If it's in the game, it's in the game

As the clock wound down toward history, the entire crowd at Reliant Stadium in Houston held their breaths in anticipation. Then, a Gatorade bath for the coach, a kneel-down to seal the victory and the final gun marked the dawn of a new era. \nAs the players hoisted their coach onto their shoulders and celebrated like a bunch of five-year-olds on Christmas, they looked at each other and began to realize what they had accomplished. Yes, the Mexico City Burros had finally captured that elusive NFL championship after back-to-back unsuccessful trips to the Super Bowl. \nNever heard of the Burros? How is that possible? \nThey are the first team in NFL history to be located outside the United States. They have averaged 10 wins a year since they first joined the league eight seasons ago. Mexico City's favorite sons had also come within minutes of capturing the Vince Lombardi Trophy in two previous years -- only to suffer heartbreaking losses both times. The Burros' championship run was marred by controversy and key injuries, but many believe it might be the most improbable title run ever -- or at least in the history of John Madden football.\nYes, "Los Burros" are my created franchise in Madden 2005 and I couldn't be happier about the team's championship run. The Burros excelled on both sides of the ball, which was the key to their title run (I hope the Colts management is reading this). I had to fill a few holes on the roster before the season -- so I created myself as a wide receiver. My roommate complained that I was cheating and wouldn't stop bugging me until I asked if he wanted to be my starting strong safety. He responded, "Hell yeah, but only if you give me a cool number and one of those new weird looking helmets." We both made the Pro Bowl in our rookie campaigns. \nIt's that time of year again, when guys all across the country sacrifice a social life, family relationships and personal hygiene in order to conquer the greatest sports video game on the planet. For those of you who don't know, John Madden Football has been around for 15 years and in that time it is responsible for more college drop-outs than Anheuser-Busch. Oh, and to my friends and family, I know I haven't been answering my phone, so just leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as the game gets old. Should be sometime around April.\nOn Aug. 9, the day of the game's release, I hurried to my local Best Buy and found the doors locked. A rent-a-cop came by and informed me that the store wouldn't be open until 8 a.m., and that standing in the parking lot at 12:01 a.m. by myself might lead to an arrest. So I went home and waited. I tried to sleep but I couldn't.\nEventually I got the game and the rest is history. \nSome people might say I should focus on something else; maybe read a book or go to a museum. I think they just don't understand the thrill and intensity of playing a real game of fake football. My parents have even gone so far as to threaten to toss my PlayStation off the roof. No matter what happens, I'm a champion and no one can take that away from me. \nNow if you'll excuse me, I need to start preparing for a title defense.