Harbaughs In The Middle: Family Plans To Stay Neutral During ‘Harbowl’

January 25, 2013 2:13 PM

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BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Stuck in the middle. That’s exactly where the family of John and Jim Harbaugh say they want to remain when the two brothers square off in the Super Bowl.

Kai Jackson reports.

Looking at the Harbaughs, it appears the family that stays neutral, stays together.

Days before Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans, the family of opposing coaches John and Jim Harbaugh fielded questions from the media about their competing sons.

“You’re very conscious about not showing any emotion,” said dad Jack Harbaugh.

This question caught the ear and ire of mom, Jackie Harbaugh.

John Harbaugh: “Yeah, question from Baltimore. Is it true that you both like Jim better than John?”

Joanie Crean: “Is that John?”

Jack Harbaugh: “John Harbaugh? (Laughs)”

Coach John Harbaugh’s call-in joke was funny, but the importance of the family staying neutral for the Super Bowl is no laughing matter.

“It’s a big story on a big stage and the media has a job,” said Jackie Harbaugh.

“You watch the game completely emotionless. You watch it completely void of any feelings you have for anybody. You mean, you love them both the same,” said sister Joani Crean.

The Harbaugh brothers made history in 2011 when their respective teams played each other at M&T Bank Stadium on Thanksgiving Day. In that game the Ravens beat the 49ers 16-6.

For now it’s all smiles, and it will stay that way until Super Bowl Sunday.

“Mom was ready to come right through this phone. I’m so happy that Joanie recognized your voice,” Jack Harbaugh said.

The Harbaughs say the focus should really be–not just on the coaches–but all the players on both respective teams. They said they were very happy to root for John and Jim respectively in the AFC and NFC championships, because that way there were no feelings of guilt.