Jets and Bears to play in Super Bowl XLV after all

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell

In a surprise move Tuesday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that the Chicago Bears and New York Jets would meet in the second half of Super Bowl XLV. "The Bears and Jets were clearly the winners of the second halves of their respective Conference Championships, outscoring their opponents by a combined 30 to 7," Goodell said. "It's only fair to their fans in Chicago and New York that they represent the NFL in the second half of the Super Bowl."

Goodell went on to say that the overall winner in the Super Bowl would be determined by whichever teams won their halves, and the over/under between the two halves. In case of a tie, the winner will be determined by a coin toss. Bears Head Coach Lovie Smith called the move "bold", and congratulated the commissioner for recognizing the inherent inequity of the NFL Playoff system.

During the first half, the two second-half teams will be watching the game in a VIP Lounge at Cowboys stadium. Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan expressed concern that there might not be enough pretzels, chips, and beer to last through the end of the halftime entertainment, but Commissioner Goodell assured him that the NFL has a clause in the contract with Stadium management that guarantees sufficient provisions for all four teams.