Photo Credit: © Can Stock Photo Inc. / djpadavona
A few minutes into the second half of Super Bowl XLVII, a Baltimore Ravens receiver returned a kickoff 108 yards, tying a NFL record, and with the score 28-6, essentially putting the last nail in the coffin of the San Francisco 49ers. Seconds later, most of the lights went out in the New Orleans Superdome, and the game had to be stopped.
Once the game resumed after a 34-minute delay, something odd happened. The Ravens lost their momentum. In short, the lighting distraction zapped the leading team’s emotional—not just electrical—energy.
Taking advantage of this unique situation, the 49ers closed the gap with consecutive scoring drives that put Baltimore on its heels. For me, it was a significant teaching opportunity, and as I turned down the volume and offered a lesson to my unwilling family, I pointed one finger high in the air. “This is what I mean!” This is what I am always talking about! Are you guys seeing this? You never know what might happen! You never ever know! This is a game changer!”