The Tribune has spent a lot of time during the past 10 years following Brian Urlacher's career. And the editors at the Trib said a reporter would follow him if he made it to the Super Bowl. The gig typically goes to the UNM football beat writer, since we don't exactly have someone who covers professional football regularly. So I knew if the Bears (or even the Eagles, Vikings or Jets) made it to the Super Bowl, I'd get a chance to go too.

Last year, the Bears were a pretty good regular season team but quickly fell apart in the playoffs. I didn't think this year would be much different, although I wished Urlacher and company the best. Then they started winning. And winning. And hitting Reggie Bush so hard I didn't think he would stand up, much less run by them again.

All of a sudden, the Bears were in the Super Bowl and the NFL approved my Super Bowl credential request conditional on Chicago making it to the big game.

Oh my God, I'm going to Super Bowl! In Miami!

Normally sports writers try to be very cool about these things, acting as though it's really no big deal and just a job. Some even grouse about the extra work and how hard it is to do good things n a controlled atmosphere. Not me. I'll be professional and fake the cool attitude on the road, but I recognize this is an amazing opportunity.

I'm leaving Sunday for Florida and will be cranking out a ton of stories. I also be doing lots of blog entries. And I'll add the sites and sounds of the Super Bowl with photos attached to my blog and podcasts from the Super Bowl.

We kicked off our coverage today with a story about Urlacher merchandise selling really well nationally and here in Albuquerque. Keep checking out the blog and the Trib's Web site for more Super Bowl and Brian Urlacher news.

Posted by ilimon at 11:51 AM | Permalink