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I usually try to make this column lighthearted, but it will be hard this week. Super Bowl week was tarnished with the terrible news that Derrick Thomas, the great Chiefs linebacker, was paralyzed in a car accident that killed one of his friends. Once again, we've been reminded, sadly, that the stars we often idolize are just as human, just as vulnerable as us. Thomas was the greatest pass-rushing linebacker of the last decade, perhaps only a notch below Lawrence Taylor in the annals of pro football. At times, he seemed unstoppable, too quick and too strong for all but the very best offensive tackles. He was a blur of red and white, hammering at the football before any receiver could get open. One afternoon in the fall of 1990, he sacked Seahawks quarterback Dave Krieg seven times, setting a record that still seems unfathomable. His injury -- which a seat belt could have prevented -- puts life and football in perspective. As a Hall of Fame-caliber linebacker, he exhibited athletic ability most of us could only dream of. But as a disabled man, he will struggle to regain the type of ability most of us take for granted. If he wasn't courageous before, he will need to be now. If we didn't root for him before, we surely must now.

TITANIC BATTLE: The Jaguars were eager to play in this Sunday's big game, having recorded a Super Bowl rap video. But it backfired on them, providing ample motivation for the Titans, who beat the Jags for the third time this season. The stadium emptied so fast, you would have thought that John Rocker had shown up. The Titans were so dominant that it would be hardly surprising if they upset the Rams and won the Super Bowl. That would be salt in the wounds of the Buffalo Bills, who failed to win the Super Bowl in four tries and who should have upset the Titans in the wild-card game, if not for the Music City Miracle. After barely beating the gritty Bucs, the Rams look vulnerable. If the Titans control the ball and keep Kurt Warner on the bench, they could eke out a win. But if the Rams can block Jevon Kearse and get the ball to Marshall Faulk and Isaac Bruce, they could win big, giving America another chance to hear more gibberish from Georgia.

SAD BACK: Marshall Faulk didn't look too happy during the post-game celebration Sunday, perhaps because he had just been nudged from the limelight by a journeyman receiver named Ricky Proehl. Faulk may have been the team's season MVP, but Proehl -- who made the biggest play of the game -- got to take a lap with the championship trophy. Proehl better not try to run off with the Super Bowl trophy or Faulk will probably tackle him.

INSTANT ELIMINATION: Instant replay is good for the game, but it needs to be upgraded, sort of like Bud Adams' wig. In Sunday's NFC championship game, a video review wiped out a 11-yard reception by Bert Emanuel, hurting the Bucs during their critical final drive. Part of the ball may have touched the ground, but Emanuel had his hands around it. Refs must be reminded not to change a call unless the replay shows convincing evidence that it was wrong. To borrow a word from former Monday Night Football analyst Dan Dierdorf, the evidence must be "incontrovertible." Look that up in the dictionary, Boomer.

BITS AND PIECES: The losing coach usually provides a sobering interview, but Tom Coughlin's on Sunday was one of the funniest. As he spoke to a CBS reporter, a team official walked behind him wearing only a shirt. He apparently lost his pants betting on the Jags. ... Jags running back Fred Taylor lost a lot more than just pants. He was recently scammed out of more than $3 million. What's happening in the NFL? First Ricky Williams, now Taylor. ... The constant close-up shots of Kurt Warner's wife are getting old. Come on, directors, be more creative. How about some shots of other people, such as Kurt Warner's sister, mother and grandmother?