A Draftstars winner’s trip to the Super Bowl!

draftstars-sb-17
We recently ran a competition giving 1 lucky winner an all expenses paid trip to Super Bowl LI for them and a friend. Our winner documented their travels and we wanted to share that story below!

***************************************

You know when things are just meant to be? Well, I feel like this experience might have just captured that in every way possible, from my point of view anyway.

Let’s take this back to the beginning of December when I received a phone call from Alex at Draftstars. Now I’ll be honest, I thought Alex was going to rope me in with a deal I couldn’t refuse of matching my $50 deposit so I could play $2 daily fantasy leagues for the next couple of months. But Alex had another idea… he thought he’d spring me with news that would literally make me drop to my knees, have my heart explode out of my chest and pace around the house like a mad man in disbelief. “You’re going to the Super Bowl”, was replied with a bunch of expletives that I can’t repeat, I thought Alex was taking me for a ride! I mean I won an all expenses trip to Super Bowl 51 in Houston for me and a friend?!

Now this is where things really start to take shape in a way I can’t explain… Some call it fate, some call it luck. I like to joke around and say destiny!

I’m what my friends call a sports tragic, but I mean we’re Australian. Sport is in our blood isn’t it? Since I was 3 years old, all thanks to my old man I have been obsessed with anything I could watch or play in the backyard. I laid eyes on American football in 2003 and was instantly drawn to one player, Michael Vick. I bought a jersey and played Madden like it was a religion, I was an Atlanta Falcon. Now some things happened and it all changed at Atlanta but I was all in, they were my team.

Little did I know then, that at age 27 I would be waking up at 4am every Monday morning during the NFL season and rising up for Atlanta and my fantasy football team. Now when Alex asked me if I had a team, I responded with “Oh yeah, Atlanta, but they aren’t ready this year.” Of course I’m a fan, but also a realist, it was week 14 and they weren’t even shoe ins to win their division let alone make a run for the Super Bowl. Funnily enough it all changed from that weekend on. Talk about things are just meant to be, right? I mean, when I called my dad and told him he was coming with me I was convinced his Dallas Cowboys were the real deal. But that’s another story.

What happened over the last 6 weeks of the season I couldn’t quite believe. I had created a bandwagon of support from my friends and family, some who would kill me for the position I was in, and I don’t blame them.

Fast forward to February and here we were setting foot in Houston to a tunnel of cheerleaders greeting us with chants as we headed to the baggage claim. There was no time to think about what to expect, Super Bowl fever was taking a hold of us instantly. Being a whirlwind trip and wanting to avoid jet lag, Dad and I decided we’d go to the Rockets v Hawks game that night (We did purchase tickets a couple of weeks beforehand). I mean what else would a couple of sport nuts do?

Downtown Houston was something else. Being Americas fourth largest city, I must say I did expect a lot more high rise. But the buzz was just amazing. With some time to kill before tip off we thought we’d check out the Super Bowl Live site. Talk about creating a fan experience! With the likes of Fox, ESPN and the NFL Network broadcasting live plus a range food trucks, bars and live entertainment, I think we had found what would keep us occupied for the next few days. As for the basketball that night, we were treated.

For one, James Harden dropped 41 points and graced the course with ease. The game seemed to slow down with the ball in his hands. I see why teams ‘Fear The Beard’. Then there was the return of Dwight Howard, he started the game like a man possessed, making every shot and dominating the paint with rebound after rebound. He finished the night with 24 points and 23 rebounds! All while dealing with a ring of boos throughout the Toyota Center. But the night belonged to Tim Hardaway Jnr, and to be fair I wouldn’t have known much about him if it wasn’t for Draftstars. Talk about taking the game by the scruff of the neck! The Hawks were down by 20 at one stage and by 13 at the start of the 4th. Hardaway Jnr seemed to just boss the ball in the last 5 minutes of the game, something I would have expected Harden to do with the MVP hanging over him. It was a 23 point onslaught by Hardaway Jnr including long range 3’s and fittingly finished off with a driving dunk that brought the Atlanta faithful to their feet. For my first taste of the NBA I’d say I was impressed, the interaction with the fans made timeouts seems no existent and to have a few greats in the crowd was pretty special. Olajuwon, Mutombo, Yao Ming and boxings pretty boy, Money Mayweather to name a few. For the record Atlanta won 113-108, but more importantly we defeated jet lag so we could enjoy the rest of the trip.

