped black and gold and that waving yellow towels and wearing jerseys with names and numbers on them was part of the ritual.

Well, they'd be right.

SO LONG, MOTOR CITY

I am back on the road, driving toward Pittsburgh, the City of Champions once again. It has been a crazy week with a lot of interesting stops along the way. Here are some of the highlights I might have failed to mention:

Most surprising thing about the Detroit: The size of its inferiority complex. It may even be bigger than Pittsburgh's.

Least surprising thing about the Detroit: The friendly people who seemed genuinely happy we were here.

Best quote: At the Rolling Stones press conference, a reporter posed a premise whereby the only survivors of a nuclear holocaust were cockroaches and Keith Richards. The reporter then asked the hardy Richards what he would do to ensure that he outlasted the cockroaches. "I'm gonna eat 'em!" Richards said.

Best non-Super Bowl thing I did in Detroit: I gave a talk at the College for Creative Studies (www.ccscad.edu) where my friend Gary, who I am staying with, teaches animation. It is the No. 2 school in the world for automotive design. That would explain why every building on campus has "Ford" in the name. Guess what I saw when I entered the lobby. That's right, another car indoors!

Best bombed-out building I saw: The old Detroit train station. It broke my heart.

One thing I'll miss: Hearing Motown music and seeing cars indoors.

One thing I won't miss: Getting lost in the Renaissance Center.

Most surprising thing about the Super Bowl: The sheer magnitude of the hype and money that goes into it.

Least surprising thing about the Super Bowl: It's not really about the football game.

Game Day / Feb. 5, 2006

RESTING UP FOR THE BIG GAME

	Rob Rogers, Post-Gazette See a larger version

I figured if the Steelers were resting up last night for the big game -- then so should I. Instead of attending another party, I decided to do something more Pittsburgh. I drove to nearby Hamtramck, Detroit's famous Polish neighborhood, and ate some delicious kielbasa and pierogies at a place called Under the Eagle. It is touted as the "most authentic" Polish food in town. Can't get much more Pittsburgh than that.

I was joined by my friend Gary Schwartz and his wife, Cathy Snygg. Gary and Cathy live in Detroit's historic Woodbridge neighborhood and have graciously allowed me to stay with them all week. They have a beautiful house on a very nice street. Granted, there are some vacant lots and empty buildings nearby, but their neighborhood is quite nice. It reminds me a lot of Pittsburgh neighborhoods like Highland Park.

Many people in Detroit have opened up their homes to lodge Steelers fans. Gary and Cathy's neighbors, Bruce and Sioux Foster, have also turned their beautiful home into a makeshift bed-and-breakfast. They are hosting four Steelers fans. Jim Walker and his saint of a wife, Johnnie Viakley, drove from Oakmont with their friend Carrie Smith, who lives in Brookline.

I am calling Johnnie a saint for two reasons: 1) She gave her ticket to her sister, M.K. Viakley, who flew in from Los Angeles and 2) she said meeting me was more exciting than the Super Bowl.

Carrie and Johnnie plan to find a good bar to watch the game. M.K. is thrilled about going to Ford Field. She goes to home games whenever she gets back to Pittsburgh. "We're Serbian, so we celebrate Eastern Orthodox Christmas on January 7th," she said. "That's usually around the time we play the Browns."

I said that must make it nice for shopping with all the post-holiday sales at the malls. "Yes, it does," she laughed. "Wasn't that nice of Pope Gregory to do that for us?"

STEELERS UNIVERSE

	Rob Rogers, Post-Gazette See a larger version

Not only are they opening their homes but they are opening their hearts to Pittsburgh. As I have said, everywhere I go people are rooting for Pittsburgh. They feel an affinity because of our common blue-collar histories and our struggles to shake ugly Rust Belt reputations. And, yes, the Jerome Bettis homecoming doesn't hurt.

