Three longtime friends faced a bittersweet moment as they prepared for the Super Bowl. Don Crisman from Maine, Gregory Eaton from Michigan, and Tom Henschel from Florida are the last fans in the exclusive “never missed a Super Bowl” club. This year, they realized it might be their final trip together.
As they gathered for the big game, Crisman, who has cheered for the New England Patriots since their inception, looked forward to seeing his team play for the twelfth time. “This will definitely be the last one,” he said, accompanied by his daughter Susan.
Crisman, now 90, first met Henschel at the 1983 Super Bowl. Henschel, 84, has faced mobility challenges due to a stroke, while Eaton, 86, still works in ground transportation. Despite their obstacles, Eaton plans to attend future games as long as he is physically able. This year, they all agreed that the experience would be less about the fanfare and more focused on the game itself.
Gone are the days of staying for an entire week. Crisman mentioned that they used to enjoy time soaking in all the festivities, but now they’ve scaled back to just a few days. “It’s just gotten so commercial. It’s a $10,000 trip now,” Eaton lamented, referring to the rising costs associated with attending the Super Bowl.
Their friendship has blossomed across different teams, with Crisman supporting the Patriots and Henschel rooting for their rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite the rivalry, the camaraderie remains strong. “They’re my brothers,” Eaton remarked.
The trio’s bond extends beyond football. The fans reminisced about past Super Bowls, sharing stories that highlight how much has changed over the decades—like the $12 ticket Henschel scored for the 1969 game and how Eaton recalls the historic moment when Doug Williams became the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl.
As they face the reality of fewer years together, their families are embracing the significance of this final gathering. Susan Metevier shared her feelings, saying, “It’s kind of bittersweet. It’s about the memories. It’s not just about the football; it’s something more.”
In their hearts, these three friends, along with their families, carry a love for football that transcends the game itself. As one of Crisman’s sons mentioned, “If I could go, I would damn sure go.” The legacy of friendship, loyalty, and shared experiences remains alive as the Super Bowl approaches once again.
For more on the impact of the Super Bowl through the years, you can check this report.
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