That moral laws were not handed down by a personal God who may wreak havoc on the infringement of those laws. It is not surprising then that so many people find the purveyors of the paranormal comforting despite, in fact probably because of, their proven falseness. At least these people tell us that there are forces out there beyond our control and understanding. Our team, whoever we are, represents good, and the other evil. We can, as a species, appreciate and participate in this myth, which may explain why so many watch and enjoy.
Science offers no such metaphors.
While we scientists may argue that our quest is against the greatest common enemy of all humankind, ignorance, this somehow fails to ignite the expectations of most people. So ours will always be a lonely pursuit, bereft of attention and accolades bestowed by the many, instead of the select few. However, we have come a long way since Galileo Galilei was confined to house arrest for destroying the myth of the centrality of man and his Earth in the universe. While science and scientists may not be beloved, and while most people treat scientists and science with some suspicion, there is a truce. So I think, Mr. Rooney, there may be a good reason why there is no Super Bowl of science, and it may be best that way.