It’s the television event of the year, so big that even the commercials are ranked by importance and influence.  It’s the Super Bowl, and media members and celebrities will flock from all across the country to celebrate the event and root on the two teams participating.

With the spotlight set on Super Bowl XLVI, who should be considered to be the faces of this year’s big game?  The Wife Hates Sports has the answer – ranking this year’s most influential faces of the Super Bowl – in a three-part series.  Chime in on your own personal rankings, and let’s celebrate the New England Patriots, New York Giants and Super Bowl XLVI.

Part I (46-31)

Part II (30-16)

The 46 Faces of Super Bowl XLVI (Part 3 of 3)

15. Vince Wilfork

At 6’2” and 325 pounds, Wilfork is a giant, physical presence that can – and regularly does – take over a game in the trenches.  He single-handedly took over both of New England’s playoff games, posting 2 ½ sacks and causing all sorts of problems for opposing quarterbacks Tim Tebow and Joe Flacco.  Expect more of the same against the Giants in Super Bowl XLVI.

14. Jason Pierre-Paul

Pierre-Paul has been one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the league this year.  His 16 ½ sacks were the fourth most in the NFL and he posted six sacks over the last four regular season games.  With the combination of Umenyiora, Tuck and Pierre-Paul, the New England O-line will have its hands full.

13. Wes Welker

Targeted 172 times by Tom Brady during the regular season, Welker ended the year with 122 receptions, 1,569 yards and 9 TD’s.  While Gronkowski clearly got most of the pub, Welker is still the steadiest piece on offense.  He’ll clearly get his targets in the Super Bowl, and new fiancé Anna Burns (listed in Part 2) will be rooting him on.

12. Victor Cruz

Gisele Bundchen sporting a yellow bikini clearly shows just how lucky Tom Brady is

Cruz was one of the biggest surprises in the NFL this season, sending plenty of Fantasy Football owners into a major frenzy.  Cruz’s 82 catches, 1,536 yards and 9 TD’s were all team highs – and who could ignore his trademark salsa dance celebration every time he crossed the goal line?  Oh, and with his acrobatic catches and similar frame to David Tyree (6’0”, 203 pounds), well, you get the idea.

11. Gisele Bundchen

Fashion model, Victoria’s Secret Angel and one of the most beautiful women on Earth, Bundchen is also married to Tom Brady.  During the early portions of Super Bowl week, Gisele hit the headlines when she asked friends and family to pray for and support her hubby.  In the end, she’ll just hit the headlines regularly for the usual reasons – a.k.a. her striking beauty.

10. Chuck Noll

Noll headlines the National Football League history books with four Super Bowl rings, and that’s why he hits the list this season, as New England coach Bill Belichick can tie him with a victory in Super Bowl XLVI.  If the Patriots win, a debate on best coach ever would surely follow.

9. Joe Montana

Joe Montana’s appearance on this list is for the same reason as Chuck Noll.  Montana currently headlines the NFL history books as a quarterback with four Super Bowl rings.  With a win in Super Bowl XLVI, Tom Brady – who grew up idolizing Montana – would win a fourth ring of his own.  As with the two coaches, a debate on the best quarterback ever would be next in line.

8. Rob Gronkowski

Gronkowski hits the news for a variety of reasons.  First, he was a history making tight end this season, racking up 90 catches, 1,327 yards and 17 TD’s during the regular season.  More importantly, it’s Gronk’s ankle that is stealing the headlines during Super Bowl week.  Clearly, Gronkowski is a major piece of New England’s offense, and was recently seen not limping on the eve of the Super Bowl.  But cruising around for photos and sprinting on the field are two completely different things, so no one knows just how healthy he’ll be come Sunday.

7. Peyton Manning

Peyton is stealing the majority of the headlines this week, what with his health issues and future with the Colts still in question.  He also has an opportunity to watch his little brother play in a Super Bowl on his home turf.

6. David Tyree

How many times will David Tyree's name be mentioned during Super Bowl XLVI?

