Schwartz: Postcard From Indianapolis, Day Two
By Peter Schwartz
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For the second consecutive year, I survived Super Bowl Media Day!
Media Day was different than any other year as fans were able to attend for the first time. For $25, 7,300 fans were at Lucas Oil Stadium to see real and phony reporters ask the Giants and Patriots questions.
At first, I wondered why anyone would want to pay money to see me stick my microphone in Danny Woodhead's face. But they did get a gift bag with a radio that allowed fans to listen to a variety of different channels, each with a different player or coach that was being interviewed.
The Patriots' media session was first and the biggest crowds were around the podiums with Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski. The Pats tight end was no longer in a walking boot, but his status for Super Bowl XLVI is still up in the air because of a high ankle sprain.
Aside from the legitimate football questions, there was the usual nonsense from non-football media. In fact, a television entertainment show asked Woodhead what he thought about Madonna performing at halftime Sunday.
His response?
"I really haven't thought about it."
Also, a guy dressed up as a dragon was on hand to try and ask Brady some questions. A guy dressed up as a Nick Jr. character was there doing interviews and getting interviewed. Azteca TV reporter Ines Sainz was also on hand bringing attention to herself and flaunting her… well, you know!
Thankfully, Wednesday and Thursday's media sessions will be back to normal.
Football questions only!
JET-SETTING WITH RAY
On Tuesday, I caught up with former Jets quarterback and current SNY analyst Ray Lucas. He's in town to promote "PAST," a pro bono concussion program for retired players.
Listen to the interview here:
Podcast
For more information on this program, go to www.pastusa.com. Other retired players involved with the program include Christian Okoye, Sean Salisbury and Pat Harlow.
AROUND THE SUPER CITY
As I mentioned yesterday, there is a Lego model of Lucas Oil Stadium in the media lounge. Here is a picture…
The model was made with over 30,000 pieces.
I took a stroll through the Super Bowl Village in downtown Indianapolis. The biggest attraction is the zip line where you climb up an 8-story structure and come down a cable.
No, this is not me…
Most of you probably aren't interested in what the media does during down time, but I'm going to mention the annual media party for one reason.
It was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indianapolis 500. I'm not a racing fan, but it was pretty cool to visit this historic venue. They had Indy Cars representing all 32 NFL teams.
The Vince Lombardi Trophy was also on hand and guests had a chance to walk out onto the track. There are no lights at the brickyard so it was hard take photos.
WHAT LIES AHEAD
The Giants and Patriots will practice and meet the media again on Wednesday.
Hall of Fame coach and former broadcaster John Madden will present the annual Madden Protectors Award given to the best offensive line in the NFL. The finalists are the Broncos, Packers, Texans, Patriots and Saints.
The Fed Ex Air and Ground NFL players of the year will be announced. Nominees for the quarterbacks are Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers. The running back candidates are Maurice Jones-Drew, LeSean McCoy and Ray Rice.
That's all for now! Check back tomorrow for more!
Are you a fan of Media Day, or is it too over the top? Sound off below...
