I thought I was the only one who wondered why the NFL isn’t using Roman numerals for this year’s Super Bowl extravaganza. I mean it’s been a tradition since Super Bowl V.
I have a theory. Last year’s event was number XLIX; unconsciously that’s a formidable image with an X on either end. It’s strong enough to convey all the “glory” of the modern-day gladiators as they duel in a contemporary coliseum to the death, defined as being the losing team.
Next week marks the fiftieth occurrence of the Super Bowl, and the powers-that-be have named it Super Bowl 50. In Roman numerals, the symbol is a lonely yet powerful L. But L is nowhere to be seen. Maybe it’s because the general public doesn’t know its numerals very well any more, but just maybe it’s because more hype can be generated by using 50. And we all know the coming week is about hype.
I hadn’t intended to see if the Internet was abuzz with this issue, but I did research one site where somebody by the name of Jenn Rose penned an article basically mirroring my own thoughts. She also said that the NFL is returning to Roman numerals in 2017, but the design team simply couldn’t come up with a viable graphic for this year.
Her comments were posted on a site called Romper, which seems to be supported by Walgreen’s and is all about raising children.
I rest my case.
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