Game 32: Franklin D. Roosevelt vs. Super Bowl XXXII

In his fourth Super Bowl, at age 37, Broncos quarterback John Elway finally got his winner's ring. The Packers, defending NFL champions, had been favored to win Super Bowl XXXII. Their quarterback, Brett Favre, had been named the league's MVP for a third straight season. But the Broncos came out on top in one of the great upsets in Super Bowl history. For once, Elway could hold that trophy high and shout to his critics: how do you like me now?

 It was close all the way through. Denver Coach Mike Shanahan's blitz-happy defense swarmed Favre. Broncos RB Terrell Davis ran for three touchdowns (that's Mr. TD to you), the last of them breaking a tie with 1:45 left in the game to make the final score Broncos 31, Packers 24. It was all you'd want in a game. Only for Packers fans was it a day that will live in infamy.

  But sorry again, Mr. Elway.  (Do you know your name means "well" in Pig Latin?)  Now you must oppose Franklin Roosevelt, the greatest President of the 20th century. Entering office while the Great Depression was ruining everything, FDR initiated New Deal reforms -- the Works Progress Administration, Social Security -- that got America back on its feet. Though confined to a wheelchair after being stricken with polio, he reminded America that "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself."  He saw the country through World  War II and a decisive beatdown of the Nazis. He was elected to four terms as President, a record that never will be broken. And under his administration Prohibition was repealed -- something all football fans can appreciate.

 Yes, Elway punched his ticket to the Hall of Fame on January 25, 1988. But FDR isn't about to start losing now. With America Bowl getting tighter than ever, score a clutch victory for the Presidents.


Score after this match: Presidents 17, Super Bowls 15

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