Husband Enters Annual Hibernation Period Between Super Bowl And MLB Opening Day

Local man follows innate instinct to hibernate during the off-season between major sports events.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A husband and father in Blue Springs, Missouri, named Tom Kellum, has entered his annual hibernation period between the end of the NFL season and the start of the MLB season, a natural instinct he has followed for years. Kellum was observed gorging himself on food to store up fat for his extended slumber, before retreating to a "cave" in his home to sleep until baseball season begins.

Why it matters

This story highlights the unique behaviors some sports fans exhibit during the off-season, demonstrating how deeply ingrained fandom can become in one's lifestyle and identity. It also provides a humorous, lighthearted look at the lengths some will go to avoid engaging with the world during the "dark emptiness" of the sports calendar.

The details

According to biologists, Kellum's annual hibernation is a natural response to the end of the NFL season and the lack of major professional sports to follow until MLB Opening Day. During this period, Kellum was observed "lumbering" through his home, eating large amounts of food to store up fat reserves. He then retreated to a "cave" in his home to sleep, with his wife and children knowing not to disturb him during this time, as it can be "dangerous." Kellum was also reported to have flown into a "feral rage" when someone tried to wake him to ask about filling out a March Madness bracket.

  • The Super Bowl ended on February 9, 2026.
  • MLB Opening Day is scheduled for March 31, 2026.

The players

Tom Kellum

A husband and father in Blue Springs, Missouri, who enters an annual hibernation period between the end of the NFL season and the start of the MLB season.

Andrea Kellum

Tom Kellum's wife, who understands and accommodates his hibernation behavior during this time of year.

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What they’re saying

“Watch as the man gorges himself to store up extra fat for his long slumber. The Super Bowl is over. Now, there is only the long, cold winter of nothing but the dark emptiness of college basketball. Soon, he will enter his cave, not to be seen again until MLB Opening Day.”

— Biologist

“It's dangerous to disturb him during this time. We all understand and don't hold it against him. He's simply carrying out what comes naturally to him. His most basic instincts are telling him to shut himself off to the world until baseball starts. He is powerless to resist this God-ordained urge. We'll have everything ready for him when he emerges.”

— Andrea Kellum, Tom Kellum's wife

What’s next

Kellum is expected to remain in hibernation until MLB Opening Day on March 31, 2026, when he will emerge from his "cave" and resume normal activities.

The takeaway

This story provides a humorous and lighthearted look at the extreme lengths some sports fans will go to avoid the "off-season" between major sporting events, highlighting the deep connection some have with their favorite teams and the rituals they develop to cope with the lack of sports during certain times of the year.