Super Bowl XXXV: Purple Reign

Super Bowl XXXV: Tampa, Florida
January 28, 2001
Baltimore Ravens vs. New York Giants

Yes, I admit it, I'm biased towards this one, but not without good reason (OK, not without any other reason than being a Ravens fan). This Super Bowl represented so much for me and, even more so, for my city.

When the Colts packed up like thieves in the dead of night on March 28th, 1984, it caused widespread heartache and dismay across the entire state of Maryland. For 12 years, despite promises by the NFL of an expansion team, the city that helped put the NFL in the position it's in today (let's face facts, there's a good chance without that sudden-death overtime game for the 1958 NFL Championship against the Giants, the league may not be as popular as it now is), was without football and forced to result to Indianapolis-level chicanery, stealing the Browns from Cleveland.

The league showed great love for Charm City, passing over it in favor of Charlotte, and, less justifiably, Jacksonville, Florida, for expansion teams. By commissioner Paul Tagliabue suggesting the city build a museum instead of a new football stadium. By allowing Cleveland to keep their colors, name, and records despite not allowing Baltimore the same courtesy (which is why Indy is beating Baltimore records, but Ravens aren't beating Browns records. Sounds fair, right?)

So, it was a great big finger in the face of the big dogs in New York (and I know you know what one) when the Ravens stomped the Giants, 31-7, for Baltimore's fourth world title (1958, 1959, Super Bowl V in 1970) and third title win over the Giants. Here's your museum, Paul, and we've got Vince Lombardi's trophy in it!

As for me personally, it was the first time I had someone to root for in the Super Bowl instead of against, and it probably made me become a little more of a football fan than I would've been without it. Honestly, though, that's just an afterthought. It was Baltimore's first world title since 1983 in anything, and, we all knew, our best shot for one, since the Orioles aren't exactly scaring the pants off anyone. I was just proud to live in the Baltimore area, to be a part of a great moment.

It brought a region together, gave us something to unite about, and something to be proud of. And no matter what anyone says or does, that can't be taken away from us, not this time, day or night.