It wouldn’t be a surprise to hear that a number of Super Bowl parties were having drinking games involving the number of times that Tyree’s name gets dropped during the big game.  Clearly, “The Catch” is one of the biggest plays in Super Bowl history, and considering that it was the highlight of the last time these two teams met in the Super Bowl, the opportunity to mention it ad nauseum is warranted.  Just don’t tell a Patriots fan that – and don’t tell Rodney Harrison, either.

5. Tom Coughlin

Disliked by players, too abrasive, on the hot seat year after year… Tom Coughlin has heard it all over the years.  But after another challenging regular season juggling plenty of injuries and question marks on his team, the Giants head coach has found a way to push his squad to another Super Bowl.  With another victory on the highest stage, people will never question him again.

4. Bill Belichick

Had enough of Gisele's beauty? Didn't think so...

3. Eli Manning

First, he caught criticism for referring to himself as elite, than he followed that by playing better than most quarterbacks in the league, completing numerous fourth quarter comebacks and once again leading the Giants to the Super Bowl.  Now, Eli Manning finds himself with an opportunity to win his second Super Bowl, passing big brother Peyton, who for years, many thought was by far the superior Manning.

2. Tom Brady

New England fans love him while opposing fans loathe him.  Women adore him, while men adore his supermodel wife.  His track record speaks for itself, with division title after division title, three Super Bowl rings and so on.  With a win in Super Bowl XLVI, Brady will have his fourth Super Bowl victory, which would tie him with Joe Montana for the most in NFL history.

Tom Brady and Eli Manning are near the top of this year's list

1. The Late Myra Kraft

Myra Kraft, the wife of Patriots owner Robert Kraft, died of cancer last July at the age of 68.  The New England Patriots family has mourned her loss, honored her life and dedicated this season to her.  The team has worn a patch featuring her initials (MHK) throughout the entire season.

Kraft was the glue that kept the Patriots’ family together, and it was clear that the entire group was devastated when she passed.  “Absence makes the heart grow fonder”, as the saying goes, and the Patriots will continue to play with heavy hearts, wishing, hoping and striving to win one more for the team’s matriarch. 

Enjoy Super Bowl XLVI, and as always, thanks for reading The Wife Hates Sports…

It’s the television event of the year, so big that even the commercials are ranked by importance and influence.  It’s the Super Bowl, and media members and celebrities will flock from all across the country to celebrate the event and root on the two teams participating.

With the spotlight set on Super Bowl XLVI, who should be considered to be the faces of this year’s big game?  The Wife Hates Sports has the answer – ranking this year’s most influential faces of the Super Bowl – in a three-part series.  Chime in on your own personal rankings, and let’s celebrate the New England Patriots, New York Giants and Super Bowl XLVI.

The 46 Faces of Super Bowl XLVI (Part 2 of 3)

30. Tiquan Underwood

Tiquan Underwood's haircut has made Super Bowl headlines

Underwood (3 catches for 30 yards during the regular season) didn’t gain any attention with his offensive numbers, but he did during Super Bowl week with his fancy Patriots themed haircut (see right), which he posted to his Twitter account.  But the biggest attention getter?  The Patriots cut him, just 24 hours before the big game.  Brutal!

29. Archie Manning

With one son playing in the Super Bowl and another son being a main reason for the existence of the game’s location, it’s clear that Archie Manning will be heavily entrenched in the spotlight during the big game.  Expect a lot of camera shots on the Manning family throughout.

28. Kyle Arrington

Arrington had a great year with the Patriots, accumulating 88 tackles (second most on the team) and seven interceptions during the regular season (tied for most in the NFL).

27. Rodney Harrison

Whether Rodney Harrison wants to talk about it or not, "The Catch" will be mentioned ad nauseum during Super Bowl XLVI

Harrison retired from the NFL more than two years ago, and currently serves as an analyst on NBC Sports’ Football Night in America.  But during this Super Bowl, Harrison will be frequently mentioned and highlighted as the player that defended David Tyree during “the catch” play in the Super Bowl matchup between the Patriots and Giants four years ago.

26. Julian Edelman

Edelman is a multi-dimensional player who has great value for the Patriots, not just serving as a wide receiver on offense, but more so recently on special teams and on defense as a member of the secondary.

