Wisconsin. The 30th state is widely known for her dairy cows and dairy products, especially cheese. Many often poke fun of her for being a literal cheesehead, but she doesn't seem bothered by the mean nicknames. In fact, she loves the nicknames. She embraces the term to the point it became a proud representation of her NFL team, the Green Bay Packers.

American football is a unique sport that centers itself on American tradition, tracing its roots back to the late 19th century. Today, the National Football League (NFL) hosts widely watched games between teams representing cities across America. By the end of the season, two of the most successful teams compete in what is known as the Super Bowl; the winner is crowned the champion for that season. Among the teams in the NFL, one of the most passionate are the Green Bay Packers. Besides cheese, many Packers fans are ecstatic whenever their team win a Super Bowl. This is true in 2011 when the Green Bay Packers went against the Pittsburgh Steelers, proving themselves once again to be the pride of many cheeseheads.

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February 6, 2011 ~ Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

"SON OF A BIIIIITCH!!!" Pennsylvania screamed at the top of her lungs. She clenched the Terrible Towel between her teeth, caught in disbelief of that interception and consequential touchdown. Echoing in the stadium in addition to millions of homes across America were the groans of many Steelers fans who, too, couldn't believe their eyes.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin and many cheeseheads cheered to another touchdown. "YEEEEAAAAAHH! Touchdown! WOoooOHOoooO!" she shouted.

It was only the first quarter, and the Packers were already ahead in the game by 14 points. Meanwhile, the Steelers had yet to get their act together. And that was pissing the hardcore Steelers fan off!

"I swear by Franklin's balls if the Steelers don't score in the second quarter I'm going to burn the stadium down!" She crushed her beer can in hand. The states who sat close by the Steelers fan scooted away from her, not wanting to get crushed by her steel fists.

Sitting close by at the miniature lounge within the VIP room, Michigan and Minnesota were chattering to themselves while watching the game on the TV screen. Their conversation was interrupted by Texas holding a platter of cheese and crackers.

"Hey, y'all! Have you eaten enough? Do you want these cheese and crackers?" the Texan questioned as she continued to push the tray closer to the two Midwestern states.

"I'm already full on the sliders, but thank you, Tex," Minnesota politely refused before munching down on her last cheeseburger slider.

"Are you sure? There's plenty of food to go around."

"We're good, Tex!" Michie pushed the tray away. "Stop trying to make us fat."

Tex placed a hand on her hip, looking slightly offended. "Well, excuse me, wrench head. I have trays full of cheese and chocolate that can cover the entire country of Switzerland." She made a hitchhiker's thumb to the back counter.

The bigger-is-better Texan went all out for this Super Bowl. Not only did she book a VIP room, she also paid for top-quality catering services. She might've gotten carried away with the catering for there was enough food left to feed a homeless shelter. Thirty cheeseburger sliders were still left on the tray. Alongside the leftover sliders was a half-full tray of baby-back pork ribs. Beside the ribs was a a small pyramid made out of foot-long, grilled chicken and bell pepper skewers. In addition to all that, there were also six shrimp cocktails left. Tex even made sure to cater to the 'sheep', providing platters of celleries and carrots as well as a giant fruit bowl. As for beverages, anyone can ask Texas and she'll have it in supply. Water, soda, beer, she even hired a bartender to stir up some cocktails. She really went all out.

Although, maybe she should've held back on ordering the three-tier chocolate fountain and fifteen cheese platters...

"Did anyone eat before the Super Bowl?" Tex questioned the room again, still holding a platter of cheese. "All of this is on me, and I expect everything to be gone by the end of the game."

"Not our fault," said New York from the bar stool. "That's what you get for catering food meant to feed fifty people." He took a sip from his cocktail.

Tex scowled at the New Yorker. "Okay. Maybe I've gone too far ordering that much cheese. Honestly, I thought the cheesehead would've ate five trays by the end of the first quarter."

New Jersey shook his head and sighed. "Tex. Penny and Wisconsin aren't like you when you eat jalapeno poppers."

"You could've at least substituted half the trays with crab," Maryland grumbled from her seat as she nibbled on her rib.

Tex rolled her eyes. "Fine, fine. I'll be sure to order my favorite crab snob a bucket of blue crab for the next Super Bowl I host." She typed a reminder into her phone.

"Still, what are we going to do with all that cheese?" Minnesota looked worryingly at the untouched cheese boards at the back counter. 

"Don't worry, Millie." Wisconsin laughed. "When I win, I'll force Pennylose to eat all that cheese as a part of our bet."

