Super Bowl's Enduring Trio Faces Final Game After Six Decades
For three lifelong friends, the Super Bowl has been more than just a championship game—it's been an annual pilgrimage, a tradition spanning generations, and a testament to enduring friendship. Don Crisman of Maine, Gregory Eaton of Michigan, and Tom Henschel of Florida, all octogenarians, have formed the exclusive "never missed a Super Bowl" club, attending every championship game since the first AFL-NFL World Championship Game in 1967. As they gathered for Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, featuring the Seattle Seahawks against the New England Patriots, the reality of time weighed heavily on the group.
The Weight of Years and Mobility Challenges
This year's game marks a significant milestone—their 60th consecutive Super Bowl—but also represents what two members believe will be their final appearance. Crisman, who turns 90 this year and has been a Patriots fan since the franchise's inception, traveled with his daughter, Susan Metevier, acknowledging the physical and financial toll. "This will definitely be the final one," Crisman stated firmly. "We made it to 60."
Henschel, 84, has been slowed by a stroke, making this year's journey particularly challenging. "I don't talk or walk good," he admitted, yet his passion for football remains undiminished. "It's in my blood. I love football over all the sports. It's the best dang game." Both Crisman and Henschel have declared this their last trip, though members have made similar pronouncements before.
Eaton, at 86, stands as the exception. The Detroit-based ground transportation company owner, who is not retired, plans to continue attending as long as his health permits. He still harbors hope of seeing his beloved Detroit Lions reach the Super Bowl someday. Despite their differing plans, all three have scaled back their annual pilgrimage from week-long stays to just three or four days, focusing more on the game than the surrounding hype.
A Friendship Forged Through Football
The trio's bond, strengthened over decades of shared experiences, transcends mere fandom. Crisman and Henschel first met at the 1983 Super Bowl and have maintained a friendly rivalry between their favorite teams—the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers, both AFC competitors. Eaton joined the group in the mid-2010s after years of attending games separately. "They're my brothers," Eaton expressed during a news conference. "We check on each other."
Their stories paint a vivid picture of how the Super Bowl has evolved. Henschel recalled purchasing a $12 ticket for the 1969 Super Bowl on game day—a stark contrast to today's exorbitant prices. Crisman endured a 24-hour train ride to Miami for the 1968 game, while Eaton, who is Black, reflected on the significance of Doug Williams becoming the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl in 1988. These memories highlight not just football history, but social and cultural shifts over six decades.
The Commercialization and Cost of Modern Super Bowls
Eaton voiced a sentiment shared by many longtime fans: the game has become overwhelmingly commercial. "I think all of them are big, they're all fun. It's just gotten so commercial. It's a $10,000 trip now," he lamented. Despite the rising costs and commercialization, the value of reuniting with his friends remains priceless. "It's worth it to see Don and Tom," Eaton affirmed.
The financial burden has contributed to their decision to shorten their stays and simplify their routines. What once involved soaking in a week of pomp and pageantry now centers on the game itself, reflecting a pragmatic approach to their advancing years.
An Ever-Shrinking Club of Dedicated Fans
Once a larger group that included other fans, executives, media members, and even groundskeepers, the "never missed a Super Bowl" club has dwindled over time. Photographer John Biever, who has shot every Super Bowl, also plans to end his streak at 60. This attrition underscores the rarity of their commitment and the passage of time.
For the families of these fans, the Super Bowl streak has become a cherished part of their lives. Metevier, born the year of the first Super Bowl, grew up with her father's annual tradition. "It's kind of bittersweet. It's about the memories," she reflected. "It's not just about the football, it's something more." Crisman's son, Don Crisman Jr., supports his father's continued participation, stating, "You know, he's a little long in the tooth, but the way I put it, if it was me and I was mobile and I could go, I would damn sure go."
Legacy of Loyalty and Camaraderie
As these three friends potentially close this chapter of their lives, their story serves as a powerful reminder of sports' ability to forge lasting connections. Their dedication spans 60 Super Bowls, countless memories, and a friendship that has weathered the test of time. Whether this truly marks their final game together or not, their legacy as the last members of an exclusive club will endure, symbolizing a unique piece of NFL history and the unbreakable bonds formed through shared passion.