25. Dan Patrick

Formerly as an anchor on SportsCenter, Dan Patrick left ESPN years ago, and now has arguably the best sports radio show in the country.  He also serves as a co-host for NBC Sports’ Football Night in America, and will be handing out the Vince Lombardi Trophy to the winner of Super Bowl XLVI.

24. Osi Umenyiora

Former Miss Hooters Anna Burns is clearly playing with a full deck.

Another of New York’s talented defensive linemen, Umenyiora was fined $20K for bailing on the media during Super Bowl week.  He later apologized.  With 5 ½ sacks in four January games, don’t expect any more absences from Osi.

23. Anna Burns

Hitting headlines in recent weeks, Burns is now engaged to New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker.  If the former Miss Hooters (see right) is going to be present at this year’s Super Bowl, then it’s a liklihood that we’ll be seeing a lot of her on camera.  At least, we hope so.

22. Hakeem Nicks

At times, Nicks (76 receptions, 1,192 yards and 7 TD’s during regular season) was second fiddle to Victor Cruz in the pass game, but he remains the deep threat in the Giants’ offense and the clear number one receiver on the team.

21. Deion Branch

Branch was targeted 90 times by Tom Brady during the regular season, which was fourth most on the team.  While he hasn’t been the clear target in the pass game, Branch brings with him plenty of Super Bowl success, most notably in Super Bowl XXXIX, when he was named MVP of the game after tying a record with 11 receptions.

As MVP of Super Bowl XXXIX, Deion Branch proved that he can make a super impact

20. Mark Herzlich

Herzlich’s story is one of the most inspirational stories of the NFL season.  After tons of success at Boston College, Herzlich was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2009, at the age of 21.  Signed by the Giants as an undrafted free agent, Herzlich made the team and saw some playing time during the regular season.

19. Bill O’Brien

In a few days, Bill O'Brien will be hanging out with the Nittany Lion

O’Brien is serving as the offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots, and weeks back, he agreed to become Penn State’s next head football coach, replacing the late Joe Paterno.  Juggling two jobs and facing an uphill climb with the Nittany Lions, O’Brien now finds himself with a chance to leave the NFL on top.

18. Antrel Rolle

Statistically, Antrel Rolle gains plenty of attention, accumulating 96 total tackles during the regular season, the most for the Giants.  But he gains even more attention with his mouth, openly telling the media that “we are expecting to win” the Super Bowl.  You have to love his confidence, but only as long as his teammates continue to back up his words.

17. Robert Kraft

Bob Kraft could easily be higher up this list for many reasons.  By now, many are familiar with the statement made by Colts center Jeff Saturday, who credited Kraft for having a key role in getting the NFL’s CBA issues resolved.  In addition, the Patriots as a franchise have clearly flourished with him as owner, winning 12 AFC East division titles, countless playoff games and three Super Bowls.  As a family, the Krafts have also donated millions to numerous good causes.

16. Madonna

The Super Bowl halftime show will be performed by Madonna this year, therefore expect plenty of wardrobe, but likely no wardrobe malfunctions.  Right, Janet?  Clearly, the superstar pop legend is already getting heavily involved in the game itself, most notably during a recent press conference, when she broke out some salsa dance moves, as inspired by New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZMlA0-vk-Q

Sorry, “Material Girl”, but Victor wins this round.

This year’s list CONCLUDED with Part III… (coming soon)

Or if you missed it, check out Part 1 (46-31)

It’s the television event of the year, so big that even the commercials are ranked by importance and influence.  It’s the Super Bowl, and media members and celebrities will flock from all across the country to celebrate the event and root on the two teams participating.

With the spotlight set on Super Bowl XLVI, who should be considered to be the faces of this year’s big game?  The Wife Hates Sports has the answer – ranking this year’s most influential faces of the Super Bowl – in a three-part series.  Chime in on your own personal rankings, and let’s celebrate the New England Patriots, New York Giants and Super Bowl XLVI.

The 46 Faces of Super Bowl XLVI (Part 1 of 3)

46. Josh McDaniels

McDaniels has been around the block more than most of us, spending time as an offensive coordinator and head coach in the NFL, all by age 35.  With Bill O’Brien departing for Penn State soon, McDaniels is back in New England as an offensive assistant.  But as NBC sports recently reported, he’s mostly remained out of the spotlight.

