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Hello and welcome to the NFL on PBS. This is a simulcast of the forty first Super Bowl,
a culmination of the NFL's annual single-elimination playoff tournament. I'm Robert McNeal and
I'm very excited to be here with you today. I know the same is true for the woman on my
left - you know her as professor of American Public Media and Sociology from the University
of Connecticut, and I know her as Dr. Ruth Graves. Dr. Graves: so good to have you.
Thank you so much. very excited to be here at MetLife Stadium, and I'd just like to say
that the irony is not lost on me that this, the capstone event of what is essentially
becoming a public health disaster, is being held in a magnificent structure named for
an insurance giant. Absolutely intriguing stuff. Just one of the
many storylines we're going to be touching on today, Dr. Graves. It seems they're ready
for the kickoff down on the field. Another storyline that I'd like to talk about is the
fact that - as Doug Baldwin breaks a tackle or two - both of the mascots represented here
today are now, or were at one point, endangered species. Baldwin runs that kick for a touchdown.
Yes, great point Robert. The seahawk, osprey or skua, and the Bronco, a wild or more accurately
termed feral horse, are both mythic creatures of the American West. And yet, their numbers
are dwindling considerably. Richard Sherman intercepts Payton Manning's pass. Of course
we all know Sherman...an Anglo name meaning "shearer of woolen garments." Looks like he
sheared that drive short, Robert. (laughs). That was impressive, Ruth. Thanks Bob. Nothing
more rewarding than a little wordplay. I couldn't agree more, it's a backbone of American entertainment.
And so is PBS. If you like the type of programming that you've seen today, the number to call
is 1-800-861-2222. In order to keep football like this on TV, we need your help. If donate
today at the 60 dollar level, we'll include for you a canvas tote that reads: "It's football,
and I'm aware."As well as these twelve TV guides with beautiful black and white photos
of our American football heroes. When we return, we'll show you live action from the football.
But until then, please remember, this broadcast is made possible from a grant through the
Pell foundation, and because of viewers like you.