Game day has finally arrived. The PFW crew has been plugging away since arriving in Tampa last Monday, and I think all of us can agree that it feels like we’ve been here for a month. That said, since mid-afternoon Friday, we also have had opportunities to unwind and soak up the Super Bowl experience in our own ways.

I was able to sneak away to Sarasota and play a little golf, which was quite enjoyable. Then, last night, after getting back to Tampa, I attended the annual PFWA dinner, which was held on the 38th floor of the Verizon Building, which offered a most impressive view of downtown Tampa. The food, drink and lively conversation among fellow writers nursing cocktails was memorable. When we all weren’t wondering aloud exactly when Andy Rooney, who was in attendance, had become a PFWA member, we were talking about the Hall of Fame inductees early in the day. Standing with Frank Cooney of Pro Sports Xchange and Vito Stellino of Florida Times Union, I blurted out that Bob Hayes, in my opinion, didn’t have the necessary numbers to warrant HOF induction. That’s all Frank and Vito needed to hear, as they retaliated with a plethora of reasons why I was wrong. Whatever. We were all in a good, relaxed mood, and I was feeling no pain. 

This morning, I did my morning run. It was about 40 degrees, and I could see my breath, but it was actually quite invigorating. When you make a right turn out of our hotel, you eventually reach a drawbridge right before hitting the University of Tampa. I looked to my right, and was struck by how similar Tampa looked to Indianapolis, with its Venice-like canals and the city skyline in the backdrop.

And then I remembered the conversation over dinner with other writers about the upcoming Scouting Combine in Indy. It was pointed out that things could be different in Indy this year, with the old stadium having been torn down and a different looking setup in the offing that might not include the ability to track down football people in the lobbies of the Indy Convention Center, which has always been one a fantastic opportunity to get exclusive dialogue with pro-football heavyweights. 

Then it hit me. Unlike the old days, the season is hardly over after the Super Bowl. As a matter of fact, it really is just beginning, with one of the most significant so-called offseasons just around the corner.  I’m not complaining, mind you. It’s just the nature of the beast. 

Gotta run. Time for a big media breakfast down the street at the Hyatt. My tape recorder has new batteries, and I am already locked and loaded for a big day. See you later.