The Material Review

Issue 159: The Big Game Edition

Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.

Pure Magic: The Oral History of Prince’s Super Bowl XLI Halftime Show

“As the heavens opened up and rain poured down, the Purple One ran through a handful of covers and some of his own songs, delivering an iconic set on the biggest stage possible and only expanding his legend” [The Ringer]

Here’s Why Companies Can’t Say ‘Super Bowl’ in Their Super Bowl Ads

[TIME]

Firm behind horrific Super Bowl merch blasted for its ‘pathetic’ explanation to Patriots and Seahawks fans

[Daily Mail]

Unpacking Forty Years of Fandom For a Losing Team

[Longreads]

Last Man Running

[The New Yorker]

A Brief History of ‘What Time Is the Super Bowl?’

“The story behind “‘The most legendary act of SEO trolling ever’” [The Atlantic]

59 Super Bowl Rings, 59 Stories

“Big and small, lost and found, each ring has a unique tale to tell” [ESPN]

The Hardest Job in Football

“For millions of football fans watching at home every Sunday, it seems as though NFL games make a seamless transition from the gridiron to the television screen. But spend a weekend with a network production crew, and you’ll discover what it really takes to turn the on-field action into televised entertainment—intense preparation, frantic effort, brilliant improvisation, and an artistic genius named ‘Fish.’” [The Atlantic]

What’s a losing team’s ‘Super Bowl Champion’ merch worth?

[Yahoo!]

I Was a Super Bowl Concession Worker

“What it’s like making less than $13 an hour to serve $13 beers at one of the biggest games on Earth.” [Slate]

Lightning, Struck: How an Atlanta Neighborhood Died on the Altar of Super Bowl Dreams

[Bitter Southerner]

A shortlist of things we’ve got our eye on.

Football by Chuck Klosterman

Dehen Raglan Varsity Jacket

imogene + willie “sports” tee

THE RAIDER - Black Melton Wool/Leather Cap

Oxford Pennant Rich Stadium Buffalo Vs. Washington Pennant

Cliff Engle Sweaters

Vintage Seattle Seahawks Sweater Mens Large White NFL Football Cliff Engle 80s

Vintage Seattle Seahawks Cliff Engle Sweater Football Sweatshirt, Size Large

New England Patriots Vintage Authentic Pro Line Crewneck Pullover Cliff Engle XL

Spirit by Cliff Engle - Buffalo Bills Warm Jacket 1990s Small

VTG Cliff Engle NFL Denver Broncos Cardigan Sweater

Vintage 1980s New York Giants NFL Cliff Engle Knit Full Zip Sweater Jacket Men’s

Vintage Chicago Bears Cliff Engle Made in USA Wool Blend Sweater Large

VTG RARE MADE IN USA CLIFF ENGLE 1984 CHICAGO BEARS BRIAN PICCOLO SWEATER SIZE L

Vintage Houston Oilers Cliff Engle Sweater Football Sweatshirt Size XL