Man declined free Super Bowl ticket worth $11k to attend sister-in-law's wedding, sparking fierce debate

On February 9, 2025, over 127.7 million viewers watched one of the most epic games in the world, the Super Bowl LIX, per FOX Sports. Moreover, for many, watching the Super Bowl live in a stadium is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, for a man named Tim from Austin, Texas, it is not as important as it is for others. Rather, he preferred to play the role of a classic family man. In a TikTok video, Tim’s wife, Jessica Anderson–who goes by @tinytello on the platform–shared that he declined a $11,000 Super Bowl ticket to attend her sister’s wedding.

"Next time you're sad, just remember Tim had to decline a free $11,000 Super Bowl ticket to attend my sister's wedding," Anderson wrote in the video's overlay text. The video garnered over 1.3 million views in less than a day. In the comments section, more than 1,200 TikTok users jumped in to discuss and share their opinions on Tim’s unusual choice. While some called it “insane,” others said it was clap-worthy. “The Super Bowl happens every year, he chose his family over the Super Bowl. Everyone clap!” commented @syraiii._. @miah.isenor16 said, “These comments need to get a grip. I’m glad your man loves and values you because the comment section cannot relate.”

Sharing their take on the entire matter, @mangococonut30 wrote, “Major family events are worth more than anything money can buy.” Others, however, opposed Tim’s choice and said he should have gone to the football game instead. “He should have gone. Once in a lifetime opportunity,” said @taylorbass78. Many people mistook the entire situation and blamed Tim's wife for not allowing him to attend the game. “I would 100% be letting mine go to the Superbowl. $11000 is worth missing a wedding,” wrote @maryjane. @al3xys added, “I don’t even like football, but I would’ve gone to the game.” @nicholasmarie226 quipped, “They better never get divorced!”

Seeing comments like “let him go” and “free this man,” Anderson was understandably perturbed. She posted a follow-up video clarifying that she did not stop her husband from going to the game. "Y'all are so triggered. Let me clear things up. My husband was allowed to go to the Super Bowl. He decided to not go on his own," she said.

She also explained that even if Tim had wanted badly to go to the Super Bowl, he could not. "It was logistically impossible for him to attend because he was invited at 9 p.m. the day before we were leaving on our flight to Mexico for the wedding,” she explained. While addressing those who called her husband out because he missed the “once-in-a-lifetime experience” of the Super Bowl, she noted, “And for everyone saying, 'Oh, my God, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience,' I do not subscribe to that limiting belief. I will be going to the Super Bowl many more times in this lifetime, so keep that belief to yourself."

You can follow Jessica Anderson (@tinytello) on TikTok for lifestyle and swimwear videos.