Michigan is often described as an oven mitt because of the shape of its borders. Detroit is at the base of the thumb of that mitt. It is only natural, therefore, that they would be rooting for "one for the thumb."

It doesn't stop with Pennsylvania and Michigan. The Steelers are fast becoming America's team. Fans are popping up all over the world to display their black and gold. (Check out the photos of fans a www.post-gazette.com/steelers.) Next thing you know, the Steelers will be not only America's team or the world's team, they'll be the universe's team!

FORD FIELD AWAITS

I am heading off to Ford Field for the big game. I am wearing the black turtleneck that I have worn for every post-season game this year. I hope you are wearing your lucky shirt.

NOTES FROM THE INSIDE

3:15 p.m.: I arrived at the stadium and the crowds were already gathering.

Three hours before kickoff and there were already substantial lines for the restroom. As I stood in line, I noticed a Steelers fan using the mirror to paint his face. Todd Miller, a high school senior from Middlesex, Pa., was applying gold stripes to his already blackened face. I asked if it was war paint. He said, "You're darn right it's a war."

As I stood in line, a Seahawks fan came in and yelled, "Go Hawks." The rebuttal was almost deafening as someone started chanting "Here we go, Steelers" and the remaining fans joined in.

Wow. This is just the restroom. What's it going to sound like in the stadium?

4:00 p.m.: I saw Ben warming up in his usual cutoff T-shirt and backward baseball cap. I know Ben can do no wrong right now, but after this game maybe someone can help him with his practice fashion.

4:30 p.m. Bettis got cheers as he was making his traditional lap of the field. Welcome home.

6:30 PM.: Looking out over the crowd all I can see is yellow towels. It looks and sounds like a home game.

7:10 PM.: The Steelers wanted to be called the underdogs. The first quarter ended with them looking that way. Seahawks are on the board first.

7:54 PM.: End of the first half. The Steelers are on the board with a touchdown run by Big Ben.

The score is 7 to 3, Steelers.

The hardest part about sitting in the press seats is the "no cheering" rule. Journalists are supposed to be (or at least appear to be) unbiased. Hard to do if you're jumping up every time the Steelers make a good play. I have been screaming and whooping at the TV for the entire season. I am not used to holding it in. I've already caught myself clapping and yelling "yes" then recoiling in shame several times in the first half. I think I have it under control. It feels like I am stifling the world's biggest sneeze.

	Rob Rogers, Post-Gazette See a larger version

Halftime:

The only thing left I ever wanted to see in a stadium besides the Super Bowl: The Rolling Stones.

Oh, sure I'd rather see them in a smaller venue but they don't play anything smaller than a stadium.

The stage was rolled out and assembled in pieces. It was a giant tongue. The fans chosen to dance on the field came out. The song list was predictable, but the performance wasn't. It was more energetic than the first half of play.

They started with "Start Me Up," as they played, a tarp covering the middle of the tongue rolled back revealing fans dancing underneath. Mick danced around the edge of the tongue like a nice aged Cabernet.

The fans had flashlights and were instructed when to wave them. It was breathtaking. The second song was "Rough Justice" from his new album and it sounded as fresh as any of their songs. "Here's one we could've done for Super Bowl One," Mick said, tossing off his jacket and launching into "Satisfaction." Yes, I was satisfied.

9:14 PM.: End of the third quarter. Now we have a football game! Maybe too much of one. The Willie Parker run was a heart-starter, the interception that led to a Seahawks touchdown was a heart-stopper.

10:03 PM.: Game over. They did it! The place is going nuts with yellow towels. I broke the "no cheering" rule again. I can't help it, it's the 4th quarter -- I screamed, "get him," just as Hasselbeck was sacked and I clapped hard when Ike Taylor intercepted. I managed to stay in my seat for Randle El's touchdown pass to Hines Ward. But I think I hurt myself holding it in. When I get outside I'll need to let out a good primal scream to ring in the NEW Steelers Dynasty. I don't think I'll be the only one. I think I can already hear them screaming in Pittsburgh.

