MONITOR MONITOR 4 FEBRUARY 4, 2016 FEATURES FEATURES FEBRUARY 4, 2016 5 COUNTDOWN TO SUPER BOWL 50 From ESPN reporters to Deion Sanders and Kurt – have made him an easy life he has. the new Miss Universe, San Warner. Story by Cristian Medina target of scrutiny and doubt. “[There’s] not a day that Jose was the place to be as the Members of the media But Newton doesn’t see his goes by where I discredit my SAP center was the center of were given one hour with Photos by Ivan Vargas behavior as brash or cocky. blessings,” Newton said. the NFL on Monday night. each team to ask ques- When asked about people Manning and Newton Silicon Valley became host tions and snap photos. The Sunday’s game. shied away from answering ques- calling for his celebrations to weren’t the only centers of of the league’s annual media atmosphere was nothing All signs point to Manning hang- tions on his possible retirement, he be banned he said, “Guess attention on Opening Night. day for the two remaining short of a frenzy as report- ing up his cleats if the Broncos can knows exactly what kind of impact you’re gonna have to get The event had its share of teams playing in the Super ers and photographers alike win this weekend. It would surely he hopes to leave when he does used to it, ‘cause I ain’t fans and reporters who drew Bowl. shuffled around the arena be a fitting way to end a Hall of Fame decide to walk away from the game. changing it.” cameras their way. Report- This was the first time the floor looking to get sound career the same way his team’s “I want to be remembered as a Even though Newton is ers wearing capes, luchador Denver Broncos and Caro- bites and snapshots of play- owner, John Elway, did. good teammate,” Manning said. simply having fun and tak- masks, and morphsuits lina Panthers had addressed ers and coaches. However, if the Panthers prevail, Even though the Carolina Pan- ing in this extraordinary navigated their way around the media since arriving to The main focus of the it’s much more likely that Manning thers are seen as the statistical season, he still takes what the floor alongside ESPN the Bay Area to face each night was Denver Broncos will return for his 19th season – pos- favorites to win this game, they he does seriously. reporters like Chris Berman. other in Super Bowl 50. quarterback Peyton Man- sibly with a new team. are also playing the role of villain For Newton it’s all about Even the infamous Lepre- The NFL changed the ning. While there’s no argument that come Sunday. being prepared to react on chaun Broncos fan was in time, day and name of the The big question was Manning’s play down the stretch There is no bigger name that the field. He said his father attendance. event to Opening Night so whether Sunday would be helped Denver reach the Super represents everything seemingly would teach him this using The Opening Night media that it could signify the start Manning’s last game. The Bowl, he gave most of his team’s evil about the Carolina Panthers something he called the “five circus was just the begin- of the week leading up to the 39-year-old had an injury- success to the defense. There’s no than quarterback Cam Newton. p’s to success.” ning, and with the count- biggest game in sports; the stricken season, but came doubt, however, that both he and Newton, who is arguably this “Proper preparation pre- down under way, all hands start of a week not only for back and salvaged Denver’s his defense will have to play their season’s MVP, had the year of his vents poor performances,” are on deck for a Super Bowl players and the media, but season en route to their sec- best against Cam Newton and the career and led a high-powered of- Newton explained. “It’s all to remember. The anticipa- for the fans as well. ond Super Bowl appearance 17-1 Panthers if the Broncos are fense to a one-loss regular season about reacting.” tion is certainly building for Opening Night had pre- in three years. to prevail. record with his cannon arm and He also is very aware of what is projected to be one of viously been called Media “I don’t know the an- Regardless of the outcome of the elusive running. where he comes from and the best matchups in Super Day and held on a Tuesday swer to that question yet,” game, Peyton Manning’s legacy will However, his enthusiastic nature how lucky he is to have the Bowl history. morning with limited fan Manning said when asked be firmly cemented into the history and touchdown celebration dances opportunity to play in the Will the Denver Broncos access. if he would retire after of pro football. Even though he – topped off by his signature “dab” Super Bowl and have the be victorious and send Pey- This year, the event was ton Manning riding off into held on a Monday night and I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED [THERE’S] NOT A DAY THAT the sunset with one last ring, aired in primetime with an or will Cam Newton and array of coverage and special AS A GOOD TEAMMATE GOES BY WHERE I DISCREDIT the Carolina Panthers spoil guests. the Sheriff’s potential going Some of the big names MY BLESSINGS away party and capture their to make appearances were - PEYTON MANNING first Super Bowl in franchise Jerry Rice, Marcus Allen, Jim history? We’ll find out this Plunkett, Fred Biletnikoff, - CAM NEWTON Sunday. Left, top to bottom: Denver Head Coach Gary Kubiak. Quarterback Peyton Manning, Safety T.J. Ward. A band performs on stage. Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach interviews Kapri Bibbs and Ryan Murphy, members of the Broncos’ practice squad. Center-bottom-left: A San Jose police officer and dog inspect the equipment of the press members before the event, one of the strict security measures authorities have been taking to avoid any possible terrorist attack. Center-bottom-center: Nickelodeon host Jeff Sutphen dressed in a gold and black superhero costume. Center-bottom-right: CBS reporter Bill Reiter with Rocky the Colorado leprechaun, a Broncos fan. Right, top to bottom: Carolina Head Coach Ron Rivera. Quarterback Cam Newton. Cornerback Josh Norman. Norman is wearing a Panthers Lucha libre mask. Joe Webb, Philly Brown, Demiere Byrd and Devin Funchess (left to right) salute the fans..