Chicago Bears legend Mike Ditka knows plenty about football in severe weather. He spent eight seasons as a player with the Bears and Philadelphia Eagles and another 11 seasons in Chicago as a coach. You would think he would be one of the people who supports an outdoor Super Bowl in New York, but Da Coach actually thinks it’s downright “stupid.”
“The weather’s going to be a problem,” Ditka told the Detroit Free Press on Monday. “They made a big mistake. The game shouldn’t be there. I mean, it’s stupid.”
If you believe some of the more well-known forecasters, the weather may not end up being that huge of an issue. Accuweather set up a website that is dedicated strictly to forecasting the weather for the Super Bowl, and as of now temperatures are expected to be in the mid-30s at game time with just an 18% chance of rain or snow showers.
“First of all, it’s not fair to the players,” Ditka added. “It’s not going to be fair to the fans. It’s not going to be that enjoyable. I mean, I understand it’s the Super Bowl and it’s a privilege to play in the Super Bowl. It’d be nice to be playing in Miami or San Diego or New Orleans or somewhere the weather is conducive to guys being able to show their talents.”
Many fans who spend thousands of dollars on tickets will be proud to say that they attended the first ever outdoor, cold weather Super Bowl. Ditka hates the idea because he believes it will result in players performing at lower levels.
“I’m just saying, if you get extreme cold or you get snow during the game, then it’s unfair to the fans, to the players, to everybody,” he said. “You’re not going to be able to perform at near the level you’re used to. And the element of luck comes into it, and it shouldn’t happen in that game. That game should be based on the people on the field who make the plays.”
Some would argue that the mark of a great team is being able to adjust and perform under all circumstances. That’s why being able to win on the road in the playoffs is so important, especially if you’re traveling to a place like New York, Chicago, Denver or Foxboro. While the weather may be a factor, both teams have to deal with it. Whoever can overcome all variables deserves to be called the best team in the NFL.
Maybe Ditka just can’t stand the thought of people having to be as red-faced as he was in Chicago last month.
H/T Shutdown Corner
