For everyone who watches the Super Bowl for the half-time show and costly commercials ($5million for 30 seconds of air), here are some quick facts to entertain you between commercial breaks.
For any term confusion, reference the endnotes (*).
Date: Sunday, February 7, 2016
Time: 5:35 PM CST
Channel: CBS
Halftime Show: Coldplay featuring Beyonce and Bruno Mars
Who’s playing: Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos
Panthers Quarterback*: Cam Newton (only player in NFL with 35+ passing touchdowns* and 10+ rushing touchdowns*)
Broncos Quarterback: Peyton Manning (Despite being benched for part of the season with an injury, Manning is the first QB to lead two teams to multiple Super Bowls)
Notable Panthers Players: Von Miller (linebacker* who leads the Broncos #1 defense in sacks this season); Greg Olsen (pro bowl tight end* and QB Newton’s top target); Jonathan Stewart (pro bowl running back*)
Notable Broncos Players: Luke Kuechly (linebacker with 4 interceptions and 118 tackles this season); Demaryius Thomas (veteran receiver* with 105 receptions for 1,304 yards and six touchdowns); Ronnie Hillman (running back with an average of 4.7 yards per carry)
Stats and Facts:
In 2015, Broncos had 11 wins by seven points or less.
Peyton Manning will be the oldest QB to play in a Super Bowl (age 39).
Panthers finished their season 15-1. None of the past four teams to finish 15-1 or better have won the Super Bowl (Green Bay in 2011, New England in 2007, Pittsburgh in 2004, Minnesota in 1998).
Endnotes (*):
quarterback (QB) – that player that throws the ball to other players
passing touchdown – the quarterback throws the football to a player standing in the end zone for 6 points
rushing touchdown – a player runs into the end zone for 6 points
linebacker – you’ll see these defensive players trying to tackle the quarterback when he’s throwing the ball
tight end – no it has nothing to do with his rear end; he’s a big player who lines up on the line of scrimmage and blocks, catches and runs the ball.
running back – player who lines up close to the quarterback and runs the ball
receiver – player who catches the ball