45. Jim Irsay

The owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts is easily the most open and outspoken owner in the NFL today.  Most of his messages are delivered via his Twitter account (@JimIrsay).  Included in some of his recent tweets are ways to win Super Bowl tickets (it is his team’s stadium, after all).  Irsay has also been trying to iron out all the rumors surrounding his relationship with Peyton Manning.

44. Zoltan Mesko

In a game that’s expected to be close, special teams will become a key part.  Mesko had 24 of 57 regular season punts get downed inside the 20.  Steve Weatherford, his Super Bowl opponent, managed just 25 inside the 20 over 82 attempts.  That, plus Mesko’s unique name can easily get mistaken for Zoltar Speaks, the wishing machine from the movie Big.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjIxic9cBXU

43. Kelly Clarkson

The 29-year old pop star, songwriter and winner of the first season of American Idol will be singing the National Anthem during the Super Bowl.  Expect a better performance than current Idol judge Steven Tyler could manage during the playoffs a few weeks back.  But don’t expect Steve Carell to scream her name as an introduction…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T2n_n9H67g

42. Chad Ochocinco

His outlandish ways and unique personality left many fans curious to see how Ochocinco would handle playing in New England, especially if he made it to the Super Bowl.  Now, here he is, but no one expects him to make any kind of an impact, especially after the regular season that he had (15 receptions, 276 yards and just 1 TD).

41. Alexa Flutie (Cheerleaders are back!)

Doug Flutie's daughter is a cheerleader with the Patriots

Only a handful of NFL franchises do not have cheerleaders, and last year’s Super Bowl between the Packers and Steelers painfully featured none.  This year, cheerleaders are back, at least on New England’s sideline.  The name many would know is Alexa Flutie, daughter of Doug Flutie.  The rest of New England’s squad won’t be anything to complain about, either.

40. Nate Solder

The Giants will send a vicious pass rush at Tom Brady and the Patriots, attempting to force mistakes.  In order to fend off New York’s talented defensive front, Nate Solder – a rookie playing in his first Super Bowl – will need to avoid jitters and have a great night.

39. Roger Goodell

Last year during this time, the commissioner had to worry about finding ways to avoid a lockout.  This season, he can sit back and enjoy a Super Bowl, further seeking ways to further the growth and health of the National Football League.

38. Ahmad Bradshaw

Bradshaw has battled through injuries, managing just 659 yards on the ground over 12 games during the regular season.  Likely to see plenty of work in the Super Bowl, Bradshaw and the New York running game will need to be effective to keep Brady and the New England offense off the field.

37. Danny Woodhead

The 5’8” Woodhead may have seen a dropoff in production this season, but he still is easily one of the more multi-dimensional players playing in this year’s Super Bowl.  Don’t be surprised to see him not just heavily involved on special teams, but also during run and pass plays, too.

We know you're excited about the return of cheerleaders to the Super Bowl, but this list is just getting started.

36. Brandon Jacobs

Like Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs also missed time during the regular season, posting just 571 rushing yards on the season.  But the 6’4”, 264-pounder is a battering ram, and not an easy man to take down, especially once he’s able to gain any momentum.

35. Aaron Hernandez

Often playing second fiddle to Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez has put up some gaudy numbers of his own (79 catches, 910 yards, 7 TD’s in regular season).  He’s the second part of New England’s two-headed tight end monster, and one of Tom Brady’s many offensive weapons.

34. Justin Tuck

Tuck is yet another member of the Giants that missed significant time during the season.  His regular season numbers (37 tackles, one forced fumble, five sacks) are half of his 2010 production, but Tuck is still a force to be reckoned with in the trenches.

33. Jerod Mayo

Just how good was Mayo on defense this season?  He missed a handful of games due to injury, yet still led the Patriots in total tackles, with 95.

32. Corey Webster

Webster led the Giants in interceptions with six on the season.  That tally was also good for fourth place in the NFL during the regular season.

