words_Brandon Richard

With a trip to Super Bowl XLV on the line, it appeared that two teams were prepared to get the job done, while the other two seemed to lack the enthusiasm necessary to advance. In their respective Conference Championship games on Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers used fast starts to jump out to early leads. Neither team was particularly as dominant in the second half, but the fact that they came out of the locker room ready to play from the jump proved to be the difference in the games.

Now, two of the most storied franchises in NFL history have a date with destiny on February 6th. Super Bowl XLV takes place at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas, and you better believe both teams will be ready to play the biggest game of their lives.

Here’s a look at the footwear and apparel worn on the field for the NFL Conference Championship games.

Aaron Rodgers passes in the Nike Air LT Superbad.

Jay Cutler looks to air it out in the upcoming Nike Zoom Alpha Talon.

Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher returns an interception in the Nike Air Zoom Merciless.

Chester Taylor runs for a touchdown in the Reebok NFL Molded Burner Speed.

Chicago’s D.J. Moore tries to tackle Aaron Rodgers in the Under Armour Blur Low.

Back-up quarterback Caleb Hanie tried to play hero for Chicago, also wearing Nike’s Air Zoom Alpha Talon.

Big B.J. Raji celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown in the Nike Zoom Hyperfly.

The Green Bay Packers huddle for a team prayer in the Reebok NFL Conference Champs Locker Room T-Shirt.

Mark Sanchez warms up for the game in a Jets colorway of Nike’s Air LT Superbad.

Ben Roethlisberger looks ready to go in his Nike Air Marauder Player Exclusive.

Rashard Mendenhall dodges a tackle in the Nike Super Speed.

Tight end Heath Miller makes a diving catch in an exclusive colorway of the Reebok NFL U-Form 4Speed.

Hines Ward looks to the sideline in this Nike Throwback TD Player Exclusive.

Santonio Holmes catches a long touchdown pass in the Reebok Molded NFL Burner Speed.

Mike Wallace and Darrelle Revis battle for the ball wearing opposing colorways of the Nike Zoom Vapor Carbon Fly.

James Farrior celebrates a big defensive play in the Nike Air Zoom Merciless.

Rashard Mendenhall holds up the Lamar Hunt trophy in the Reebok NFL Conference Champs Locker Room T-Shirt.

images via ESPN