January 25, 1998

Qualcom Stadium Attendance: 68,912

And the basement housed twenty if you held your breath. Jim Salvo hosted this party most years. Five guys from the softball team would bring their wives and a few kids a piece. This year, the shots started early — the teams were extra special.

You see, Father Isaacs loved the Broncos — born and raised a Mile High Colorado hellraiser. Jim lived and died for the Cheesehead nation. Terrell Davis would be named the game’s Most Valuable Player, but Father Isaacs would drive home the drinking crown.

When Favre tossed a touchdown pass to Mark “Babysitter” Chmura, Jim was already bleary-eyed. A shot for every score: them’s the rules.

Kids young and old tossed Nerf footballs and dove into plaid couches. Wives yawned — their eyes rolling while munching on cheetos. Fifty Pizza Hut commercials prompted another delivery.

The world’s largest football stage housed a nailbiter that night. Jim’s team and spirits rallied for one last stand. A facemask penalty put him down for good…maybe five shots to many. His children scampered over him — his face soaking up a pool of Denver orange vomit — and up to bed after the game.

Father woke later with the collar cutting off his circulation and a wicked urge to pee. He scampered outside to empty his bladder and headed to his car. His boys had won; his legs felt fresh. He rolled down the windows to clear his head. Another year in the bank. Amen.