The Online Reflector

For me, the experience began back in November. The week before Thanksgiving, I had completed the application for media credentials. I figured I would have an answer after the holiday, but I didn’t. About four weeks passed before I finally got the email that I had been waiting for—I was going to participate in the Super Bowl!

Giants quarterback Eli Manning answering questions from media members during Media Day. Photo by Kelbi Ervin

At that point, no one knew who was going to be in the Super Bowl, but I didn’t care. I knew the experience alone would be exciting—and it was.

Once I chose my team of a photographer and a fellow reporter, I had to submit our information for background checks. Obviously I wasn’t too worried about that part.

What shocked me the most was the fact that the information about where and when events were taking place wasn’t sent out until the weekend before all of them took place. I had to sit down with my team and come up with a game plan and fast. There was no time to waste.

The week began with the New York Giants’ press conference on Monday, Jan. 30, which gave the three of us a feel for how the rest of the week would unfold.

The week finally ended the night before the Super Bowl. The photographer and I covered the Inaugural National Football League Honors banquet.

The banquet began with a Red Carpet entry by celebrities such as Aaron Rodgers, Dwight Freeney, Alec Baldwin, Rex Ryan, Joe Namath, Joe Montana, Archie Manning and many more.

I had never experienced a Red Carpet event before, so the night was something I’ll never forget. There were so many cameras and microphones—everyone wanted that exclusive interview.

Overall, the week was full of new experiences, memorable moments and unforgettable lessons. I walked away from each event with a better appreciation for reporters and NFL players. Everyone was there to do a job. The reporters got paid to get the story and the football players got paid to answer the questions.

I will cherish the moments I had during the week. I was glad that I had the chance to step outside of the classroom and learn something a book simply could not teach me.