Yeah, we were ready for some football

Before the New England Patriots made liars of statistics and history—completing what everyone originally thought they were going to do in the first place—NASA Johnson Space Center had its own “game face” on in preparation for Super Bowl LI festivities. With the Super Bowl’s temporary home in Space City, there was a lot of pre-game excitement to unleash—and we did that, JSC style, with our own space-infused tailgate party on Jan. 26.
 
The revelry kicked off at 10:30 a.m. on the front steps of Building 1, where JSC’s football fans assembled with NFL players for a spirited photo opportunity. Many people were decked out in their favorite team’s gear for the occasion.
 
After the picture, the Clear Lake High School marching band led the way to the cafés for tailgate-style eats, music, and the football players reconvening to sign memorabilia. Some ventured outside to see how they stacked up to the average NFL athlete by testing their vertical jump, long jump and agility.
 
By the numbers:

• 20 former NFL players visited—including JSC’s own Darryl Gaines
• 200+ employees joined in for the spirited photo shoot
• 60 band members from Clear Lake High, who marched from Building 1 to Building 3, then on to Building 11
• 400 autographs signed at the cafés, plus pictures taken in the “selfie” line at both locations (Curious? Just look up #SpaceBowl in your preferred social media platform.)

 
Players who attended:

• Chris Calloway
• Mickey Washington
• Jermaine Fazande
• Kerry Henderson
• Michael Hicks
• Ronald Humphrey
• Lemuel Stinson
• Emanuel McNeil
• Stan Petry
• Eddie Robinson
• Ben Cavil
• Sammy Davis
• Lance Smith
• Pat Thomas
• Ryan Yarborough
• James Williams
• Kevin Williams
• Joe Wesley
• Barry Redden
• Michael Holmes

 
Was Houston, indeed, ready for some football? Let the evidence show: Yes.

(Check out all the action from the day below.)

 
Catherine Ragin Williams
NASA Johnson Space Center