3 Super Bowl Superfans Reach End of Streak

Trio of octogenarians have attended every Super Bowl since the first one in 1967.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Three lifelong friends - Don Crisman, Gregory Eaton, and Tom Henschel - are the last remaining members of the exclusive 'never missed a Super Bowl' club. After attending all 60 Super Bowls, the group is coming to terms with the fact that this year's game may be their last due to their advanced ages and declining health. The trio has formed lasting friendships and memories over the decades of attending the big game.

Why it matters

The story of these three Super Bowl superfans highlights the enduring passion and dedication of the most devoted NFL fans. As the 'never missed a Super Bowl' club dwindles, it marks the end of an era and the changing nature of the Super Bowl experience, which has become increasingly commercialized and expensive over the years.

The details

Don Crisman, 90, Gregory Eaton, 86, and Tom Henschel, 84, have attended every Super Bowl since the first one in 1967. Crisman is a lifelong Patriots fan, while Henschel supports the Steelers. The trio met over the years at the Super Bowl and have formed lasting friendships. However, advancing age and health issues are making it difficult for them to continue their streak, with Crisman and Henschel saying this will likely be their last Super Bowl. Eaton plans to keep attending as long as he is able, but acknowledges the increasing costs and commercialization of the event.

  • The first AFL-NFL World Championship Game, which later became known as the Super Bowl, was played in 1967.
  • This year's Super Bowl will be the 60th edition of the game.

The players

Don Crisman

A 90-year-old Maine resident and lifelong Patriots fan who has attended every Super Bowl since the first one in 1967.

Gregory Eaton

An 86-year-old Detroit resident who runs a ground transportation company and has attended every Super Bowl, hoping to one day see his beloved Detroit Lions make it to the big game.

Tom Henschel

An 84-year-old Florida resident and Steelers fan who has attended every Super Bowl since 1967, but has been slowed by a stroke in recent years.

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What they’re saying

“This will definitely be the final one. We made it to 60.”

— Don Crisman (Associated Press)

“I think all of them are big, they're all fun. It's just gotten so commercial. It's a $10,000 trip now.”

— Gregory Eaton (Associated Press)

“I don't talk or walk good.”

— Tom Henschel (Associated Press)

What’s next

The trio of superfans will attend this year's Super Bowl, likely for the last time, as their advancing ages and declining health make it increasingly difficult for them to continue their streak of attending every game since 1967.

The takeaway

The story of these three Super Bowl superfans is a testament to the enduring passion and dedication of the most devoted NFL fans. As their exclusive 'never missed a Super Bowl' club dwindles, it marks the end of an era and the changing nature of the Super Bowl experience, which has become increasingly commercialized and expensive over the years.