Inflating Super Bowl hype

The flap over deflated footballs used in the 2015 AFC Championship game has energized the run-up to today’s Super Bowl XLIX. As the cartoon atop this page illustrates, this year’s Super Bowl between Seattle and New England forever will bear the footnote of “deflategate.”

Though we’ll steer clear of taking a side in the big controversy over a little hot air, the brouhaha has had the side impact of making today’s NFL Championship game more memorable even before the coin toss to open the game.

That’s uplifting because Super Bowl Sunday has matured into an unofficial American holiday over the past five decades. It provides the backdrop for cohesive get-togethers and memory-making for family, friends and other loved ones.

Not into football? Shake it off with a halftime show led by pop superstar Katy Perry. Savor the ingenuity displayed in this year’s $4.5 million 30-second game ads. Donate nonperishable food to Souper Bowl benefits at many churches.

Whether rooting for the Pats or the Hawks, today’s focus on competitiveness, pride, creativity and talent also celebrates the American way.

Now that’s super.