A remarkable journey is coming to an end for three octogenarian friends, who have attended every single Super Bowl since its inception. This year's game, pitting the Seattle Seahawks against the New England Patriots, could be their last hurrah.
In the small town of Kennebunk, Maine, Don Crisman, Gregory Eaton, and Tom Henschel are preparing for what might be their final Super Bowl adventure. These three loyal fans have been part of an exclusive club, never missing a single Super Bowl, but age and health concerns are now catching up with them.
Don Crisman, a die-hard Patriots fan, turns 90 this year. He's been a loyal supporter since the franchise began, and this year marks his team's record-setting 12th appearance in the Super Bowl. Crisman made the trip with his daughter, Susan Metevier, and they both agree that this year's game will be their last.
"We made it to 60," Crisman said with a sense of accomplishment and a hint of sadness.
The cost of attending the Super Bowl has become increasingly prohibitive, and the hype surrounding the event has grown exponentially. Gregory Eaton, who runs a ground transportation company in Detroit, is the only non-retired member of the group. He still dreams of seeing his beloved Detroit Lions make it to the big game one day.
"It's gotten so commercial. It's a $10,000 trip now," Eaton remarked, reflecting on the changing nature of the Super Bowl experience.
Despite the challenges, these friends have scaled back their annual trip, focusing more on the game itself rather than the week-long festivities. Crisman, who used to spend a week in the host city, now limits his stay to just a few days.
Tom Henschel, 84, has been slowed by a stroke, and this year's Super Bowl will be particularly challenging for him. Yet, he's determined to make it, eager to see his friends one last time.
"I don't talk or walk good," Henschel admitted, "but it's in my blood. I love football over all the sports. It's the best dang game."
The club of never-missed Super Bowls has been shrinking over the years. Photographer John Biever, who has shot every Super Bowl, plans to end his streak at 60. The three fans share stories of past games, reminiscing about a different era when Super Bowls were less commercialized and more focused on the sport itself.
Crisman's daughter, Metevier, born the year of the first Super Bowl, has grown up with her dad's streak as a constant in her life. She's excited to share one last game with him, knowing that it's not just about the football, but about the memories and the bond they share.
"It's kind of bittersweet," she said. "It's about the memories, and it's something more."
As these three friends prepare for what could be their final Super Bowl, they leave us with a thought-provoking question: What does it mean to be a lifelong fan, and how do we honor the traditions and memories that sports create?