Feb. 4, 2006

MY NFL EXPERIENCE

Every now and then I have to pinch myself as I look around and realize I am at the Super Bowl. In past years while reading coverage of the big game, I always felt a little jealous seeing a dateline of Jacksonville or Houston and knowing the reporter was right there in the thick of the action.

	Rob Rogers, Post-Gazette See a larger version

Speaking of action, yesterday I finally made it over to The NFL Experience, a sort of Disney World for football fans. It's an interactive theme park where kids (and kids at heart) can try punting, passing, kicking, blocking, tackling and other feats of athleticism common to pro football. Even the commercials were represented. You know the spot with the Diet Pepsi machine who plays for the New England Patriots? "Machine" was mingling with the crowd.

Maybe you haven't heard of the rookie sensation Aaron Hirsch. Well, give him time. He's only 12. He made a catch in the "Down-and-Out" challenge that would have made Hines Ward smile even bigger. Aaron Sr. said he brought his son to Detroit like his father had done for him when he was 12. "Back then the Super Bowl was played in the Silverdome," Aaron said. "We didn't have tickets to the game back then either."

Robert Duggam explained his strategy. "I started with the 'Icky Shuffle,' then 'Churn the Butter,' then 'Beavis and Butt-head' and finally finished big with the 'Zorro.' " I was impressed. He moved like a pro. Anywhere else he would just be another dorky white guy trying to dance, but here at the "End Zone Dance" challenge, he was making the grade. The idea is to do the best end zone dance you can muster and possibly wind up making it on the web site (www.usa.visa.com/microsites/nfl/endzone.html.)

Duggam, an actor from Orlando, was home visiting his parents and looking for a way into the big game. His friend, Tony Gonzalez, from Jacksonville, flew north with him in hopes of lucking into some tickets or at least getting into some parties. They gave me their cell number. "Call us if you find a couple of extra passes," Tony said. I'd have better luck winning the lottery.

The NFL Experience is definitely worth a visit. My only disappointment was that it didn't include a "Sign a Multimillion-dollar Contract" game. Now that would be fun.

FLOCK OF SEAHAWKS

I am still in search of some real Seahawks fans, They seem to be more scarce than Mike Score's famous hair. He's the lead singer for the '80s band A Flock of Seagulls who, once known for the shock of blond hair swooping down in front of his face like a cresting wave, is now bald. While I have spotted a few more people wearing blue and green, none that I have talked to have been from Seattle.

Kaitlyn Barber, her face painted blue and green, was begging her father for a Seahawks hat. He told her she already had one. "But this is a cool one," she argued. Don Barber and his two kids, Kaitlyn and Brandon, came from the Detroit suburb of Oxford for the day to enjoy all the festivities but did not have tickets to the game. I asked what team they were rooting for. Don said he wasn't really rooting for either because he was a real Cowboys fan. Brandon, along with his friend Kyle Chester, predicted a Steelers win.

Little Kaitlyn kept trying to say she liked the Seahawks but was getting the teams mixed up. When I pressed her on why she liked the Seahawks so much, she said, "I really like blue and green." Well, I guess that's as good a reason as any to root for the Seahawks.

YOU DON'T LOOK A DAY OVER 39, SUPER BOWL

Last night was the NFL's 40th Anniversary of the Super Bowl party for NFL staff, media and friends. It was a very posh affair held at the expansive Henry Ford Museum. Boyz To Men were the entertainment, if that gives you an idea of how the NFL throws a party. This was a strictly dress up affair, so naturally, I wore my cleanest blue jeans, To say I felt underdressed would be an understatement. Have you seen how NFL players dress when they leave the locker room? Only the finest Italian suits. Thankfully, I was wearing a blazer and the low mood lighting mostly hid my embarrassing cartoonist chic fashion.

The theme of the party was travel, of course, so I traveled from food station to food station, bar to bar. It was also about the history of travel. Young people dressed in period costumes walked around adding historic color to the vintage planes, trains and automobiles.

