Not since Cain and Abel duked it out in the Bible has a brother-versus-brother battle played out on such a prominent stage. Tomorrow’s Super Bowl pits Baltimore against San Francisco, but it’s coaches John and Jim Harbaugh’s gridiron rivalry that has even non-fans noticing.
For those who can’t tell a “fourth and long” from “this game’s too long,” here’s a guide to help you hang out with the football faithful.
Baltimore Ravens
You might want to consult Google Maps to get a handle on Ravens history. The franchise was the Cleveland Browns until 1996, when the team moved from Cleveland to Baltimore, replacing the old Baltimore Colts, who moved to Indianapolis after the 1983 season. Got that? The Ravens won Super Bowl XXV in 2002, beating the Giants, 34-7.
Celebrity fans: Michael Phelps, George Clooney’s gal pal Stacy Keibler (once a Ravens cheerleader), Carmelo Anthony
Mascot: Poe, purple-clad giant raven is named for Edgar Allan Poe. Although he lived in Baltimore for many years, the real Poe wrote “The Raven” in New York City.
Coach John Harbaugh
At 50, he’s a year older than Jim, and may be the funnier bro, too. He pranked his own family during a national press event. With his parents and sister fielding questions, he called in asking the senior Harbaughs, “Is it true that both of you liked Jim better than John?’’
Ray Lewis, No. 52, linebacker
Controversy is Lewis’ middle name. The 12-time Pro-Bowler was linked to a double homicide at an Atlanta nightclub before the 2001 Super Bowl. And just this week, he was connected to the A-Rod anti-aging clinic, where reports say he used deer antler spray (with a banned substance) to recover from an injury. In 1996, his first career sack was 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh, then a Colts QB. He’s retiring after the game.
Joe Flacco, No. 5, quarterback
The Audubon, NJ, native, in his fifth season, is married to childhood sweetheart Dana — their first child, Stephen, was born last June. The oldest of six kids, Flacco’s little brother, Mike, plays minor league baseball for the Baltimore Orioles.
Michael Oher No. 74, tackle
Remember Sandra Bullock’s Oscar for “The Blind Side”? That was Oher’s real life story. Now, he says, “I’m tired of the movie. I’m here to play football.”
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco has won five Super Bowls — but they haven’t hoisted the Lombardi Trophy (made by Tiffany and Co.!) since 1995 — when Boyz II Men topped the pop charts. Known for great players such as Joe Montana and Jerry Rice, the 49ers also have a Clint Eastwood connection. Scenes from “Dirty Harry” were filmed at Kezar Stadium, the team’s home from 1946 to 1971.
Celebrity fans: Robin Williams, Jennifer Garner, Dana Carvy
Mascot: Sourdough Sam is a bearded miner who harkens back to the California Gold Rush days of 1849. And SF is known for its sourdough bread.
Coach Jim Harbaugh
The younger Harbaugh, 49, played QB for Baltimore — both the Colts and the Ravens before getting into coaching. In his second year as San Francisco head coach, Harbaugh is known for the red Sharpie pen on the whistle (which he never uses) that hangs around his neck.
He has five children, from his first marriage, and another with his wife, Sarah.
Colin Kaepernick, No. 7, quarterback
Underdogs love Kaepernick, who was forced off the bench when QB Alex Smith got hurt, midseason. He’s known for kissing his heavily tatted biceps after a touchdown pass in a move called — he’s attempting to trademark “Kaepernicking.” Perhaps he keeps his inked muscles so ripped by lifting Sammy, his 115-pound pet tortoise.
Randy Moss, No. 84, wide receiver
Aching for a Super Bowl win to add to his resume, Moss came out of a yearlong retirement to join 49ers and achieve his Super Bowl dream. The outspoken West Virginia native recently owned a NASCAR team.