That is the case for the next couple days, as I head west for the final game of this NFL season (for me) and the NFC championship game.
What I wonder is if there will be an extra day out there, or some airport, or wherever, trying to get back home next Monday.
The forecast certainly isn’t good — hope everyone is getting ready, although we don’t look to have the ice issues that are hitting farther south.
Yes, it’s off to Seattle for this guy, but I wanted to take a minute to give a high-five to at least a couple handfuls of local folks who followed the Hoosiers on their journey to the national football championship.
I’m sure there are several columns of stories about trips to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl, Atlanta for the Peach Bowl and of course, to Miami for the national championship game.
I know there was a lot of creativity among some families or groups of folks in getting to sites, staying at sites, getting to games, and finally, getting home.
But what a lifetime experience, and I know those days and trips will never be forgotten.
I had a similar opportunity back in 1987 and 1991 when my Minnesota Twins won two World Series titles. Most of you know that I’m a lifelong Twins fan, and that first one, the team’s first championship, was so incredible, and I was blessed to be there in the Dome when they won. Winning a championship is just so awesome. I remember those days vividly, even though it was almost 40 years ago.
So again, congratulations to the Hoosiers on what is certainly one of the most incredible sports stories of our lifetimes, and to each and every fan. I know you will savor the moments forever.
I was actually in Seattle last weekend for the second round of NFL playoffs, and except for some tiny glitches, it was a good trip.
The weather in Seattle was sunny and in the 40’s. Fantastic for that area in January (even better compared to around here).
This weekend is not as nice out there, with overcast and rain, which is very normal for January out there.
Again, still better than what I am flying away from …
I was also able, for both weekends, to find direct flights to and from Seattle, and at good times. No connections through Minneapolis, or Chicago, or Denver, or LA, or wherever. Just get on a plane and in four hours (or so) be at a final destination.
As I said earlier, we shall see what Monday brings, but hopefully, with my later departure out west, the flight paths will be clear to get in. The roads, well, we shall see. Maybe I can find a snowplow to follow back to Crawfordsville. I’ve sure done that a 100 times back from something in Indy.
Then, it will be a few weeks of basketball. Some college, a Pacers game or two, and plenty of high school games. Indy is hosting the Men’s Final Four, and in fact, all three men’s Divisions are playing their championship games in Indy. I’m working the Final Four, and hopefully some of the NIT, which is also in town.
After that, spring football starts back up, so I’ll be hitting the road for 10 weeks there. A handful of trips to LA and who knows where else.
But that is down the road. First it is to Seattle to finish my NFL season.
Let’s hope that the forecasts are somewhat inaccurate, and we don’t all spend several days digging out.
No matter what, stay warm and dry.
Jeff Nelson is a frequent contributor to the Journal Review and works professionally for Fox Sports working with the Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Colts and many more professional teams.…Read more by