Penny groaned at the horrible pun the cheesehead had given her. "You're forgetting this isn't the end of the game. Just you wait and watch the Packers choke on their feces." She proceeded to text the head coach to stop the cheese brains from moving forward and make some good plays already.

York sighed. "Assuming Penny loses the game-"

"I'm still in it!"

"... I doubt she would eat fifteen platters of cheese, let alone three."

Tex frowned. "Then, what am I supposed to do with all that cheese? I can't let it go to waste."

Everyone took a few seconds to think of an idea.

"I know!" Illinois snapped his fingers. "How about we have a cheese eating contest? The one who eats the most will get a free flight back home. How about it?"

"That's stupid," said Michigan. "Wisconsin is obviously going to win in that department. She's basically a human mouse."

"She's right," Tex agreed with that statement. "She is the god of cheese. Never in my life have I known somebody with that much knowledge on cheese without getting sick of it." Tex walked up to Wisconsin. "Hey, cheesehead."

Wisconsin cocked her head. "Yeah?"

"What type of cheese is this?" Tex showed Wisconsin a wooden tray full of berries and creamy white cheese blocks.

Wisconsin took a toothpick and plopped a cheese cube into her mouth. Everyone except Penny quietly watched the cheesehead chew on the cheese cube before she swallowed it.

"Rich, creamy..." She smacked her tongue. "It has a bit of a fruity flavor and a nutty taste. This cheese reminds me of the Italian mountains, beautifully rich and extravagant. Without a doubt, this is BellaVitano." She looked to Tex who made a nod of acknowledgment.

Everyone except for Texas and Pennsylvania were awed by Wisconsin's talent.

"She really is a mouse," said Illinois.

A rosy blush grew on Wisconsin's cheeks. "It's not that big of a deal," she giggled. 

"No big deal? I assume every white cheese is mozzarella!" Jersey exclaimed.

"Hey! Try this one!" Illinois got another tray full of lightly colored cheese cubes. This one was paired with a half-circle block of cheese with the red wax still intact.

Wisconsin picked up another toothpick and ate one of the cheese cubes. Like before, she savored the cheese as she ate it. She then made her assessment after swallowing the bit. "Interesting... It's smooth, buttery, yet it's still firm. Sweet and nutty flavor... And the way it's presented... I want to say it's gouda, but the gouda is a bit softer than this. ... It has to be Edam."

The room turned to Tex who ordered the cheese. She gave a thumbs-up. "Told ya she's cheese god." She smirked.

Everyone applauded another correct answer.

"Isn't there a cheese you don't know?" York asked.

She rubbed the back of her neck. "Well, not to brag, but I've studied a master program on cheeses, so I guess I know a majority of them. Heheheh..."

"ALRIGHT!" Penny suddenly burst in excitement.

Everyone turned their attention to the only state who was watching the second quarter. "You got a touchdown?" Minnie asked.

Penny slouched at the question. "... I got a field goal... B-But it's better than a zero at least!"

Most of the states didn't know how to react. They could make fun of her, but they decided to turn their attention back to Wisconsin the Cheese Nerd who was busying herself with more Edam cheese cubes.

While Wisconsin was busy talking to her friends, Michigan was scanning the selection of cheeses at the back of the room. She, too, decided to test the cheesehead's knowledge. She chose a cheese she thinks would put up a challenge. She looked back at the Texan and noticed the red, white, and blue bandana she was wearing. A mischievous smile grew on her face.

She went over to the Texan. "Hey, Tex. May I borrow your bandana for a while?"

Texas gave her a dirty look. She then noticed a glint in Michigan's eyes. She got the idea. "Make sure you give it back when you're done." She untied the bandana around her neck and handed it to her.

Michigan went over to Wisconsin. Without warning, she started to wrap the bandana around Wisconsin's baby blue eyes. The Badger State got riled by the sudden darkness around her eyes.

"H-Hey! What are you doing? I can't see!"

"Relax. I'm just making this challenge a little harder for you," the Wolverine State giggled.

After tying the bandana tightly around Wisconsin's eyes, Michigan proceeded to grab her chosen cheese from the back counter and bring it over. "Here comes the third challenge," she announces.

Unaware to Wisconsin, this next cheese dish was accompanied with ripe cherry tomatoes and fresh basil; all of which was marinated in olive oil. Michie hoped this combination of flavors would throw off her taste buds. She was completely confident she would trip up the cheesehead with this challenge.

After grasping the air for three seconds, Minnie volunteer to help the cheesehead taste her food. The Gopher State took a skewer and had Wisconsin open her mouth. She proceeded to put all three ingredients into her mouth as the cheesehead tasted her third challenge. Her face scrunched up, tasting the tomato first before she got a hold of the cheese's soft texture. She was quick to devour her morsel. She was about to answer when-

"YOU GOTTA BE SHITTING ME!!!" Penny's screams went off like a siren.

