The impressive Super Bowl streak continues for Boca Raton resident Harvey Rothenberg. His latest visit to Las Vegas marks 58 consecutive years he has attended the Super Bowl as a member of the The Super Bowl Five.
There have been many memories generated over the years since the first Super Bowl in 1967 when the Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Los Angeles. Another memory was registered when the Kansas City Chiefs claimed this year’s LVIII title by defeating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in a thrilling comeback victory in overtime.
The Super Bowl Five are all proud veterans who became best friends. The celebrated group included Lew “Chicago Lew” Rapaport, Al “Prez” Schragis, Harvey “Prof” Rothenberg, Sylvan “The Fog” Schefler and Larry “Larry Mac” McDonald. The death of Schragis in 2018 and a couple of medical issues have left only Rothenberg and Schefler to carry on the tradition. The duo has made it a point to honor all the members who have been an integral part of the special streak.
This year’s event was rewarding for Rothenberg, 90, who was able to attend the American sporting spectacle with his grandsons Jake and Jonathan Roberts. Schefler added to the grandparent connection by being accompanied by his grandsons Jack and Harrison Silver.
“That was great for us and as we get older, we have a new theory that the next generation is ready to take over,” Rothenberg said, smiling. “We are hoping that Larry Mac (McDonald) is able to join us next year. My family motivated me and insisted that I have to go and keep the streak going. My daughter Annie and son-in-law Glen came with me to Las Vegas, and Sylvan and I got to take our grandsons to the game for the second time.”
Rothenberg remains a picture of health by keeping a routine that includes walking a mile a day, working out with weights daily, walking four flights of stairs up and down all day long, while remaining an avid golfer.
CBS and Fox News continue to conduct interviews with the Super Bowl Five members who have gained national notoriety. There are many favorite memories for the group. For Rothenberg and Schefler, some of the top moments revolve around their beloved New York Giants.
“When the Giants defeated the Bills in Tampa back in 1991 that was very special with Whitney Houston singing ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ and the jets flying overhead,” Rothenberg said. “That was right after the Desert Storm operation and the whole stadium was singing along with her. The New York Giants victory over the previously undefeated New England Patriots back in 2008 remains my favorite Super Bowl moment.”
The passing of his wife Judy last year made it an emotional and challenging year for Rothenberg. Having his close-knit family and friends around proved to be a monumental help.
“I lost my beloved wife, which was a major blow to me, and Judy always encouraged me to attend the game with my friends,” he said. “I went this year with a heavy heart and I’m going to have that for a long time. I’ve gotten great support from my family who are always there assisting and comforting me.”
Rothenberg said he is already looking forward to attending Super Bowl LIX, which will take place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
“We are still planning to go next year and I hope my friends will be well enough to travel and join me,” he said. “For all of us, the Super Bowl is more than just a ballgame. It is the camaraderie and friendships that has developed and endured among the five of us along with our families, and that became more important than the game itself.”
