But why why does a game we don’t technically "belong" to still hit so close to home?
"Part of it is how rare it is now for so many people to be watching the same thing at the same time," Dr. McElwaine says. "For a few hours, it feels like we're all tuned into the exact moment, and there's something comforting about that."
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Why do some Super Bowl losses stick with us longer than wins?
"Wins feel great, but they don't seem to hang around the same way. That's because disappointment tends to leave a deeper mark than joy. The Eagles beating the Patriots in Super Bowl 52 was unforgettable. But the loss to New England in Super Bowl 39 still sits with me differently. I remember exactly how that felt. That's why, years later, with the Patriots playing the Seahawks in this year's Super Bowl, I find myself quietly rooting for Seattle. Wins make us happy. Losses become memories we carry."
Why do underdogs pull us in so strongly?
"Underdogs tap into something familiar" says Dr. McElwaine. "Most of us know what it feels like to be underestimated or counted out. When we root for an underdog, we're often rooting for effort and perseverance to matter. It's not just about winning. It's about hope. It's about believing that grit still counts for something."
Why do insults toward our team feel personal?
"When someone insults your team, it can feel like they're aiming it at you," Dr. McElwaine explains. "That's because, in a real way, your team becomes part of your identity. Even when we know it's not logical, the reaction is emotional and automatic."
Are fans today more emotionally invested than past generations, or just louder?
People have always cared deeply about sports, but Dr. McElwaine says seeing it play out in real time is what makes the difference.
What's the healthiest way to handle intense game-day emotions?
"Enjoy the passion but keep perspective," Dr. McElwaine says. "Take breaks. Move your body. Remind yourself that disappointment is uncomfortable, but it's survivable."
The 2026 Super Bowl LX will be broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. ET from Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
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