Super Bowl Opening Night provided an opportunity for both teams to show the lighter side of their personalities, and to that end, Monday's frivolity presented a wide range of interviews.
As expected, some were illuminating, some were to be expected, and some were cringeworthy.
Here, we break down the best and worst of Super Bowl Opening Night:
Best
1, 2, 3, 4, I declare a thumb war
Tom Brady's thumb war tactics are prime 😂 pic.twitter.com/SeanpgsGhb
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) January 30, 2018
Tom Brady has been in the NFL for so long that many former teammates have made a successful transition to the media.
Brady was all too happy to enjoy the company of his friends, engaging in a friendly thumb war with NFL Network analyst and former Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest.
Thuney shows off Rubik's Cube skills
Here’s the Patriots’ Joe Thuney solving a Rubik’s Cube in like a minute pic.twitter.com/OqCScRmWN8
— RandBall (@RandBall) January 30, 2018
Joe Thuney displayed a special talent for problem-solving, finishing a Rubik's Cube with startling ease. Now, though, Thuney has to solve a ferocious Eagles pass rush Sunday.
Who let the dogs out?
🐶🐶🐶 pic.twitter.com/BqKNMEPkzW
— SI Extra Mustard (@SI_ExtraMustard) January 30, 2018
It's good to have a sense of humor, and Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham used the opportunity to wear a dog mask on stage. Not a bad way to keep reporters on their toes.
Long makes interesting bet with Eagles LB coach
.@JOEL9ONE made a bet with his linebacker coach...
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) January 30, 2018
If the @Eagles win #SBLII, he has to get a portrait of the coach tattooed on him 👀 pic.twitter.com/UCfbbef6vh
Friendly bets among friends are usually fun, and Chris Long made things interesting Monday ...
Worst
Tattoos are forever
Chris Long said if the Eagles win the #SuperBowl he has to get a tattoo of LB coach Ken Flajole’s face. pic.twitter.com/y4oFAhKR1Q
— Dan Levy (@DanLevyThinks) January 30, 2018
... but Long may regret this choice forever.
How much does tattoo removal cost?
Brady needs to get out more
Tom Brady knows zero about pop culture pic.twitter.com/mAIsLULV6f
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) January 30, 2018
Brady is so singularly focused on football (and possibly his supermodel wife) that it appears he's not in tune with the world around him. He may be cool under pressure, but Brady has a lot of catching up to do in the music and entertainment worlds once the season ends.
Vikings fans boo Eagles players
Pats and Eagles captains meet at center stage...and the fans in Minnesota shower the Eagles with boos pic.twitter.com/Sk3PwBCpMb
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) January 30, 2018
It appears the Vikings' fan base is still reeling from the NFC Championship Game.
The Eagles beat the Vikings 38-7 on Jan. 21 to advance to the Super Bowl, and it appears the hometown crowd may be cheering for the Patriots as a result. Not a great look.
Belichick smile counter
Official Belichick Smile Counter: 9! 😁
— NFL (@NFL) January 30, 2018
📺: @nflnetwork #SBOpeningNight pic.twitter.com/0fjaNphTsG
Trying to break Bill Belichick out of his stoicism is no longer fun, it's a tired bit that's used on a weekly basis. Although Belichick was in a comparatively good mood, using this gambit must be a headache for fans and reporters alike.
