Is it Christmas? No, Chicago is in the Superbowl!

The day has finally arrived. After so many years the Bears are back in the Superbowl. And they're playing a herd of horses. No problem. Even though sports experts are picking the Colts to win by 7 points, Chicago stands behind their team. We know the Bears have it in them, and if we could make it this far, we can make it all the way.

To see some pictures around Chicago before the big game check out this flickr set. Only in Chicago would the entire town be decked out with orange and blue lights, football helmets on landmarks and works of public art, and massive office light coordination. We doubt Indy has the same team spirit... or any tall buildings to display it on for that matter. I've never been to Indy myself, but I picture the Chicago suburb of Naperville growing out of the middle of a cornfield.

Admittedly, I don't know much about football. I can follow the game, but I hardly know any players and the only concept I have a solid grasp on is creating a hole and running through it. Oh, and that there is usually a flag on the play. Despite my pigskin ignorance, I have strong memories of Bears football. You see, my dad loved football. He played in high school. He watched the Bears every single Sunday, usually with one of my uncles. While I was off somewhere else in the house I would hear them screaming at Ditka for four straight hours, as if Da Coach could hear them (as an adult I now realize this behavior applies to ALL male football fans, not just my family). And even though I was only eight years old I can remember the Bears 85-86 Superbowl season surprisingly well. I remember watching the games and I knew all the players. But those were amazing guys and an amazing team, they were players you could really look up to. They did the Superbowl Shuffle. My cousins and I had that thing memorized and would perform it for our family. It must have been absolutely hilarious to watch us doing that. A little preview for when we would perform to the New Kids on the Block in the 90s.

So even though I don't know much about the game, growing up in a football house and being from Chicago I know a lot about city and team pride. So even though I call New York home at the moment, I would put my money on the Bears to win in an instant... if I had any to bet. Before the big game tonight I give one more shout out to my home town forever, my home team forever...

GO CHICAGO!!!!!!!! GO BEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!