Every Super Bowl there is a word, player or event the media uses to pelt the public. Last year it was the featuring of two African-American head coaches. The year before, just in case you did not hear, Jerome Bettis played the Super Bowl in his hometown of Detroit. This year’s hype is no exception, but, please, do not be distracted by Tom Brady’s ankle. Do not be fooled by the hoopla of Peyton’s little brother. Yet, understand the sole focus of Super Bowl XLII is HISTORY.

Day in and day out reports, broadcasters and the like have told the viewing public history may arrive Sunday. I, like many others, am not opposed to history, in fact I am encouraging history this Sunday. I would love to witness the first team in NFL history to go undefeated through 18 games – and lose in the Super Bowl.

History can be defined as acts, ideas or events that will or can shape the course of the future; immediate but significant happenings. Assuming that a sports team cannot define history is not only ignorant, but dangerous. Review the following potential outcomes of the Patriots remaining forever (I am ready to vomit as I am typing) perfect.

1. Tom Brady will have sex with every woman on the planet (like this is something new). Actually, an amendment will be passed making it against the law to decline Tom Brady’s request to sleep with your significant other. The fine: forfeiting the subsequent year’s 1st round fantasy selection, but do not worry, the 49ers, uh, I mean, your buddy Jim will trade you a much better selection free of charge.
2. Lawrence Maroney’s face will become the #1 selling Halloween mask. Unfortunately for him, he must wear his mask year round.
3. Josh McDaniels will become head coach of the Washington Redskins. He will immediately add Jason Campbell to the injury report with a “sore shoulder.”
4. It will be determined the movie Cloverfield was a true story based upon the reunion of cutoff, hoodie sleeves attacking New York City. Everyone will be held hostage and forced to wear sleeveless gear. Only wife beaters will be safe allowing Bobby Cox to remain manager of the Braves.
5. At barber shops around the world, men, women, and children will request “The Seau.” After all, few haircuts are smoother than a receding sideburn.
6. George Bush will abolish all privacy laws. Good luck pissing without having Tom Brady laugh at you.
7. Belichick becomes head of the CIA…actually, this may have some benefits.
8. Finally, Belichick, Pinky, and the Brain will finally take over the world.

It appears to be such a short time ago, but I remember, along with a few friends, watching Super Bowl 36, vehemently rooting for the New England Patriots to defeat the St. Louis Rams. Tom Brady was a green quarterback who, just two weeks prior, helped bounce my beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. The dilemma was present: root for the underdog who upset my Steelers, or root for the disliked Rams. I hated the Patriots after defeating the Steelers, but I, possibly choosing the lesser of the evils, shouted, up and down the hallway, P-A-T-S, Pats! Pats! Pats! I wish 2008 me could karate chop 2004 me right in the throat.

The Patriots are, and forever will be, the first dynasty of the new millennium. I will always give credit where credit is due. Winning Super Bowl 42 will instantly place the Patriots as the greatest team in sports history. Even as I try to avoid it, the word history reappears – let’s just hope history occurs at 18-1.

PJ is a special contributor to MindRiteSports.com. He can be reached at pjtierno@yahoo.com.