I’ve noticed a new trend in championship games where the network will have players pose with the championship trophy so they can use the footage before commercial breaks and other segments. I’ve never liked it for two reasons, you can jinx things, and you should earn the right to actually pose and touch it by winning the championship game.
Today I came across this article, and whatever you may think of Ray Lewis regarding his past, his pregame dancing, and how at times he can make Tim Tebow look like a Buddhist monk, his play on the field and his leadership role of his team is top notch.
Lombardi Trophy was at Ravens’ building, but players give it hands-off treatment at Ray Lewis’ request
CBS, which is broadcasting the game, brought an authentic Vince Lombardi trophy to the Ravens’ complex Wednesday, intending for the AFC champions to pose with it for pregame video building up to kickoff.
However, Lewis wanted nothing to do with the trophy until it’s earned on the field at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome against the 49ers.
“I told my team, ‘Don’t ever take pictures with nothing that’s not yours, nothing that you haven’t earned,’“ Lewis said. “When we hold that Lombardi, whoever holds that Lombardi next Sunday, you’ve earned it when you touch it. And don’t fool yourself and try to trick yourself, ‘This feels great.’
“Don’t go through that. I don’t believe in jinxes and all that. I just don’t believe in don’t set yourself up for something. Just really work for it.”
Lewis’ no-nonsense, all-business approach follows a tradition akin to hockey’s Stanley Cup by treating the Super Bowl trophy as the equivalent of forbidden fruit before the winner of the championship is actually decided.
And that hands-off policy from the 37-year-old defensive icon has been adopted by his younger teammates.