Everything was Super until the game

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The New England Patriots arrived in town on the evening of Sunday, Jan. 27. My brother, Justin, and I decided to voyage out to Phoenix a few days early to spend some time with our brother, Matt. Due to our respective schedules, our seasons overlap by just days and consequently, we don't get any offseason time together.

Matt and his wife, Lauren, will return to Los Angeles on Feb. 11. I depart for Kissimmee, Fla., on Feb. 13 and Justin will leave on Feb. 21 for a mini-camp in Tucson, Ariz. Happy problem!

The Patriots stayed at the Westin Kierland Resort, where they were on lockdown with heavy security. Not even family was allowed on the premises -- as we found out when the flashlight-happy guard denied us access to pick our brother up for dinner. Understandably, we were forced to meet him across the street at a nice mall.

As with each Super Bowl, the week leading up to the game is filled with an abundance of events and parties for all to enjoy. On Thursday night, we went to the Upper Deck party in Scottsdale. The guest list was loaded with former and current NFL and Major League players. The next day, we ventured out to the FBR Open at TPC Scottsdale. I felt somewhat underdressed in my golf attire as men and women dressed like they were going out dancing. Apparently, my brother and I didn't get the memo.

I had never seen such a horde of people at a golf tournament. Nevertheless, the day was beautiful and we sincerely enjoyed ourselves. After our power nap, we headed to the Oakley party. There, guests were able to design and create their own pair of Oakley sunglasses at a little stand near the pool and pick them up an hour or so later -- pretty good party gift!

Athlete's First, our agency, hosted a cocktail party in Tempe on Saturday evening. Many of their football clients were present, and it's always fun to see how much bigger they are than me and how out-of-shape they make me feel. From there, we caravanned out to the Playboy party. We enjoyed ourselves immensely among a plethora of A-listers: from Nick Cannon DJing and rapper Common emceeing to the cast of "Entourage" to the man, the myth, the legend himself ... Hugh Hefner.

The party was unforgettable, though we paid for it the next morning.

Super Bowl Sunday rolled around faster than we could blink. The family tickets were accompanied by a brunch and a round-trip bus ride to the stadium. Because my poor mother is a nervous wreck on game days, we were on the first bus to the stadium, arriving around 11 a.m. for the 4:30 p.m. game. But at least we were there and got to experience the Super Bowl Village.

They did an incredible job with University of Phoenix Stadium. I am sure many Spring Training players and fans have seen the enormous, gray bubble-like stadium located in Glendale on the east side of the 101 loop. I will admit that from the outside, it did not seem that unique; but once you walk in and take your seat, you find yourself astounded by the design and vastness of it. A fun fact that I learned is that the stadium doubles as a convention center.

We were told that a person can plug in his or her computer at the 50-yard line and give a PowerPoint presentation on the jumbo screen. That, I would like to add, is one of the most impressive jumbo screens I have ever seen.

As always on game days, I placed my encouraging call to my brother. Pulling from the limited experiences I've encompassed with regard to games of this enormity, I offered the best advice I could: "Have fun!"

I do understand the simplicity of that statement; however, it is a mantra that has assisted me throughout my career. A very good friend of ours, Jon Garland (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim), also called Matt and offered this bit of advice: "Soak it all in!"

Jon discovered this during the 2005 championship season with the Chicago White Sox. He said, "Soak it all in because you never know when and if you'll get back." Upon his own reflection, he can only recall tidbits from his World Series experience because he was so focused throughout.

"I believe that one should not change their routine but don't fight the excitement. Feel it, embrace it and remember how special it all is," Jon later added.

The game started out well enough. There was a little back and forth, and before we knew it, the first half had come to an end. The halftime show was Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. They played some of their hits like "I Won't Back Down" and "Free Fallin'." "Free Fallin'" always brings me back to Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire when I sing along.

The second half started and the making of one of the best Super Bowl games was well on its way. As Tom Brady took the Pats down the field with a collection of short and crucial completions, we began to quietly celebrate as New England regained the lead. Yet there was still 2:24 on the clock and destiny was seemingly not in our favor.

As everyone in the world witnessed, Eli Manning stormed his offense back down the field, eluding sacks, making throws and leading his team to the coveted title. We sadly exited the stadium and headed to the resort to meet up with the team. They still had a postgame party, though there were not too many smiles.

Earth, Wind and Fire, Lionel Richie and Alicia Keys performed live in front of roughly a thousand team members, family and guests. Although the Patriots lost, we did celebrate their amazing 18-1 season. The loss was devastating on many levels for the Patriot team and its fans. But in the end, that's sports and tomorrow is another day!