Bethany Stawasz, wearing a period costume from the late 1800s, was happy to talk to me. "No one is really asking any questions, I guess they are all here for the party and to talk about football." The museum is only one part of a larger complex of historic houses and museums on the grounds. Bethany normally works in the Firestone House where she re-enacts life in colonial times, cooking on a coal stove, sewing by hand, tending to cows and sheep.

"I can butcher a hog," she boasted.

"That must look good on your resume," I said.

Bethany is studying public relations at Eastern Michigan University. Public relations ... butchering swine ... pretty much the same thing.

Nearby there was a barbershop quartet crooning old songs. Despite my request, they said they didn't know any Boyz To Men.

SACKING A LEGEND

I saw a lot of large men walking around the Ford Museum who I was sure were football players but I couldn't quite place them. I did run into one NFL legend -- literally. As I was turning away from the bar, drink in hand, I bumped a shoulder, spilling a little of the NFL's free booze. I said excuse me and started to walk away as the man turned to apologize. It was Jim Plunkett.

	Rob Rogers, Post-Gazette See a larger version

"Mr. Plunkett," I stammered, "I enjoyed you at the MVP event the other night. I didn't realize who I was bumping into at first."

"At least you didn't try to knock me over," he said graciously.

"No, I wasn't trying to sack you," I laughed, realizing that even though he was long past his prime he could still put me on the ground without much effort. I left before I got anymore cloying.

I didn't talk to any other players, but I did meet an AP reporter from Seattle named Gregg Bell. "They should be giving me a playoff share," he said, referring to the Seahawks string of recent wins. "As soon as I arrived back in October they started this winning streak," he claimed. "The same thing happened in Oakland, the year I started covering the Raiders they went to the Super Bowl."

Gregg was born and raised in Steubenville, Ohio, where he witnessed the Steelers Dynasty in the 1970s. He confessed that even though he was covering the Seahawks and staying in the same hotel with them, he secretly brought along his Terrible Towel. That's great, Gregg, as long as you stop passing good luck to the Seahawks.

Feb. 3, 2006

HENRY THE HATTER

Every morning on the drive in to the Renaissance Center, I pass a famous Detroit landmark: Henry the Hatter. It's been in business for 113 years and caters to many celebrities, including Kid Rock and Kwame Kilpatrick, Detroit's "hip-hop mayor." The owner is Paul Wasserman, whose late father bought it from the original Henry's widow in 1948. Mr. Wasserman is rooting for the Steelers.

"You have to love the story of the Steelers and Jerome Bettis," said Mr. Wasserman. "No team wanted to be here more than they did. I was worried we would end up with two teams whining about how cold it was. Detroit couldn't have asked for a better situation."

When I asked if it was true that Kid Rock was a customer, he said, "Did you catch Jimmy Kimmel on Monday night? He and Kid came in and shot 20 minutes here. The only part that didn't make the show was the two of them walking out with their matching black hats."

	Rob Rogers, Post-Gazette See a larger version

Why wasn't Henry the Hatter jumping on the Super Bowl gravy train and selling hats with Steelers and Seahawks logos? "I tried to order some leather hats with the logos," Paul said, "but my supplier was already out of them."

I told him I've seen several fans wearing hats affixed with Troy Polamalu curls on the back. Would he consider selling a fedora with the Polamalu effect?

"When people drop $100 to $300 on a hat," Mr. Wasserman said. "I don't think they want that kind of novelty."

He doesn't know Steelers fans.

THIS IS PITTSVILLE, USA

No, I am not slamming Detroit. It cleans up nicely when company's coming. Detroiters tell me that aside from all the spit and polish, the city has also draped tarps to hide the fact that a lot of the buildings are empty. (Maybe Pittsburgh could try that for Fifth and Forbes.)

