Image via Complex Original
Every year, the NFL holds a Media Day prior to the Super Bowl, and every time the event features some outrageous quotes, stupid questions, and on some occasions, some memorable characters. For every couple questions about "what an athlete will be wearing on Super Bowl Sunday" (we see you, Downtown Julie Brown), we get a reporter like Ines Sainz. We definitely see you.
So, to catch you up on the crazy, odd, and hilarious situations to occur when journalists and the players on the teams representing the AFC and NFC come together, here are the Most Memorable Super Bowl Media Day Moments.
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How Long Has Doug Williams Been a Black Quarterback?
Date: 1/31/1988
Prior to Super Bowl: XXII
As the legend goes, one individual asked Doug Williams, "how long have you been a black quarterback?" but surprisingly, that isn't how it all went down. Apparently, the real story is that Butch John, a reporter for the Jackson Clarion-Ledger, was so fed up with constant black quarterback questions that he said, "it's obvious you've always been a black quarterback all your life. When did it start to matter?" Not as dumb of a question as you thought, huh?
What Will Emmitt Smith Wear?
Date: 1/30/1994
Prior To Super Bowl: XXVIII
What will Emmitt Smith wear to the game? Really, Downtown Julie Brown?! This is the reason why entertainment reporters can't pass as sports journalists. But actually now that we think about, that question was ahead of its time. With all the emphasis on what sports stars are wearing nowadays, we're pretty sure this question has been asked plenty of times.
A Couple Years Too Late
Date: 1/22/1996
Prior To Super Bowl:: XXX
Why do the Steelers have their team logo on only one side of their helmet? It's a burning question that everyone has... when they're kids! However, that didn't stop one reporter from asking a player on the opposing team (!), Cowboys' Nate Newton that exact query. Newton responded by saying, "I really don't care about the Steelers—what they are missing or what they have. I'm more interested in when they run a 3-4 defense or send a corner on a blitz. Other than that, I don't care what their uniform is, how they smell, or what they look like. I don't care." OK, but... you know what, forget it.
The Falcon, the Bronco, and the Ugly
Date: 1/29/1999
Prior To Super Bowl: XXXIII
In an effort to embrace the underdog role, Falcons cornerback Ray Buchanan showed up at the Media Day event with a dog collar which could be yours for $81.40, signed and framed. Buchanan went on take some shots at Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe by calling him Mr. Ed and "an ugly dude." Of course, Sharpe responded and the two continued their back and forth spat until Super Bowl XXXIII. Shannon, one of the best trash-talkers of his generation, said: "You can't get into a peeing contest with a skunk. You'll lose every time." Truer words have never been spoken.
Ray Lewis Gets Grilled About Murder Charge
Date: 1/23/2001
Prior to Super Bowl: XXXV
In the clip above, Skip Bayless talks about the the Media Day leading up to Super Bowl XXXV between the Ravens and the Giants. He reflects on how Ray Lewis kept his cool while basically being interrogated about the murder wrap he caught six months before. Skip also speaks on how Lewis changed his life and transformed himself into a spokesman for the shield. During this year's Media Day, we expect the questions thrown at the Ravens linebacker to of the softball variety.
Who Would I Rather What?!
Date: 1/28/2004
Prior To Super Bowl:: XXXVIII
Who would you rather tackle: Celine Dion or Clay Aiken? Weird question, right? That's one of the best questions the folks over at Nickelodeon could think of when they ventured off to Media Day. Most of the players picked Celine Dion for what it's worth. One player went as far as saying he'll tackle his mom if the Super Bowl was on the line. It's real out there.
Ines Gomez Mont and the Wedding Dress
Date: 1/29/2008
Prior To Super Bowl: XLII
Super Bowl Media Day has seen some weird stuff but none of it may be as odd as Ines Gomez Mont showing up in a white wedding dress to propose to Tom Brady. When she was finally able to pop the question and claimed she's the real Mrs. Brady, Tom responded, "I've got a few Miss Bradys in my life." #stunt101 #getoffme
Hi, My Name Is Tedy Bruschi
Date: 1/29/2008
Prior To Super Bowl:: XLII
Just a rule of thumb: Always know how to spell and pronounce the names of the players involved in the Super Bowl. Sounds obvious, right? Tell that to Tedy Bruschi, who showed up to the Super Bowl XLII with his placard spelled out as some dude named Tedy "Brushci." Guess it isn't so obvious after all.
Ines Sainz Steals the Show
Date: 1/30/2007
Prior To Super Bowl: XLI
Prior to Super Bowl XLI, all the focus leading up to the game on Media Day was off the players and on one Ines Sainz, for obvious reasons. Ines would later find herself at other NFL events, including the Jets' infamous catcall scandal.
The Ochocinco News Network Storms Media Day
Date: 2/2/2010
Prior To Super Bowl:: XLIV
Always the attention seeker, Chad Johnson showed up to Media Day for Super Bowl XLIV as a reporter for his newly created, Ochocinco News Network, or OCNN. Chad held his weight in the media pits as he asked the Saints and the Colts about their strategies and their nagging injuries. While he could use some seasoning, Johnson has plenty of time these days to hone his craft.
The Beginning of Troy Polamalu and Head & Shoulders
Date: 2/1/2011
Prior To Super Bowl: XLV
It's incredible to see how some things get their start. During Media Day for Super Bowl XLV, Troy Polamalu was awarded "Best Hair" by Entertainment Weekly and in his acceptance speech, Polamalu thanked Pantene Pro-V or "anybody else that wants to send me free shampoo and conditioner." The folks over at Head and Shoulders listened and Polamalu is now their spokesman. We're glad his deal worked out better than Bleek's deal with Garnier Fructis. #neverforget
