BUFFONE: Steelers Fans in Awkward Position Come Super Bowl Sunday

by John Buffone

The participants of Super Bowl XLVII have been determined and it has put Pittsburgh Steelers fans in an awkward position. It would seem almost unfathomable for Steelers fans to support the Baltimore Ravens on February 3 but the NFC representative San Francisco 49ers throw an interesting dynamic into the mix. If the 49ers were to come out victorious, it would be their sixth Super Bowl victory and the franchise would be tied with the Steelers for most all time. That being the case, black and gold faithful must now choose between protecting their title as most successful franchise in the NFL by cheering for the hated Ravens or accepting a tie with the 49ers and rooting for Ray Lewis’ career to end with a loss. Most Steelers fans that I have talked to say that they aren’t rooting for either team and they don’t care who wins. While this may be true for a select few, I think as a sports fan, it is impossible to watch a competitive game with such high stakes and not at least quietly cheer for one side to win. So if you’re a Steelers fan, where does you allegiance lay on Super Sunday? While this may seem like a “pick your poison” scenario, at least you have almost two weeks to think about it.