I came up with the name Pittsville by combining Hitsville, the original Motown Studio, and Pittsburgh -- which is Detroit's new favorite football team. (If this was a cartoon idea, it would've been spiked by the editor for being too corny. But this is a blog and I can say whatever I want. [Editor's note: Perhaps.])

That's right: Pittsville (otherwise known as "Detroit") is seriously rooting for the black and gold.

	Rob Rogers, Post-Gazette See a larger version

Andre, a cab driver and junior high baseball coach, says everyone loves Jerome. "I see Jerome's father picking up his grandkids at the same school where my kids go," he said. "We feel like we know him."

I have not met one person yet, living in Detroit, who is rooting for the Seahawks. In fact, the only guy wearing anything remotely Seahawks was an Elvis impersonator with little Seahawks all over his jumpsuit wandering around the Renaissance Center -- and he was already backpedaling, saying he thought the Steelers might win.

I don't think when he donned his Seahawks jumpsuit he realized how lopsided the fan base would be here at the Super Bowl.

Feb. 2, 2006

BOY JOURNALISTS

I grew up in Philadelphia and I can still remember when, as a small child, I realized that there was a world outside of my neighborhood. It was when I realized that not everyone was an Eagles fan.

Like a lot of kids, I dreamed of becoming a pro football player. I created imaginary scrimmages in my backyard. I played the quarterback, the receiver and the announcer: "Rogers drops back in the pocket ... he's really going to have to move to avoid that rush ... he scrambles out of the pocket ... gets away from one defender, then another ... he sees a man open ... he throws it ... it's a long, soaring pass ... Rogers outruns the safety ... he leaps ... he's got it ... TOUCHDOWN! ... The crowd goes wild ... "

Rob Rogers, Post-Gazette See a larger version

All that changed years later when we moved from Philadelphia to Oklahoma, where the average eighth-grader was 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds, with an appetite for red meat. My lifelong dream of playing professional football was quickly crushed along with my spinal cord.

If you've ever recited similar fantasy ramblings in your own backyard, then you will understand my excitement when I entered the Cadillac MVP Press Party. Sitting on the stage were some of the NFL giants who made me love the game of football: Bart Starr, Roger Staubach, Terry Bradshaw, Jim Plunkett, Steve Young.

When we moved to Oklahoma the closest NFL team was Dallas. I followed them with interest while trying to stay true to my Eagles. The first Sports Illustrated I ever bought had Roger Staubach on the cover. Bradshaw and the Steelers of the '70s connected me back to Pennsylvania and made me forget about the Cowboys. Starr was somebody I watched on the Saturday reruns of the NFL films and got chills.

These players had all won the Super Bowl MVP at least once, and consequently were given a new car. But it wasn't always a Cadillac. Starr said he got a Model A, and everyone laughed. Staubach lamented trading his Dodge Charger for a station wagon, but his wife was happy. Terry traded all his cars for horses to avoid the taxes and because he likes horses. Plunkett sold his Toyota for the cash and Steve Young gave his Buick LeSabre to his grandfather, who loved it.

As these icons talked about their careers, you could see the entire room of journalists turning into 10-year-old boys again. At one point, Terry Bradshaw was teasing Roger Staubach in that energetic, locker room towel-snapping way that makes Bradshaw good TV. Staubach turned to him and said, "I love you like a brother and I pray for you every day." The place erupted.

When the quarterbacks were asked what they missed the most about playing, Bradshaw said "nothing," referring to injuries he was still dealing with. But then he said the one thing he would love to do is "sit down with Art Rooney, the angel, and shoot the breeze."

SUPER BOWL XY

Rob Rogers, Post-Gazette See a larger version

One floor of the GM Renaissance Center here is dedicated to radio. There are dozens of radio stations conducting interviews and talking sports around the clock.

As I walked past the visual wallpaper of call letters and microphones, one thing stood out: the girls in bikinis. What do the Hawaiian Tropic Girls or the Swedish Bikini Team have to do with sports? I am still trying to figure that out.

