As another thrilling Super Bowl Sunday drew near, anticipation for the event was shadowed by a poignant reality for three octogenarian fans who have stood as the sole members of an elite group that has attended every Super Bowl since its inception. Don Crisman of Maine, Gregory Eaton from Michigan, and Tom Henschel living in Florida represent the last of the loyal cohort who have maintained this unprecedented attendance record.
The upcoming game featured the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots battling at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Crisman, a steadfast Patriots supporter since the franchise’s early days, expressed enthusiasm for witnessing his team in the championship for a twelfth and potentially final occasion. "This will definitely be the final one," Crisman acknowledged, traveling with his daughter Susan Metevier, marking the 60th Super Bowl of their joint history.
Challenges of aging fans and adapting traditions
Crisman, who first connected with Henschel at the 1983 Super Bowl, is approaching his 90th birthday. Meanwhile, Henschel has been coping with mobility issues following a stroke, making this year’s attendance especially trying. Both men have conceded that the physical demands and escalating expenses associated with attending may preclude future participation, although similar sentiments about concluding the streak had been voiced in previous years. Eaton, 86 and still actively managing a transportation business, intends to continue attending while physically feasible.
Historically spending up to a week immersing themselves in the festivities of the host cities, the trio now focuses mainly on the game itself rather than the extended celebrations. Crisman noted, "We don’t go for a week anymore, we go for three or four days," underscoring a practical adjustment to the event’s scale and personal endurance.
Eaton commented on the growing commercialization and resultant costs, remarking, "It’s a $10,000 trip now," reflecting the financial and logistical complexities confronting repeat attendees.
Friendship, rivalry, and the stories behind the streak
The three have cultivated a camaraderie over the years, meeting formally in the mid-2010s though their attendance dates back to the very first game. The longstanding rivalry between Crisman and Henschel, passionate fans of the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers respectively, adds a layer of spirited competition amid their shared dedication.
Their attendance has spanned the evolution of the Super Bowl from what was once called the AFL-NFL World Championship Game in 1967 to the modern-day spectacle, with memories of affordable tickets, arduous travel, and significant societal milestones embedded in their experiences. Eaton recalls the era before Doug Williams broke racial barriers as the first Black quarterback to win the Super Bowl. The narratives often focus less on specific plays and more on the cultural and historical context surrounding each championship.
The narrowing ranks of uninterrupted attendees
Once including executives, media, groundskeepers, and other fans, the "never missed a Super Bowl" club has naturally diminished over time due to age and other factors. Photographer John Biever, who captured imagery at every game, has also indicated plans to end his consecutive attendance streak at 60.
For all three fans, the opportunity to attend once more represents an acknowledgment of enduring passion tempered by the realities of time and health. Henschel candidly shared the challenges faced this year, affirming, "I don’t talk or walk good," but the significance of attendance transcends these limitations.
Legacy and emotional resonance
Susan Metevier, Crisman’s daughter, who was born in the year of the inaugural Super Bowl, describes the experience as "bittersweet" and imbued with meaning beyond the sport, emphasizing the personal and familial aspects of the tradition. Crisman’s son echoes this support, noting that as long as his father remains capable, the journey is worthwhile. "If it was me and I was mobile and I could go, I would damn sure go," he expressed.