"Let me guess. Another interception," Maryland uttered, unfazed by her neighbor's outrageous reaction.

The Pennsylvanian was biting on her yellow towel like a boxer, too focused on her frustration not to pay her neighbor any attention. "Fucking Rawlis- Rotherlist- Roeth- Ben! What the fuck are you doing?! I may as well throw the ball myself I swear to God!"

No one bothered to calm her down. Instead, they were more interested on hearing Wisconsin's answer.

"As you were saying, cheesehead?" Michigan asked with a smirk, thinking she got the best of her neighbor.

On the contrary, she didn't.

"It's quite obvious this cheese is fresh mozzarella," she said with a cool face.

As soon as she said mozzarella, most of the states applauded to a third correct answer in a row. Michigan's jaw fell to the floor in disbelief as the cheesehead asked Minnie to feed her another mozzarella skewer.

"How?"

"I recognize this recipe a dozen times. Most of them use mozzarella, so I'm not surprised. Good try though. By the way, can I take the blindfold off? I want to see how my team is doing."

Wisconsin peeked out from her blindfold. She looked at through the glass to see the scoreboard on the jumbo screen. She saw the Packers offense at the 21 yard line within Steelers territory. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers grabbed the ball from the air as offensive linebackers pushed back the Steelers defense. Rodgers threw the ball into the air. The football arched like a missile down the center of the field. It was heading toward wide receiver Greg Jennings. A Steelers defender tried to prevent the catch. But it was too late. Jennings managed to catch the ball at the touchdown line before he got tackled to the ground. The ball was still in his possession. There were no yellow flags on the field. Many referees gave the signal, confirming a touchdown. Thus, once again, the Packers gained six more points to further their lead.

Packers fans rejoiced while Steelers fans were forced to see their opponents jumping like children to another touchdown. One Steelers fan in particular was more than upset. She was livid like a metal dragon on steroids.

"Really, defense?! You didn't see that one coming?! Where were you guys during the AFC championship?! I swear you're making me look bad on purpose!" She glared at Wisconsin who was doing a small dance around the room. "Quit it!"

"Not until the Steelers decide to actually play football." She smirked.

Penny gritted her teeth. "There's still over two minutes left on the clock! They'll score, and we'll make our comeback in the third quarter. Just wait and see!"

Sure enough, the Steelers managed to make their first touchdown by the thirty second mark. By the end of the first half of the game, the score was 21-10 with the Packers in the lead. However, things might change in the Steelers if they were to play well in the second half. Until then, everyone could take a break from football. Then again, the states were already distracted with Wisconsin's cheese-tasting abilities not to care too much for the game.

~ After the Halftime Show and Super Bowl commercials ~

"Okay, how about this one?" Minnie offered the next platter of cheese. This cheese had a golden grilled pattern on the outside while the inside had a smooth, creamy white texture.

Wisconsin took a toothpick and plopped the twelfth cheese cube into her mouth. She carefully chewed the cheese, noting its unique taste before swallowing. She could feel the entire room anticipating her answer. She smirked.

"Mild with a faint aroma... Semi-soft and elastic... This kind of cheese reminds me of the German kind. It has a solid outer texture with a soft, creamy outside... This must be Muenster cheese." She heard the room's applause as she smiles at being correct once again.

"Hey, Penny. Can you tell different types of chocolates like Wisconsin can with cheese?" Illinois curiously asked the tense Pennsylvanian.

"I can, but I'm currently busy right now," she said with her eyes plastered on the football field. She really was determined to win.

Contrary to her obsessed attitude, Wisconsin was brim with delight seeing as she had yet to mistake a cheese. Thanks to her impressive answers, she got many states interested in cheese. Tex was more than happy to see about ten platters worth of cheese gone without a trace. Everyone, including her, was loving the cheese platters, becoming cheeseheads themselves.

"Hmm. This muenster cheese would taste great on a sandwich," York commented while snacking on a few cubes of the cheese himself.

"I can't believe what I'm missing out here," Illinois plopped two BellaVitano cheese cubes and berries into his mouth, savoring the combined taste.

"How about this cheese?" Jersey held tray full of white and gold colored cheese cubes alongside miniature discs of salami.

Wisconsin giggled. "You guys aren't even trying. I know without a doubt that's cheddar cheese." She didn't bother to pick up a cube.

"Are you sure?" Jersey dared, trying to instigate doubt.

"Of course I'm right. Right, Tex?" She turned to Tex who confirmed Wisconsin's answer with a nod.