draftstars-sb

The next few days were all about the hype leading into Sunday’s big game. We would spend the majority of our days downtown at the Super Bowl Live site. Like anyone in our position we were there to make the most of it. The NFL Experience was by far the best way to spend a day out. When I say it had it all, it really had it all. For $50 we gained access to the George R. Brown Convention Center, which had everything from a Hall of Fame exhibition to a mock up Draft Combine. No matter your age you were treated to something of interest. All 50 previous Super Bowl rings were on display for fans to look at through a magnifying glass (like they needed to look bigger). Wilson were showcasing the football making process, with the ability to customise your very own game ball. There was a full size football field in there too! Not to mention the mock up locker rooms of the games top players and the holy grail, Vince Lombardi trophy. I could go on and on. No wonder this is arguably the biggest show in sport. Hopefully one day we can emulate aspects of this for our codes. I mean without fans these sports are nothing and the NFL seems to know this and how to spoil their fans accordingly. Super Bowl eve was another great example, with the city of Houston being treated to a performance of their very own ZZ Top, sending everyone into Super Bowl Sunday on a high. For my Dad the performance of Gary Clark Jnr was of great timing, one of his favourite artists that he had yet to see perform live. Did I mention some things are just meant to be?

Staying in the Hotel that was home to the family of the Falcons players was extra special as we walked into the foyer on Sunday morning. I felt in the right place that’s for sure. It was only now that things really started to sink in, as chants of “RISE UP!” rang around the hotel lobby. The day was here, we were on our way to Super Bowl 51!

Not that I would know the best way to spend 3 hours of tailgating. But The Gold Jacket Club Hall of Fame Experience seemed pretty close! I mean anywhere with an open bar was going to be good, not to mention a buffet and BBQ in true Texas style. Although that wasn’t all. It was hosted by the one and only Emmitt Smith! Adding to the list of things seeming too good to be true, especially for Dad. I won’t lie, most the other men that donned gold jackets played well before I was born, so I had no clue who they were. But I quickly learned how they impacted the league, not surprising though… these blokes were all built like a brick shithouse! One of the men, Charles Haley was the only 5 time Super Bowl Champion in history (before the game that night anyway) and he had some pretty strong views on who the best QB to grace the NFL was. A memorable and heated discussion that concluded the pregame festivities. I wonder if Charles still thinks Joe Montana sits on that Throne…

Time was flying and it was only an hour before kick off as we walked through all the security measures. Considering the amount of people flowing through the gates the process was quick. Once in the precinct and surrounded by the fans the atmosphere was just chilling and we hadn’t stepped foot in NRG Stadium yet. We made our way up the ramps and entered the stadium, it was like nothing else. The hairs stood up on my neck, I won’t forget my first glimpse of that field. It was surreal. The big screens at the end of each End zone were the width of the field and the buzz around the place was incredible as the players ran through their warm ups. Up until this point I’d done my best to convince myself to simply enjoy the experience. But it was game day now and I couldn’t help but dream of the prospect that my team could be Super Bowl Champions in a matter of hours. It all seems like a blur now, and before we knew it the teams were running out on the field. I just remember looking around trying to gauge how these football fans reacted. Being on the Patriots side of the field meant we were surround by the Boston faithful, I must say not my favourite type of people.

draftstars-sb-11

I was on the edge of my seat and well aware how big every play would be. It wouldn’t be long and I was standing. Devonta Freeman rushed for 37 yards on the Falcons first offensive play. One Pats fan turning around saying “I think you’re on the wrong side”, but I was pretty happy to be there and more than happy to be the underdog. The game seemed to be flying by, 0-0 after the first quarter. Far from the high scoring game that was predicted.

I knew the Patriots were a great second quarter team, so the events that unfolded in that next 15 minutes were simply amazing. Two fast drives and the Falcons were up 14-0, everything seemed too easy with big play after big play. But it was the Pick 6 by Alford that had me thinking this was far too good to be true! I mean when does Tom Brady ever do that? I was in disbelief… was this really happening? Just like that it was half time and 21-3. The Falcons with an interception and a fumble recovery… those are the types of plays that win you games. But there was plenty of time to go plus a 30 minute halftime show to impact some of that momentum.

Can’t say I’m a Lady Gaga fan, but credit where it’s due, she delivered the goods and one hell of a show. The whole production was impressive, from the stage set up to the pyrotechnics and the sound was crystal clear. I hope Mariah Carey learnt a thing or two?

