FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – One of the things I’ve learned in covering four Super Bowls is that not everything about the game is really about the game.

The news conferences throughout Super Bowl week are attended by traditional media, but there’s also a strong influx of international media and other special guests mixed in during different events. When I took my seat to take in what Sean Payton had to say Friday, my first reaction was hoping the group of kids sitting in the row ahead of me would stay quiet enough for my recorder to pick up the audio at the front of the room.

Well, it wasn’t long until the youngest pulled out a Flat Stanley and the other kids began taking pictures of him with Payton at the podium in the background. The group was from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the youngsters were taking in another slice of the Super Bowl. A great thing, even if it’s a little thing. It was also very clear Payton took a back seat to Flat Stanley.

 So, somewhere soon on the internet, you’ll be able to find a photo of Flat Stanley at Payton’s final Super Bowl news conference.

– Frank Tadych

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