NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell opened his annual “State of the League” press conference with a defense of New York/New Jersey as a host of the Super Bowl.
As fake snow fell behind him, Goodell noted that the forecast calls for good football weather on Sunday and said there will be no weather delays.
“We appreciate the magnificent job done by New York and New Jersey,” Goodell said. “And just to confirm, we will kick off at 6:30.”
Goodell said that former Commissioner Pete Rozelle once said the Super Bowl should be played in ideal conditions, and Goodell believes that New York/New Jersey is, in fact, an ideal host.
“I believe Pete would be very proud of where we are this week. We are doing something innovative and unprecedented. Something consistent with the essence of football and the Super Bowl,” Goodell said. “This is the No. 1 market and a great stage for this Super Bowl matchup, and the world will be watching.”
The latest forecast calls for the world to watch a Super Bowl played in temperatures around 40 degrees. If all goes well, this won’t be the last time a cold-weather city with an outdoor stadium gets to host a Super Bowl.