There are few experiences in American sports more iconic than attending the Super Bowl. For me, the chance to share that spectacle with my son Corey was a dream come true. In February 2019, we traveled together to Atlanta for Super Bowl LIII, a matchup between the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams.
This opportunity grew out of a decision I had made years earlier. When my family moved east, I put my name on the long waiting list for Patriots season tickets. Fifteen years later, my number finally came up. I accepted, even though I was still a Lions season ticket holder in Detroit. That decision ultimately gave Corey and me the opportunity to attend the biggest sporting event in America.
A Week of Memories
We made a full trip out of it, staying for several nights in Atlanta. Beyond the game itself, it was the meals we shared, the walks we took, and the time we spent together that made the week so memorable. The city was buzzing with anticipation, and every corner seemed to have reminders of the NFL’s grand showcase.
As a father, having extended, uninterrupted time with Corey was as rewarding as the event itself. Sports had always been a bond between us, and here we were, immersed in the very pinnacle of professional football.
The Big Game
Super Bowl LIII was held at the spectacular Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Rams, led by their young quarterback Jared Goff (who, in a twist of fate, would later be traded to the Lions), squared off against the Patriots, who were vying for yet another title in their dynasty era.
The game itself was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to score. But in the end, the Patriots emerged victorious, adding yet another championship to their historic run. For Corey and me, the excitement of watching it unfold live was only magnified by being in the heart of the action.
A Lions Connection and a Dream Deferred
Even as we celebrated the Patriots’ win, our true loyalty remained with the Lions. If Detroit ever makes it to the Super Bowl, there will be no question: Corey and I must be there together. It would be the ultimate father-son sports memory.
But until that day comes, Super Bowl LIII stands as one of the greatest shared experiences of my life. It wasn’t just about the game, the halftime show, or the spectacle—it was about time spent with my son, etched into our family’s story forever.
As memorable as our time at Super Bowl LIII was, it was only the beginning of even greater experiences Corey and I would share as fans. The following year brought us back into the heart of Detroit sports for another unforgettable moment—one that connected even more directly to our lifelong loyalty to the Lions. That next story becomes the centerpiece of Episode #8.
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