Superbowl with a pinch of Croatia

From croatian point of view, Superbowl means that there is a very large bowl in which you can put some great food to make it super. That's how much we follow the one of the most anticipated sports event in the world. Since the 1960's it stops life in the United States of America and millions of people are in front of their TV sets just hypnotized with that event. In Croatia, we prefer football (yes, we are in Europe and it's football here, not soccer). American football, as we call it, is not even in top 10 sports here in Croatia. But, apparently that does not mean we are not good at it. 

1897. Biličić family set sail to the far coast of America in search for a better life. Ivan and Marija from Draganić near Karlovac gave birth to Stjepan or as you may know him - Steve Belichick. Stjepan Biličić americanized his name when he was getting married and became Steve Belichick. Steve had his carrier as a professional football player. He played for Detroit Lions and he was a coach and a scout for over 3 decades. Later, he was an advisor to his son Bill. Bill Belichick is a legend. He won 6 Superbowls, 4 of them as a head coach and 2 as an assistant.

Pete Caroll, the coach of Seattle Seahawks also has Croatian origins. His mother Rita Ban came to America from Croatia and married an Irishman. Their kid is Pete. American media called the 49. Superbowl the Battle of Croatia. Bill Belichick said that he did not look at the Superbowl that way, but when they brought it to his attention he was glad that Croats have such big part in it. He said he was proud of his origin and tradition and that he visited Croatia few times.

Bill Belichick and his New England Patriots won the Superbowl and that gave Bill a chance to visit country of his grandparents once more. Croatian tourist biro offered a free trip to Croatia to who ever wins the Superbowl in honor of their Croatian origin. We are looking forward to see Bill here and we hope he will feel the love that Croatia has to offer. We are very proud that even though we do not play, watch or even know the rules of the game (most of us anyway) we have a champion of the event that is one of the biggest sports events in the world.