Imagine attending every single Super Bowl since its inception—all 60 of them. For three remarkable friends, this isn’t just a dream; it’s their reality. But here’s where it gets emotional: this year might be their final curtain call. For Don Crisman, Gregory Eaton, and Tom Henschel, the Super Bowl isn’t just a game—it’s a lifelong bond, a tradition, and a testament to their enduring friendship.
In Kennebunk, Maine, the anticipation is bittersweet. These octogenarians—the last remaining members of the exclusive ‘never missed a Super Bowl’ club—are facing the reality that time and age are catching up. Don Crisman, a die-hard Patriots fan since the team’s inception, Gregory Eaton, a Detroit Lions loyalist still running his business, and Tom Henschel, slowed by a stroke, have been fixtures at every Super Bowl since 1967. This year, as the Seattle Seahawks face off against the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium, their presence feels both historic and poignant.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While Crisman and Henschel openly admit this could be their last game due to mobility challenges and rising costs, Eaton remains determined to keep going. Is it fair to call it quits when one member still wants to continue? And this is the part most people miss—the Super Bowl for them isn’t just about football; it’s about camaraderie, shared memories, and a shrinking club that once included fans, executives, and even groundskeepers.
Crisman, turning 90 this year, recalls the simpler days of $12 tickets and 24-hour train rides to Miami. Eaton reflects on the years before Doug Williams broke racial barriers as the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl. Henschel, despite his stroke, insists, ‘It’s in my blood. Football is the best dang game.’ Their stories aren’t just about touchdowns and tackles—they’re about a changing world, a changing sport, and the enduring power of friendship.
As the trio scales back their trips from week-long adventures to brief 3-4 day excursions, they’re also scaling back on the hype. ‘It’s gotten so commercial,’ Eaton notes, pointing out the staggering $10,000 price tag for the trip. Yet, for them, it’s worth it—not for the game, but to see each other. ‘They’re my brothers,’ Eaton says. ‘We check on each other.’
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: As the ‘never missed a Super Bowl’ club dwindles, what does it say about the evolving nature of sports fandom? Is it the game itself that keeps fans coming back, or the connections they forge along the way? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation about loyalty, tradition, and the true spirit of the Super Bowl.
