Ravens Super Bowl ad
I just got a press release from Chad Steele of the Ravens about long snapper Matt Katula's chance to be featured in an NFL Super Bowl commercial. Katula's poignant account of the first time he signed an autograph will compete with other NFL players for a place on the Super Bowl broadcast.
Here's Katula's story in one sentence: "My rookie year, a fan comes up to me and asks "Can I have an autograph?" I sign the name. He looks at it and goes, "Wait a minute. You're not Todd Heap?"
I can totally identify with that. I was once in New York with the Orioles and a fan came up to me and asked for my autograph. I was a little surprised that anyone would recognize me, until the guy looked at my signature and said, "Wait a minute. You're not Roger Ebert?"
I'm pretty sure it was the glasses.
OK, I embellished that story a bit, but some people in New York really did mistake me for one of my two all-time favorite movie critics. The other, in case you were wondering, is former Sun colleague Stephen Hunter, who also is one of my favorite novelists.
To view Katula's bit and other NFL player video stories, click here. Fans can vote for their favorite videos. The winning spot will be featured in a Super Bowl commercial.
Comments
I watched the AFCN- that's all I had time for right now- and think Matt Katula has the best story!
Posted by: Nicole | December 4, 2008 12:29 PM
Well, that read was a waste of time.
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Pete's reply: I apologize, but if you had something better to do, why didn't you do it.
Posted by: jon dey | December 4, 2008 12:36 PM
Stephen Hunter is a great writer.
Posted by: j. roberts | December 4, 2008 12:57 PM
What Peter? You only approve of postings that favor your columns!!
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Pete's reply: No, take a look around. There are lots of people ripping me. Did one of yours not get up?
Posted by: jon dey | December 4, 2008 2:22 PM
It could be worse, Peter. They could have said the following..
"Wait a minute, you're not John Daly!"
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Pete's reply: You're right. I'm counting my blessings.
Posted by: Eric | December 4, 2008 4:05 PM
What's your point pal?
Posted by: Lattie | December 4, 2008 5:16 PM
Pete, you'll probably appreciate this. A friend of mine works for the Orioles, and apparently fans used to frequently ask marketing executive Spiro Alafasos (sp?) for his autograph. They thought he was Sid Fernandez, and it apparently really used to upset him. If you know what Spiro looks like, you're laughing right now.
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Pete's reply: That's a bit of a stretch, but it is funny.
Posted by: Bernie | December 4, 2008 7:01 PM
Hey Pete,
Not to jump subject here, but.......
Would Joe Flacco be the first Rookie QB to win a super Bowl his first year in the League ?
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Pete's reply: If that happens, I believe so.
Posted by: Steve G | December 4, 2008 9:09 PM
no Big Ben won with pitt
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Pete's reply: That was not Ben's rookie year.
Posted by: JG | December 5, 2008 4:29 PM