Oct 01 2010
Bear Down
After an 0-4 preseason, I thought my favorite team was done. In the weeks leading up to this years NFL season no-one was talking about the Chicago Bears. All the hype was over Tim Tebow, and the New York Jets. Few if any websites were even mentioning the Bears. Why is this relevant to mass communication?
Because, in the weeks leading up to the regular season shows like HBO’s Hard Knocks: Jets Training Camp and Tim Tebow fever had swept the nation. As a result, on July 7Th of this year Tebow’s jersey sales were #1 and the Jets were being featured (whether good or bad) on all mainstream media.
Today however, the Bronco’s stink and Tebow’s jersey sales are now reflecting that. The Jets, media headliners just weeks prior, are today page two news. Teams like the Chiefs, Steelers, and Bears are dominating Facebook talks as well as headlines and cover stories.
Looking at ESPN.com today, two of the four headline stories are about my beloved Bears, whereas recently as three weeks ago the Bears didn’t even make the bottom page blog. This past week, Devin Hester’s punt return touchdown appeared as Yahoo’s lead video.
I guess winning really does cure everything. Go Bears!!!
One Response to “Bear Down”
When the Bears were 3-0 the Chicago Tribune was already talking Superbowl. This week’s loss brought them down to earth, I think.
The NFL must spend billions on promotions. The Jets reality show, ESPN and especially the marketing of NFL clothing to women give some indication just how many people do care.