Super Bowl cost an increasingly expensive obstacle, but Tom Henschel still able to extend streak to 59
CABOT — Super Sunday isn’t just about the two teams playing the game.
Tom Henschel believes the Super Bowl is his day, as well.
The Cabot resident, who spends most of the calendar year in Tampa, Fla., these days, is one of only three people to attend every Super Bowl game. When the Philadelphia Eagles tangle with the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday in New Orleans, the 83-year-old Henschel will extend his Super Streak to 59 years.
But it hasn’t been easy.
“It’s become a rich man’s game,” Henschel said. “It’s for doctors, lawyers ... people who make and have a lot of money. That’s not me.”
Henschel is shelling out $5,500 for his game ticket. A longtime friend, Jay Wagner, bought a ticket at the same price to accompany him at the game. The NFL permits Henschel and the other two streak holders — Don Crisman of Portland, Maine, and Gregory Eaton of Lansing, Mich. — to buy up to three Super Bowl tickets each year.
Henschel is also paying $1,840 for four nights in a hotel room, $700 for a round-trip plane ticket ... even $50 for someone to push him to his seat in the Superdome. Henschel is able to walk after suffering a mini-stroke a few years ago, but navigating through a stadium crowd can be challenging.
“I did the wheelchair thing last year in Las Vegas and it went well, so I’m looking to do it again,” Henschel said.
So, how is he doing this financially?
“It’s pretty much all I do,” Henschel said. “I put some dollars away from each Social Security check. I drive an old car. Whatever money my wife and I can save, we save.
“I really believe this Super Bowl streak is keeping me young. Each year is such a fun, unique experience. Over the last few years, my goal has been to get to 60 Super Bowls and end the streak there. Now, I think I’ll be extending this streak until the day I die.
“I so badly want to be the last man standing.”
He is the youngest of the three men left. Crisman is 89 and Eaton is 85.
“This is his thing,” Henschel’s wife of 49 years, Regina, said of the Super Streak. “He decides who’s going with him to the game each year. We never buy new furniture, I go to a lot of sales, use coupons ... whatever I can do to help Tom afford this each year, I do it.”
Henschel has taken numerous friends and relatives to the Super Bowl over the years.
Regina has accompanied Henschel to 14 Super Bowl games. Her last one was Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers winning the game on their home field in 2021. The Henschels are former Buccaneer season ticket holders.
Henschel has one piece of advice for people looking to save costs on Super Bowl tickets.
“Show up at the stadium early (without a ticket), then buy one individual ticket, even if you’re part of a group,” he said. “Trying to buy seats together drives the price way up. People are often looking to unload just one ticket, and you can get a good deal that way. So what if you’re not sitting together? At least you’re in the stadium to see the game. I’ve done that before.”
As he does every year, Henschel will be wearing some Steeler gear in the stands on Sunday. He plans to wear a Steelers hat this year.
“I’m still a big fan, but I’ve lost some faith in the organization,” he said of the Steelers. “Things aren’t what they used to be. At least the Patriots aren’t in it. Crisman is a big fan, and he’s hard to deal with when his team is in there.”
Henschel, Crisman and Eaton are seated together at each Super Bowl. They are treated to an annual lunch together each Super Bowl weekend. This year, a New Orleans restaurant is treating them to an all-you-can-eat meal.
When it comes to the Super Bowl, Henschel says New Orleans is the Super City.
“Nobody parties like in New Orleans,” he said, laughing. “And everything is so accessible.”
He recalls paying $10 to get in to the first Super Bowl game.
“I saw Joe Namath beat the Colts, and it cost me $12,” Henschel said of Super Bowl III. “That game was historic.”
All these years later, Henschel is part of Super Bowl history himself.
