Opinion: Super Bowl doesn't seem essential

I’m not sure if the Super Bowl is a testament to our persistence and ability to overcome challenges, or more evidence that our priorities are all screwed up.

But I will admit that I’m surprised they made it to the finish. When Major League Baseball stumbled out of the gate in July, with the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals both having to shut down in the first week, I didn’t see much hope for the NFL being able to complete its season.

They didn’t get here without paying a cost. According to USA Today, 262 players have tested positive since the NFL began testing on Aug. 1.

As a football fan, I noticed a disturbing but predictable trend once the season started and positive tests were announced. Broadcasters and fans started treating a positive COVID-19 test the same as an ankle injury. “How long will he be out?” was everybody’s primary concern. The assumption was that the player would be asymptomatic, and it was only a question of how long he would have to remain in isolation.

And, that was usually the case, but not always.

Buffalo Bills tight end Tommy Sweeney developed myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart that can lead to heart attacks, strokes and death and has been found in patients who have contracted COVID-19. Boston Red Sox pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez also developed the heart ailment after battling the virus.

Even players who returned to action were dealing with impacts that we could not see. Former league MVP Lamar Jackson said he felt flulike symptoms and lost his sense of smell during his 10-day quarantine after testing positive. When he returned to action, the entire left side of his body cramped up during a play against the Cleveland Browns.

Browns defensive lineman Myles Garrett missed two games after testing positive, and said when he returned to action his breathing was labored, he had severe coughing fits and he felt as if he was being choked.

Raiders tackle Trent Brown was on the COVID-19 list twice, and had to be rushed to the hospital prior to a game in Cleveland.

The long-term impacts for these players and others infected with the virus won’t be known for several years.

I understand there are essential workers getting sick and dying every day who do not have the same access to testing and treatment as millionaire athletes. My sympathies are with them and their loved ones.

Some of them were rightly honored at the Big Game. The NFL provided 7,500 free tickets to vaccinated healthcare workers.

Which is terrific. But there were also another 14,500 fans in the stands at Raymond James Stadium. They weren’t necessarily vaccinated, and not as likely to strictly follow the health protocols.

That seems like a superspreader. And it didn’t seem all that essential. Not this year.

Walter Rubel is the former opinion page editor of the Las Cruces Sun-News. He lives in Las Cruces, and can be reached at:

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