What you’re reading is the product of eight years of trying to figure out the best way to use all of the information, anecdotes, trash talk, insight, nonsense, and reporting that goes into my favorite story of the year: the Sports Illustrated Super Bowl cover story. I used to call this thing my baby, but now that I have two of those for real, I’d like to think I love them more—but not by much.
In those eight seasons, I’ve written about Malcolm Butler’s interception, Von Miller’s greatness, Julian Edelman’s improbable catch, Nick Foles’s transition to Philadelphia sports legend, the Patriots’ dynasty to end all dynasties, Mahomes’s first title, Brady’s seventh ring and the Rams’ epic journey. I’ve talked my way into Brady’s private after-party, plunged into the Pacific Ocean with Rams GM Les Snead, and watched Patriots owner Robert Kraft and a mink-coat-wearing P. Diddy sit together listening to Lionel Richie—the real thing, not a recording—belt out “All Night Long.”
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