Super Bowl Media Day full of wacky questions, antics

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INDIANAPOLIS - Perhaps the most famous picture taken before a Super Bowl shows Joe Willie Namath reclined, shirtless and wearing plaid swimming trunks, on a hotel poolside lounge in Miami Beach with a handful of reporters taking notes.

The most outrageous statement to come from the interview: Namath predicting -- correctly, as it turned out -- that the New York Jets would upset the 17-point favorite Baltimore Colts (the score was 16-7) in Super Bowl III in 1969.

That was then and Tuesday was now at Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis. More than 5,000 media credentials have been issued for Sunday's NFL championship game between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. More than 7,000 tickets were sold, at $25 apiece, for fans to sit in the stands of Lucas Oil Stadium and watch the one-hour question-and-answer sessions.

"Broadway Joe" wouldn't have known what hit him.

There was "Pick Boy" from Nick Toons, clad in black tights, a mask and a neon-green-trimmed-in-orange cape, questioning New England's Tom Brady about his hair and presenting a pair of teammates with a series of pictures of their quarterback that they gladly categorized: G.I. Joe for a buzz cut, Justin Bieber for a shaggy look, "Sunshine from Remember the Titans?" for a longer-haired period.

There was a crew from VH1, insisting that several New York Giants commit to an allegiance of pizza over chowder -- to which most gladly chose a slice of pie.

There was a reporter from the Mexican network Telemundo, clad in a pirate hat, giving a quick quiz to New England receiver Tiquan Underwood. Whose was the biggest signature on the Declaration of Independence? What is the motto of the United States? The punch line: "You're a Patriot; you should know this."

There was a woman radio reporter from Boston, thanking Patriots practice-squad receiver Britt Davis for an interview by presenting him with a purple bra, which he declined to try on under his jersey, but instead promised to hang in his locker.

There was a reporter from MTV, wearing an autographed Tom Brady jersey, convincing New England lineman Nick McDonald to sing "Like a Virgin," an apparent tribute to Super Bowl halftime guest artist Madonna.

And, yes, between the Colts-clad fans booing the Patriots as they walked onto the field and cheering the Giants (especially quarterback and adopted little brother Eli Manning) as they walked off, there were questions about football.

No, the Patriots aren't thinking revenge. Yes, the high-powered offenses will test the low-ranked defenses. Maybe, just maybe, Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski's injured ankle will heal in time for him to play.

And, yes, Media Day is certainly a show.

"There's a reason we're all carrying our phones and cameras," said Giants tackle James Brewer. "You don't want to forget anything at all about Super Bowl week, but all the guys who were here before said that today would be crazy.

"We've all given interviews before, but nothing like this. They say you have to be ready to answer anything."

Former Giants defensive end Michael Strahan retired after the team won Super Bowl XLII in Arizona in 2008 -- upsetting the previously unbeaten Patriots in the process -- and is in Indy as an analyst for the NFL Network. He said the best advice to players is to enjoy the foolishness, then get about their business.

"I always liked to talk, you know," he said. "With this being on Tuesday, it's all just for fun. It wouldn't be so cool on Friday or Saturday, when you're locked in, but for now it's just part of the show -- and this is the biggest show going."

That's why Patriots receiver Deion Branch was carrying a video camera.

"All of the stuff leading up to the game is fun," said Branch. "These people in Indianapolis have been waiting for this game for a long time. This is what it's all about, giving back to the fans. That's why the NFL is the greatest of sports, why it's gotten so crazy big.

"We are the best of the best, the creme de la creme, and the Super Bowl is our celebration -- even if it gets a little weird sometimes."

(Contact Tim Ethridge of The Evansville Courier in Indiana at ethridget(at)courierpress.com.)