Of course there are more that six players who will play major roles in Super Bowl XLIX between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. However these six are among the most popular and will be under the watchful eye of billions scrutinizing them come game time Sunday evening.
Here are some things to watch for.
1. Tom Brady, Quarterback New England Patriots
Brady is like the popular high school quarterback with the gorgeous head cheerleader as his girlfriend. Popular in social media, Brady has been dealing with a bit of off-field controversy recently. His wife and kids gave him a nasty head cold as a sign off to Arizona. He’s also been involved and accused in the Deflate-gate mess for nearly two weeks. However, Brady always seems to rise to the occasion. He’ll be playing for his fourth Super Bowl win and is making his sixth Super Bowl appearance. Don’t worry Patriots’ fans, Brady is a man who can handle having many irons in the fire while still coming out unburned.
Things to watch for Sunday are: hanging high-fives, sneaky football switcharoos, a pin nozzle in his fingers and “F”-bomb drops.
2. Russell Wilson, Quarterback, Seattle Seahawks
courtesy: blacksportsonline.com
Wilson is playing for his second consecutive Super Bowl ring. Statistically, for every three years Wilson has played football, he’s been in two Super Bowls. Well okay, the sample size is really small there. Wilson will have to eliminate those costly turnovers that almost cost his team a shot at the Super Bowl two weeks ago against Green Bay. We’ll need to see the calm, cool side of Wilson that we did when he threw that game-winning touchdown to Jermaine Kearse in the NFC Championship game.
Things to watch for Sunday are: tears, prayers and a potential lip lock between Wilson and Katy Perry.
3. Rob Gronkowski, Tight End, New England Patriots
The beastly 6’6″ tight end will be a nightmare for the Seattle Seahawks’ defense to shut down. While the Seahawks boast a strong defense, they also allowed 11 touchdowns to tight ends in 2014. Gronk has been healthy all year and he’ll be looking for his first Super Bowl win of his four-year NFL career. With 82 receptions and 12 touchdowns during a 2014 campaign that saw him earn Comeback Player of the Year honors, Gronk is Brady’s go-to guy in the red zone. His impact will help dictate the outcome of this one.
Things to watch for Sunday are: spiking (hopefully lots of it), dancing, and perhaps a stray kitten.
Still can't get tired of watching Gronk dancing with Revis' mom. Gotta love this guy. https://t.co/BofNZol34x
— Spirouch (@Spirouch17) January 21, 2015
4. Marshawn Lynch, Running Back, Seattle Seahawks
Much like Gronk, Lynch will be a handful come game time. Going for his second Super Bowl win, look for Lynch to be the most powerful player on the Seahawks’ offense. Coming off a regular season that saw Lynch put up 1,306 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns, the Patriots’ 16th ranked rush defense is going to challenged. Its’ going to be “Beast Mode” all day long.
Things to watch for Sunday are: speaking, obscene hand gestures (re-adjusting), 15-yard penalties and flying Skittles.
5. Julian Edelman, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots
Edelman was Brady’s leading wide receiver in 2014 with 972 yards and four scores. Targeted 134 times over the season and 25 times in their two playoff games, the Brady/Edelman connection is a tricky one to take down. Edelman can do damage on punt returns if given the chance. This would be Edelman’s first Super Bowl win if the Patriots take control of the Lombardi.
Things to watch for Sunday are: sneaky touchdown passes and an undying love for Brady displayed with some awkward on-field hugs .
6. Richard Sherman, Cornerback, Seattle Seahawks
Sherman, the sharp-tongued self-proclaimed best corner in the NFL, will be on his “A” game on Sunday. He’ll be salivating at the chance to intercept Brady and make him drop one of his nasty “F”-bombs. Over his four-year NFL career, Sherman has put up 24 interceptions. He’ll be daring Brady to throw his way, which is a bet Brady will likely take.
Things to watch for Sunday are: interceptions, trash talking, “are you mad bro?”, hostility, in your face interviews, and his expecting girlfriend running onto the field to tell Sherman her water just broke.
Photo: New York Daily News