Cardinals Not Cute Enough? Try the Puppy Bowl

Invite us when we don't win, says Harrison, who declined in '06, too

(NEWSER) - Linebacker James Harrison, the NFL defensive player of the year and a key cog in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Super Bowl victory this year, won’t accompany his team to the White House this week, WTAE-TV reports. Harrison also turned down the honor when Pittsburgh won in 2006. “If you want to see the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Harrison said, “invite us when we don’t win the Super Bowl.” More»

And 10 other things Peter King thinks about the Super Bowl

(NEWSER) - Kurt Warner has a clock in his head, and he'll need to pay attention to its ticking in order to best the Pittsburgh defense, writes Peter King in Sports Illustrated. King feels that the Cardinals' chances are all in Warner's hands and head: If he can avoid turnovers, he could clinch it. King has other thoughts, as well: More»

How much do you want to bet Bruce sings Born to Run ?

(NEWSER) - Propositions, or "prop bets," can add some spice to a Super Bowl blowout even as they leave oddsmakers shaking their heads. "They're a pain in the ass," a Las Vegas bookmaker tells ESPN the Magazine. "But it keeps non-fans interested for the entire game." Under Nevada law, the wagers must concern issues verifiable by the league—meaning props like what color the victory Gatorade bath will be are nonstarters. More»

Esquire finds brown-bagging it has its rewards

(NEWSER) - With Super Bowl looming, cheap booze is probably on your radar. It's not too late to check out these bargains recommended by Esquire:

• Paul Masson Grande Amber VSOP brandy: This $13 bottle “goes down far more smoothly than anything from France in this price range could even aspire to.”
• Brugal Añejo rum: A $14 bottle that's perfect “if you want something cheap, brown, and sugarcaney to go with your cigar.”

Start by doing your homework, and be sure to get loud

(NEWSER) - Sunday’s the last chance to get your heckling in this NFL season, and Eddie Matz of ESPN the Magazine has timely tips on getting the most bang for your buck:

• Do your homework. Knowing a key statistical weak point or personal peccadillo can get you inside your target’s head.
• Wait until it’s quiet. Nobody’s going to hear if everyone’s cheering, so heckle during time-outs and the like … and …
• Be loud.