Opening night (or Media Day) is one of the strangest events in the sporting world. For one day a year, players of the two Super Bowl contesting teams are subjected to some of the wackiest questions imaginable. From marriage proposals and food discussions, to those viral moments that make the NFL Gladiators feel a little more human, there’s never a dull moment…unless you’re New England.
The Patriots portion of Media Night was of course headlined by Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, but without Rob Gronkowski, there was no sense of fun portrayed by anyone at the venue. Instead, serious questions invited serious responses. Although, Tom Brady did try on a hat…so there’s that.
Tom Brady was relaxed and engaging at #SuperBowl 52 Opening Night/Media Day – He also had fun trying on a hat! #Patriots #WBZ pic.twitter.com/7hzf3R5dBD
— Dan Roche (@RochieWBZ) January 30, 2018
Anyway, by the time the Eagles arrived, a traditional press event had passed. One key mantra rings true. “Let your personality show.” It’s something Doug Pederson has told his players throughout his tenure in Philadelphia and a phrase Trey Burton told me that the team really got behind moments after he was hired. That was on show like never before last night.
Chris Long said he would get a tattoo of his linebacker coach should the Eagles win it all, Lane Johnson maxed out the term ‘franchise swag’, Billy Brown caught a cookie off of his forehead in his mouth and oh yeah, this happened.
BRANDON GRAHAM IS ANSWERING QUESTIONS IN A DOG MASK pic.twitter.com/Qg4DZ2kkLS
— SB Nation GIF (@SBNationGIF) January 30, 2018
Dog masks, excitement and passion. Whether it was Trey Burton attempting ballet or players being asked questions about Rocky, Cheesesteaks and Kevin Hart, the Eagles simply put the fun into opening night. Their personalities were on display for the world to see, while the Pats were strictly on rails that were built by their Head Coach. It shows a complete contrast in culture and one that will go far beyond opening night. The question is, which will prevail in Super Bowl 52?
Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