31. Sterling Moore

Often overshadowed by others on the New England roster, Sterling Moore made a lasting impression when he knocked the ball out of Lee Evans’ hands during the waning seconds of the AFC Championship game.  Moore’s heads-up play, along with Billy Cundiff’s missed field goal, led to a Patriots victory, and a trip to Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI.

Sterling Moore, the Patriots defender who knocked the ball out of Lee Evans' hands during the final minute of the 2012 AFC Championship game, became an instant hero in New England

Continued with Part II (30-16)… 

GolfDigest.com recently announced a winner in its inaugural “Hottest Golfer” poll, another future former wife in sports appears to have gotten her hot little hands on some high-priced housing and there’s a report emerging that a member of the Super Bowl bound New England Patriots is engaged.

The “Wife Wire” highlights recent headlines that involve some of the beautiful wives in sports and entertainment, or just simply some of the more attractive female athletes out there.

Don’t sweat it guys, you don’t just get the news… you get some views, too.

On to the show…

WIFE WIRE: January 26, 2012

Wire 1: Sandra Gal

Status: In Sports – Professional Golfer (LPGA Tour)

Gal was born in Germany and played golf at the University of Florida.  Hmm, wonder if she’s “Tebow crazy” like everyone else in Gainesville?

Gal (see right) recently hit the headlines over the last week after she was announced as the winner of GolfDigest.com’s inaugural “Hottest Golfer” poll.

While Gal is striking, the best bet is that most guys – if paying closer attention to this poll – would have stuffed the ballot boxes with the likes of LPGA names like Blair O’Neal (below) or Anna Rawson (at bottom).

Blair O'Neal is one of the most beautiful women in the world of golf

Wire 2: Anna Burns

Status: Future Wife in Sports? – Miss Hooters International 2005

While the New England Patriots are in the NFL spotlight for earning a berth in Super Bowl XLVI, it’s Wes Welker, who is hitting the headlines even harder, with reports stating that the Pats’ wide receiver has recently gotten engaged.

Reports say that Anna Burns is engaged to Wes Welker

Anna Burns, the reported future wife in sports, was Miss Hooters International 2005, and, well… in a word, “Wow”.  Wes clearly hasn’t just made a living catching passes from Tom Brady and making fun of Rex Ryan’s feet.

Wire 3: Vanessa Bryant

Status: Future Former Wife in Sports

Kobe Bryant is likely frustrated by the Lakers’ 11-8 start to the season, but that’s nothing compared to what he’s going through with his separation from Vanessa Bryant.

For those that haven’t heard, it appears that the artist formerly known as Kobe’s wife is set to nab “three Orange County properties worth an estimated $18.8 million”.

And if Kobe’s wallet doesn’t already feel lighter, that figure appears as if it will be pocket change when all is said and done.

But the real question that remains: Will Vanessa do her best impression of Elin Nordegren, and demolish any of these mansions?  Yeah, doubtful, but speaking of Elin…

Elin Nordegren, also known as Tiger's Ex, is on many men's bucket list

Wire 4: Vanna White

Status: Not in Sports – Long-time TV Co-host on Wheel of Fortune

Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak openly admitted that both he and Vanna White used to get drunk on margaritas while working on the show years ago.

What an off-the-wall storyline.

Perhaps that’s why the show eventually made it so that Vanna only had to touch the lit box to make the letter show up.  Spinning it around (in a circle) may have been too challenging when on the sauce.

Anna Rawson will never take you on match play...

Back by popular demand, or perhaps by blatant indifference, it’s Throwing Tomatoes.

It’s been a busy stretch in the world of sports lately, leaving plenty of opportunities to show displeasure at people in the world of sports, whether it be directed at baseball’s offseason, the NBA or NHL seasons, College Football, or the NFL as it nears its finale.

So as the sports world turns, the stories pile up and more sports frustration emerges.  Don’t sweat it, The Wife Hates Sports has them all covered – in lycopene, that is.

Throwing Tomatoes: January 19, 2012

Target: The New York Jets

It feels like the negative Jets headlines are coming out faster than Rob Lowe can break sports news.  First, it was New York’s subpar season, followed by Santonio Holmes.  But that was only the beginning…

Sub-Target: Mark Sanchez

The artist formerly known as “Sanchise” has taken the brunt of it, first being referred to as “lazy” by some unnamed teammates, who also endorsed the acqusition of Peyton Manning.