The stadium was left with a smokey haze from the fireworks and as the teams ran out I couldn’t help but notice how flat the Patriots fans were. Understandable I know, but this was the Super Bowl. I remember looking at the big screen and in true American style the statistics of Super Bowl comebacks were on display along with the amount of comebacks that Tom Brady had orchestrated in his career. Looking back at that now… we’re they trying to tell us something?

Atlanta seemed to be in control as they pulled off an impressive drive to go up 28-3. Did I mention the Pats fans being flat? Most of them had lost hope. It felt Atlanta were just one score away from wrapping this game up. I know I wanted a great game, but as a fan I was going to be happy if the Falcons would blow the game out. Cue Tom Brady…

The running plays were of no use and New England had to put their hopes on one man. The receivers started to haul in catches that they were dropping in the first half and moving the ball much quicker. There it was, Touchdown! Though there was no celebration from the fans, still they had no belief in getting a result. Even more so when the extra point was missed. I couldn’t believe it was the 4th quarter already! Another long drive from the Patriots looked destined to be rewarded with Touchdown. Much to the disgust of a few fans they opted for the field goal. Still there was little hope in the stands. Then something amazing occurred in front of me and may just haunt me for the rest of my days. A fan stood up and pointed out his fellow supporters, “Stand up and cheer our team”, almost unwillingly they agreed. But it was the confidence that he screamed the following statement that had me worried as a Falcons fan. “C’MON, WE HAVE TOM BRADY!” He yelled. It was then that my dad turned to me and said they need 35 points to win this. But I must say I felt the Falcons needed to play the clock more than anything at this point.

I won’t forget the speed that Hightower made it to Matt Ryan on that next drive. Boom! A fumble and there it was, Patriots ball. Now the fans started to believe. The sound was deafening and it was only emulated when Brady threw the 6 yard pass for the Touchdown that was topped off with a superbly conducted direct snap to James White for the 2 point conversion.

Six minutes left and one possession game.

Here it was… the moment Matt Ryan would have dreamt of, having the ball in his hands to win the Super Bowl. With 5 minutes left I thought they’d done it! Julio Jones made the greatest catch everyone will forget on the sideline thanks to a pin point pass from Ryan. The atmosphere died instantly around me. It’s like the game was over (I mean it should have been!). Now, I have no idea why the events unfolded the way they did in that next minute of play. But I was wishing I was a neutral fan at this point. The sack and the penalty meant Tom Brady had 3 minutes and 3 timeouts, also known as a lifetime to send the game to overtime. Looking at the big screen I could see one telling stat, how long New England had had the ball and how tired the Atlanta defence must’ve been. Only an interception was going to stop this game going to OT. It was a tidal wave. I was shaking, this atmosphere was just ridiculous! Then ‘that catch’ happened… No one could believe it! and thanks to the challenge flag being thrown, we could watch it over and over. It just had to be, nothing was going to stop the Patriots now. The contrast in these fans was incredible. Practically lifeless halfway through the final quarter and now in jubilation. I think I wanted to cry… but laughing is all I could muster up. Being a Parramatta Eels tragic and witnessing WSW lose three Grand Finals, I was well prepared for this.

The inevitable would happen and the 2 point conversion was a moral to be converted. A minute still remained. If the Falcons were going to have any hope they needed to score now or hope they’d win the toss in OT. They did neither. Overtime was just a matter of time. I mean everyone in the crowd knew it. The cheer that followed the confirmation of heads at the coin toss was more a celebration. Tom Brady was ready to deliver the knockout blow. Completion after completion and with a pass interference penalty the ball was on the 1 yard line. Bang! and just like that 2 plays later James White broke the plane and the field was doused in confetti, New England were World Champions. I knew I had experienced something special! I mean was it the worst loss or the greatest comeback? I guess there’s strong cases for both. I felt sick, cause it was only one thing for me.

draftstars-sb-18

No amount of free spirits at the post game party would change my thinking on that. But as I sit here a week later with emotion somewhat removed from the situation I feel extremely blessed to have experienced everything that unfolded in that game of football. There were highs and lows for me as a fan along with the fumble, interception, 8 touchdowns, 2 field goals and the first Super Bowl to reach OT. For that, I can’t be thankful enough to Draftstars for running such an amazing competition. Although the result wasn’t meant to be, I truly loved every moment of my 5 day trip to Houston and can forever say I was at Super Bowl LI.

By NFL