But one thing is for sure, they were getting their share of press. What kind of questions are reporters asking them? "Excuse me, miss -- will you be wearing a different SPF lotion for the big game?" "Do you have a black and gold bikini?"

I guess it should be no surprise that football and the Super Bowl are dominated by testosterone. Sometimes I forget about the "Man Show" aspect of pro football because the Steelers don't have cheerleaders and because I know a lot of intelligent women who are Steelers fans. But as far as this week in Detroit, there are very few women here and those who are here are not dressed for the weather.

Feb. 1, 2006

KISMET

Yesterday was media day here in Detroit. The media frenzy surrounding the Super Bowl is almost as entertaining as the game itself. Especially when you see hundreds of journalists herded through a gantlet of roped off players like so much beef to the slaughter (it is affectionately referred to as "the cattle call") each one eager to ask the Steelers and Seahawks players the one question that nobody else has thought of. "What will you have to do to win the game?" ---- "We'll need to give a hundred and ten percent." Yawn. I wish it were more like Miss America so I could see them ask a 350-pound lineman what he hoped for more: world peace or a cure for cancer. Of course, I'd want them to skip the swimsuit portion (I don't need to see Alan Faneca do a cheesecake turn) and get right to the talent competition. Who wouldn't want to see Kimo von Oelhoffen tap dance or Jerome Bettis sing a selection from Kismet?

FREE BOOZE

The NFL is certainly courting the media but so is the city. Detroit is a lot like Pittsburgh in that it has a bit of an inferiority complex to overcome. They've had their share of hard times as evidenced by the number of empty and sometimes bombed out buildings one passes on the way to anywhere. Residents have been leaving the city in alarming rates for years. They have also turned to gambling for relief from their financial woes like Pittsburgh is about to do. Last night was the big media party at the old Fox Theater in downtown Detroit. The upside: there was a band playing all the Motown hits. The downside: have you ever watched a bunch of white journalists trying to dance? They spared no expense pampering the media, even going as far as bringing in a team of cartoonists to draw caricatures.

I won't say the city is desperate to get some good press, but along with the free food and booze, they were giving journalists free massages in the lobby. It worked, too. I remember turning to my masseuse and saying, "Mayor, you've got a lovely city here." He refused a tip.

NINE CIRCLES OF HELL

Detroit's infamous GM Renaissance Center is where all of the media folks are stationed. This mammoth structure is labyrinth of escalators and circular walkways on different levels that never actually meet. It's Detroit's version of Dante's nine circles of hell. Think crop maze, but with concrete. I was on one level. The Starbucks was on the other level. I could see it but I just couldn't get to it. I circled for hours. Only the devil could have been the architect of this living hell.

CAR HAPPY

The crazy thing about this city is how they treat their cars. Everywhere I go they have cars parked inside. That's right. In the Fox Theater there were cars on stage behind the band. In the Renaissance Center there are cars sitting right next to the ESPN set. I even went to the restroom and found a red Ford Mustang handing out towels and chewing gum. Look, I used to let my dog eat people food and sit on the couch, so I understand how people can get carried away pampering the things they love. But a car? My cars have always been outdoor cars.

YOUR FAVORITE JERSEYS

Thank you to everyone who emailed me reasons for wearing their favorite jerseys. I received far too many responses to post them all but here are a few to chew on.

Matt Talboo a German teacher in Tallinn, Estonia, originally from Coopersburg, Pa., says his reason for wearing a Big Ben jersey in class is "purely educational. Roethlisberger is a German name, probably of Swiss origin, 'berger' referring to someone living in the mountains. Due to its difficult German pronunciation, the name is a great speech building tool. Picture a class full of Estonians saying: 'Ben Roethlisberger ist der grosste Footballspieler aller Zeiten.' "

Gegory Milinovich, a United Methodist Associate Pastor in New Jersey talks about why he wears number seven: "It's a badge. It's a sign, a symbol, a kind of religious Vestment..."

