What will unfold in ‘14?

Published 12:00 am Thursday, January 2, 2014

This new year is shaping up to be a good one in sports.

In 2013, there were many memorable moments, from the blackout at the Super Bowl, Miami Heat’s triumphant run to a second-straight World Championship and Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning’s incredible regular season. By the way, Manning finished the regular season with 5,477 passing yards, which is just one year ahead of New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees’ 2011 NFL record of 5,476.

Those are just a few of what 2013 brought to sports enthusiasts.

When I look at the spread this year has in store for us, it makes my heart beat rise and a smile comes across my face.

I’ll start with the Super Bowl on Feb. 2.

This game is looking to be a memorable one as players will battle the outside elements at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the home of the New York Giants and New York Jets.

Many critics say the weather will impact the way the game is played, but who doesn’t like watching pro football players slipping and sliding everywhere as they scramble for the football?

Merely a few days later, the 2014 Winter Olympics, will start in Russia on Feb. 7. I remember watching them in 2010 and was amazed at what these athletes could do on the ice, in the snow and who doesn’t remember the curling event?

Hockey then will come into the national picture with the NHL’s playoffs starting on April 16.

Will the Chicago Blackhawks repeat this year?

Baseball will then get going as the regular season starts in late April, and with it comes a new season and a new opportunity for MLB teams to show why they can compete for a championship when it matters in October.

Late in June, the NBA’s long playoff system will draw to a close, and yes the Heat are one of the few teams vying for another title. The others include Oklahoma City, Indiana, the Clippers out of Los Angeles, the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs, to name a few.

Can Lebron help guide the Heat to their third-straight title?

By the time July rolls around, college football will be at the forefront of news around here as fans gear up for another thrilling season.

This year marks the first installation of the College Football Playoff format.

College football will then kickoff around the same time as high school, and thus another sports year begins.

What will 2014 bring in sports?

The answers will unfold in the next 363 days.