In the African-American community that game received the nickname of the 'Soul Bowl' because of that Black historical footnote. It also meant that both coaches, Tony Dungy of Indianapolis and Lovie Smith of Chicago would also become depending on the result of that game trailblazing Black history makers in being the first African-American NFL coaches to win and lose a Super Bowl. Tony Dungy's Colts came out on top that February 4 day and Dungy's name was the one etched into the history books as the first African-American NFL coach to win a Super Bowl.
Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers followed him just two years later when he took them in only his second year as their head coach to their record breaking sixth NFL title
With Championship Sunday looming, we have the potential for another Soul Bowl clash at Super Bowl XLV in Arlington. Dungy has retired from the NFL coaching ranks, but Lovie Smith is still the head coach of the Chicago Bears and Mike Tomlin is still the Steelers head coach.If Tomlin's Steelers and Lovie Smith's Bears win their respective AFC and NFC title games, it would set up another Soul Bowl clash at the Jerrydome. It would also give Lovie Smith another shot at winning the NFL title that eluded him in Miami a few years ago.
The game would also have the added historical footnote of President Barack Obama, our first African American president being there to not only watch that Black history being made, but become the first sitting president to watch what should be a very interesting Super Bowl.
The POTUS has stated he will go to the game if the Bears win their NFC title game on Sunday.
Sorry TransGriot readers who are Jets and Packers fans, you know who I'm rooting for to win this weekend.
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