They have attended every Super Bowl and may not return next year.
Kennebunk, Maine – Three longtime friends have quite a remarkable Super Bowl tradition – attending every single game. Yet, as they age, they are coming to terms with the fact that this year may be the last time they can make the trip. Don Crisman of Maine, Gregory Eaton of Michigan, and Tom Henschel of Florida make up this unique trio that has never missed a Super Bowl.
With this year’s game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots looming, the excitement was palpable for Crisman, a lifelong Patriots fan. Making this trip with his daughter, Susan Metevier, Crisman acknowledged that this upcoming game would indeed be the final one for the group. At 90 years old, Crisman, along with his friends Henschel, 84, and Eaton, 86, are facing the reality of their advancing age and the challenges that come with it.
Henschel, who has been slowed down by a stroke, admitted that this year’s Super Bowl would be especially tough for him. Despite this, the bond between the three friends remained as strong as ever. Eaton shared his fondness for the camaraderie and kinship they shared, referring to Crisman and Henschel as his brothers. The group, once eager to bask in the week-long festivities of Super Bowl, now limits their stay to just a few days, cutting back on the pomp and circumstance that once defined their trips.
Eaton, who keeps the tradition alive as the only non-retired member, looks forward to the day when his beloved Detroit Lions will grace the Super Bowl stage. However, the ever-increasing commercialization and cost of attending the game have made the experience less enjoyable. What matters most, according to Eaton, is being able to reunite with his lifelong friends and share memories of their enduring friendship.
The group’s bond transcends friendly rivalries, with Crisman supporting the Patriots and Henschel rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers, both AFC powerhouses. Despite their teams’ rivalry, the friends have maintained a steadfast dedication to attending every Super Bowl since the inaugural game in 1967. Over the years, they have regaled each other with stories from past games, cherishing the memories of bygone eras and the evolution of the Super Bowl experience.
As the trio reflects on their Super Bowl journey, they acknowledge that the end of this tradition may be on the horizon. Photographer John Biever, another stalwart in attending every Super Bowl, has decided to conclude his streak at 60. The exclusive club of Super Bowl stalwarts has whittled down over the years, highlighting the remarkable dedication and commitment of these lifelong friends who have shared in the magic of the Super Bowl for decades.