Then again, it’s hard to argue the history, what with GQ and other pretty boy ads coming out of the woodwork, plus an open video on the sidelines featuring Sanchez eating a hot dog.  Those stories never had legs when the team was winning games.

Sub-Target: Rex Ryan

The New York head coach chimed in, stating that “the majority of our football team” had confidence in Sanchez.  Not exactly a ringing endorsement, but…

Sub-Target: LaDainian Tomlinson

LT opened up on Showtime’s “Inside the NFL” show, tossing shots at nearly everyone.  But while Tomlinson could have found a way to take the heat off the Jets, he instead threw gas in the fire.  The better move would have been to keep everything behind closed doors.

Sub-Target: Woody Johnson

That’s not all on Sanchez.  Jets owner Woody Johnson said that “we think he’s our guy”, but also wouldn’t dismiss the idea of Peyton Manning wearing green.  For those that are counting, that’s another ringing endorsement for Sanchez.

Sub-Target: The Final Word on the Jets – “The D”

In the end, the majority of the criticism has been against offensive players like Sanchez, LT, Holmes, plus the departed Brian Schottenheimer.  Somehow avoiding the heat is the Jets defense, who deserves its fair share.  A clear strength in past seasons, the Jets did manage to finish 5^th in yards per game and 5^th in pass yards allowed.  However, the run D was in the middle of the pack, and the team defense also allowed 22.7 points per game, good for 20^th in the NFL.

Target: Rob Lowe

For those that hadn’t heard, Rob Lowe recently tweeted that Peyton Manning would retire.

Keep in mind, a guy that played a character known as “#2” can easily be full of crap.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_A8bFsBKTs

Joe Biden

In front of a San Francisco crowd, Biden said that the Giants are “on their way to the Super Bowl”.

Don’t worry… he didn’t follow that by predicting that Tim Lincecum would be the Super Bowl MVP.  Still, ouch.  Poor guy.

Target: Aaron Rodgers

Recently crowned Miss America Laura Kaeppeler gave a recent shout-out to Rodgers, asking him to call her.  Rodgers saw the broadcast, and has yet to drop her a line.

While the rest of the world is doing a “discount double take” on Kaeppeler, the Green Bay quarterback is clearly still fuming over the team’s recent loss to the Giants.

(h/t Shutdown Corner)

Innocent Bystander: Laura Kaeppeler

A woman this beautiful (below) is likely not used to rejection.  Eh, she’ll get over it.

While many men are giving Kaeppeler "discount double takes", Aaron Rodgers is not biting.

Target: Matt Antonelli

Signing with the Baltimore Orioles during the offseason, Matt Antonelli is basically an unknown in baseball, but he does tweet a whole heck of a lot – including this recent nugget:

MattAntonelli9 Matt Antonelli

“Day one in the books and still haven’t been beat up for wearing my Brady jersey around Baltimore”

Now, it’s my turn.  Hi, I’m Matt Antonelli.  I’m new to Baltimore.  This new fanbase is very disgruntled, and before I came here, no one had ever heard of me.  I know how passionate this city is about its football team, yet I’m going to wear a Tom Brady jersey during AFC Championship week.  Oh, and if you didn’t see me wearing it, I’m also going to tweet about it.  Bravo, Matt… BRAVO.

Target: Glen Davis

“Big Baby” Davis was called for a technical foul after dropping his drawers after a call that frustrated him.  Fortunately, there was no resulting visual where we’d have to call him for traveling, too.  If you didn’t catch that joke, then don’t ask me to explain it.

(h/t Game On!)

And finally, the current faces of team frustration in sports:

Boston Celtics – A slow 5-8 start is stirring up trade rumors in Beantown

Buffalo Sabres – Four straight losses and a 2-6-2 record over its last ten games

Columbus Blue Jackets – The team’s 31 points is seven fewer than any other NHL team.

This has been Throwing Tomatoes, where we practice the “discount double chuck”.