Rick Halverson of New Jersey wrote: "I chose my jersey to have my last name on it. I can never be traded, nor is my love for the black and gold for sale."

Rob Creely wrote: "I chose an Alan Faneca jersey because I played on the offensive line in high school. Linemen don't get the respect that the other skill players receive and Alan Faneca is the best guard in football. I have to represent!"

Earl Blink of Winston Salem, N.C., wrote: "My nine-year-old son has three jerseys, which he changes by quarter. He starts out w/Big Ben in the first qtr because he wants the Steelers to score early. The second qtr goes to Hines Ward for the same reason. The third quarter is all Bettis because the Stillers will grind out their lead. The 4th qtr shirt is determined by which jersey brought the most luck. I'm not sure how a nine-year-old became that superstitious."

Jenn O'Kane-Fenk of Charlotte, N.C. wrote: "This year especially, I chose #43 because the name is so unique and fun to say, try it with me P-O-L-A-M-A-L-U. It just rolls off the tongue. I also like the long, dark curls coming out of the back of his helmet. Is it getting warm in here or is it just living in the South?"

Robert Williams of Rochester, N.Y. wrote: "The jersey I want more than any other is a Jeff Reed jersey (not really available) since I am a semi-pro kicker and punter. I guess I really would be wearing who I am if I had one of those!"

Tony Vinski talked about why he wears a Dan Kreider Jersey: "Because someone needs to cheer for the only one who did what the government couldn't: stop Ray Lewis!"

Brent Muskin of Kansas City wrote: "I would wear a number 7 or 43 but my wife thinks I have enough. I do have an 82 Thigpen, which I mow the lawn in and a 26 Woodson for when I feel old school. So I guess I do have enough."

Donna Cassesse, formerly of Butler, Pa. now of Crystal Lake, IL, wrote: "I usually buy what you might call generic Steelers-wear sans a particular name and number because I don't like being stuck with a shirt in a year or two when that player is possibly no longer with the team. It still stings each time I see the Bubby Brister shirt that watches me surreptitiously from the back of my closet each time I go in."

Brian Workman wrote: "I wear #83 - rookie tight end Heath Miller. I wear the jersey proudly for three reasons: 1) He's finally brought outstanding pass catching ability back to the TE position (that's my official reason. But also - ) 2) It was Louie Lipps jersey when I bought it all those years ago, and... 3) My wife says I have a tight end (;-p)

Tech. Sgt. John Kustron, who was stationed in Langly AFB, now living in Newport News, VA, wanted to talk about his Steelers tattoo: "I have a rule: never get a tattoo unless it is something that I'm absolutely sure that I will support for the rest of my life."

Jan. 31, 2006

MOTOR CITY

OK, I admit it -- I used to own an SUV. A Ford Explorer, in fact. But after drawing many cartoons about how they guzzle gas, pollute the environment and are highly unpractical, I traded mine in for a Volkswagen Passat. The contradictions gave me too much anxiety.

Now, as I drive around the "Motor City," I am struck by a different kind of angst. Here I am in the city synonymous with the American auto and I'm zipping around in a German sedan. It must be the same dread Browns fans feel as they look over their shoulders at Heinz Field.

IRON MEN

As I drove to Detroit yesterday, I did what I always do on long drives: Scanned the radio dial. It's the only time I really listen to regular radio anymore. When I'm working, I usually tune into WYEP because I like the variety of blues, folk and a lot of music that doesn't fit into one category. It isn't that I don't like classic rock -- it's the music I grew up with and it still dredges up the most memories. But, let's face it, it's not easy trying to find one's creative Zen place while AC/DC is screaming "Yeah YOU, shook me ALL NIGHT LONG."

