The Super Bowl is the biggest event in American sports, attracting millions of viewers and fans every year. But for three men, it is more than just a game – it is a lifelong tradition. Meet Don Crisman, Gregory Eaton, and Tom Henschel, the three friends who have attended every Super Bowl since the first one in 1967. They are the only remaining members of the exclusive “never missed a Super Bowl” club, and they are not planning to stop anytime soon.
How It All Began
The three friends have different backgrounds and stories, but they share a common passion for football. Crisman, 87, is a retired sales manager from Maine, who grew up as a fan of the New York Giants. Eaton, 84, is a ground transportation company owner from Michigan, who has been rooting for the Detroit Lions since childhood. Henschel, 82, is a former flight attendant who splits his time between Florida and Pennsylvania, and who supports the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The trio first met at the 1983 Super Bowl in Pasadena, California, where they discovered their mutual streak of attending every game. They became friends and decided to keep the tradition going, even as other members of the club dropped out over the years. They have witnessed some of the most memorable moments in Super Bowl history, from Joe Namath’s guarantee in 1969, to the Patriots’ comeback in 2017, to the Chiefs’ victory in 2020.
The Challenges and Rewards of the Streak
Maintaining the streak has not been easy, especially as the Super Bowl has grown in popularity and demand. The friends have faced challenges such as finding tickets, booking flights, securing hotels, and dealing with health issues. They have also spent a lot of money on the trips, which they estimate to be around $250,000 each over the years.
But the friends say the rewards outweigh the costs. They enjoy the excitement of the game, the camaraderie of the fans, and the opportunity to visit different cities and stadiums. They also cherish the friendship they have forged through their shared experience. They have become like family, supporting each other through good times and bad.
The Future of the Streak
The friends are back again for Super Bowl 58, which will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday. They are hoping to see a thrilling game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Baltimore Ravens, two teams that have not won the title since the early 2000s. They are also looking forward to celebrating their milestone of attending 60 Super Bowls in two years, if they are still healthy and able to do so.
The friends say they are not ready to give up their streak, as long as they still have each other. They say they are the last of a dying breed, and they want to keep their legacy alive. They are proud of their accomplishment, and they hope to inspire other fans to follow their passion and dreams.
