Mataloni is a sophomore news/Internet and music major and can be contacted at [email protected].

Zing boom tararrel, ring out a song of good cheer. Now’s the time to roll the barrel, for the gang’s all here!”
I am officially the happiest person to ever walk on the face of the earth. Why, you may ask? Well for those of you who don’t know me, I am, arguably, the biggest Green Bay Packers fan outside the state of Wisconsin. Unless you’ve been living under a rock the past few days, you know why I am constantly on cloud nine. That’s right, the Green Bay Packers are going to the Super Bowl!

My excitement level is at an unhealthy level. My roommates are actually afraid of me because I have never been this happy. I am so happy, that I will even accept those that want to jump on the bandwagon. So, without further ado, here are reasons to cheer for the greatest team in the NFL on Sunday, Feb. 6:

1. The fans own the team: Yes, you read correctly. Fans have the opportunity to actually own the team. Some company or billionaire does not own the Packers; we own the Packers. Thankfully, my family is part-shareholder, so although I’m not from Green Bay, I still feel the love.

2. Smallest town to have a professional team: It’s not just the 53 players out on the field fighting for a win; it’s the entire town of Green Bay and the whole fan base. When Lambeau Field was renovated, the people voted for the tax increase for funding, not some big shot executives.

3. Cheeseheads: Need I say more? Who doesn’t want to wear a piece of foam cheese on their head? I know I sure do. For those who don’t like the Packers, calling someone a cheesehead is an insult. But if you’re like me, and the rest of the fans, it’s a wonderful compliment. We wear that cheese with pride.

4. History: “The Frozen Tundra” and “Titletown” are two names that are associated with Green Bay, and rightfully so. I’ve been to three games at Lambeau and only one was above zero, and barely, I might add. We’ve also brought 12 National Championships back to the home where the Super Bowl trophy got its name: Vince Lombardi, coach from 1959-1967. For just the second time since 1996, we have a chance to bring the trophy back to where it belongs.

5. Lambeau Leap: For those of us who are fortunate enough to score seats within the first few rows of the end zone, you can touch a Green Bay Packer when he makes that famous leap into the crowd after a touchdown.

6. Preseason Bike-Riding: One of the many things I love about the Packers is that they actually take the time to get to know the fans. Each preseason, kids are asked to ride their bikes to watch the team practice. Afterward, you could be one of the lucky ones to have a player ride your bike back to the locker room. This tradition started back in the days of Lombardi and continues today.

7. Never Give Up: While many teams would give up after losing many starters from a multitude of injuries, we overcame those challenges and are now playing the biggest game of them all: the Super Bowl. We also won three road games in the playoffs to make it to the Big Game. MCL injury or not, we stay in the game. Never underestimate our ability to fight until the end.

8. B.J. Raji’s Touchdown Dance: Perhaps one of the best celebration dances I’ve ever seen. If you can’t cheer for us, you at least have to hope to see a 337-pound, teddy bear look-a-like, get another pick-six, just to see the hula dance from “The Freezer.” It’s priceless.

9. Championship Belt: We’ve all seen it throughout the season, now here’s hoping that Aaron Rodgers can trade in the invisible belt for a real championship belt. He’s proven numerous times that Ted Thompson made the best choice in the 2005 draft by picking Rodgers as back-up to Favre.

10. End the Favre Saga: Everyone is tired of hearing about it every game: “The man who had to fill Brett Favre’s shoes.” Well Rodgers has done more than fill them; he’s found his own pair that fits perfectly with the city of Green Bay. He’s certainly made a name for himself and is a legend in the making.

On Feb. 6, put on a cheesehead and cheer for the Green Bay Packers.