Rob Rogers, Post-Gazette See a larger version

I noticed as I got on I-80 in Ohio that I was still able to pick up WDVE. Sean McDowell was warning listeners that Ohio, still angry over Cincinnati's loss and always ready to hate us in Cleveland, was beefing up state police to ticket Steelers fans on the way to Detroit. I don't know if that's true. But I did count seven troopers with radar guns. That seems like a lot for a Monday afternoon.

Anyway, as I sped along listening to Classic Rock, I cranked up a couple of songs in honor of the Steelers.

First came "Iron Man" by Black Sabbath. If you gloss over Ozzy's lyrics about vengeance and massacre, it feels like an anthem for a city with a steel-working past, fueled by Iron City.

Next, after I suffered through a Whitesnake tune, came "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" by Bachman-Turner Overdrive. I forgot how much I loved BTO. In some ways the Steelers are just now peaking and it feels like they might show us "B-b-b-baby, you just ain't seen n-n-nothin' yet."

What classic rock song feels like a Black-and-Gold anthem to you? Write to me at rrogers@post-gazette.com and give me your afternoon drive (for five) pick. (If you don't want your responses posted here, let me know.)

David Horsey, the editorial cartoonist from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, invited me to join him in drawing cartoons about our respective city's fans. I drew a true Steelers fan and he drew a Seahawks fan. The cartoons are appearing side by side in the Seattle paper today and on the Post-Gazette's Perspectives page Wednesday. Here's a sneak peak:

Rob Rogers, Post-Gazette See a larger version

David Horsey, Post-Intelligencer See a larger version

Jan. 30, 2006

MY DRIVE FOR FIVE

As you read this first entry, I am in my car driving toward Detroit to cover the phenomenon that is the Super Bowl. Those of you who read the editorial page know me as an editorial cartoonist. I am by no means a sports writer or even a rabid sports fan. I won't pretend to be. My coverage will deal more with my personal thoughts and observations surrounding the event.

Along with my ramblings will be a few sketches here and there. I don't know if my inability to pound out reams of copy can be forgiven with a few funny cartoons, but I certainly hope so.

STEELERS FEVER: THE GREAT EQUALIZER

One thing I love about Pittsburgh is no matter how different one person is from another, they can always find common ground around the Steelers. Politics, race, education, social status, gender … none of it matters on game day. People who may otherwise have nothing else in common can agree on the black and gold.

Saturday I woke up at 8 a.m. to hit the Strip District to purchase some Steelers gear for my trip. The previous Saturday, a day before we played Denver, I made the mistake of not getting down there until after 10 a.m. The Strip was packed and the T-shirt shop was all out of official Steelers jerseys except for Duce Staley. (Poor Duce ... don't worry, buddy -- some day when you get to play more, they'll be clamoring for your shirt, too.)

I should have known one week later, with the Steelers on the way to the Super Bowl, that not even 8 a.m. would get me a Polamalu, Bettis or Ward jersey. They were still out.

While I stood in line to get into the store (there were lines for anyone selling black and gold anything), I overheard someone saying he bought an official NFL AFC Champs shirt from a guy down the street. But you had to be discreet because he wasn't licensed to sell NFL stuff. They weren't out on his table, but if you said the magic word he would reach into the back of his van and pull one out and sell it to you when nobody was looking.

It all felt so decadent. Hundreds of Steelers addicts were filling the streets to buy their black-and-gold drugs.

When I heard that the line I was standing in would get me no closer to a Bettis jersey, I bought a couple of T-shirts from a street vendor and escaped the Strip before the crowds got so bad they had to shut down a few blocks of Penn Avenue.

DO YOU WEAR WHO YOU ARE?

Why do people choose a certain jersey to wear?

Does everybody who wears No. 7 have the leadership skills of Big Ben or at least a hamburger named after them?

Do all people who wear No. 86 smile big even when they get knocked down like Hines Ward?

Do mothers with small children wear No. 43 because they have to be in on every play and everywhere at once like Polamalu?

Write to me at rrogers@post-gazette.com and tell me why you wear the jersey you wear!

---