"I'm just glad all this cheese is being eaten," siad Tex with a mouthful of Edam cheese.

"Okay! My turn now." Maryland brought over another tray of creamy white cheese. This one was accompanied with wheat crackers and olives. She offered Wisconsin a combination of cheese and olives onto a single cracker.

Wisconsin analyzes the morsel before taking a bite out of it. She hummed with interest. "Hmm... This type is similar to the German variety. Maybe those of the Danish kind...? It's quite supple with an acidic flavor... I think it's Havarti cheese."

Before Tex could confirmed her answer, someone's loud cheers interrupted her.

"Booyah! Touchdown, baby! Wooooo!" Pennsylvania jumped in excitement seeing her team catch up at a score of 21-17. She was still behind, however, there was still hope on her team making a comeback. If the Steelers could hold them off from scoring in the next play, they might have a chance on scoring ahead of their opponent. That was one possibility she hoped would happen. For now, she must wait and see.

After Pennsylvania calmed herself down, Tex finally finished answering everyone's question. "Bingo," she confirmed.

Wisconsin fist-bumped the air. "Yes! I knew it!"

Maryland rolled her eyes. "Of course you knew it. You're a cheesehead after all."

"After eating fourteen different kinds, I can confidently say I know them all," Wisconsin tittered.

"Okay. Last tray, and then you're done, Whitney." York brought out the last tray. Compared to the previous cheeses, this one was in liquid form. It was accompanied with tortilla chips, mimically Tex-Mex cuisine. Wisconsin actually looked interested seeing this kind of 'rare' cuisine before her eyes.

"That was cheese? I thought it was some kind of ranch sauce," Illinois admitted.

"Ranch with tortilla chips. That sounds disgusting." Michigan scowled.

"Ranch?" Wisconsin scrunched her face.

"Don't worry, cheesehead," Tex assured her. "This cheese is made by the great state of Texas, and I'm sure you'll like it." She held out the plate in front of Wisconsin.

The cheesehead took a chip and dipped it into the white cup that held the white, creamy cheese dip. She ate the chip, echoing a crunch and a hum at the same time. "This is very good, Tex," she mumbled. She couldn't help but eat another cheese-dipped chip. "By the way, is this cheese dip made from one cheese, or is it a mixture?"

"I could tell you..." Tex smirked. "But since you're a cheese god, I'll leave that up to you."

She playfully rolled her eyes at the Texan. "Okay then. I can play that game." She ate another chip. "Mild and quite fresh... I tasted similar cheese dips like this before, but this one seems light and not as processed. ... I can honestly name a few cheeses that are used to make cheese dip, but this one in particular... I'm honestly stumped." She grabbed another chip and ate it.

She repeated this process three more times. After eating the seventh chip, she breathed out a discouraged sigh. "I... I don't know..." She scowled. "This cheese dip is good, but I can't figure out what cheese it was made out of..." she confessed.

The entire room gasped.

"So, there is a cheese you can't guess!" Jersey laughed.

"Oh well! You can't beat them all." Michigan shrugged her shoulders.

Before another person could speak their mind, Wisconsin's disappointment slowly formed into a grin. "I'm just kidding! It's Queso Blanco!"

"Ding-ding-ding!" Tex gave two thumbs up at the answer.

Everyone suddenly went ballistic in drunken cheers.

"How did you know?" Minnie questioned.

Wisconsin ate another chip before telling her neighbor, "It was quite easy. I mean, the cheese reminded me of the Mexican variety, so it was quite easy to guess which cheese Tex used to make her dip."

Before anymore compliments were given to Wisconsin, someone had to interrupt the celebration. Again...

"NOOOOOOOO!" Penny raised her arms in frustration.

Everyone turned their heads to see Penny banging on the glass like a monkey going bananas.

"What now?" Maryland asked.

Penny turned her head to see everyone's eyes looking strangely at her. "They missed the field goal!" Penn yelled before kicking the glass. Everyone laughed, irritating Penny even more. "Don't laugh! Kicking fifty-two yards is difficult!"

"How much of the game is there left anyway?" Minnie asked.

"While you guys were busy with your cheddar contest, the third quarter had already ended," she grumbled.

"Already?" York exclaimed in shock.

"Now that I've tasted all the cheeses, let's watch the rest of the game and celebrate my win!" Wisconsin declared.

Penny shook her head. "Your win? You mean mine! My team is going to make a huge comeback this fourth quarter. Next thing you know, you'll be drowning your sorrows in the chocolate foundation once I win the game!"

"Only one way to find out," said Tex.

Everyone settled in their seat in front of the booth as they watched the game entered the fourth quarter, prepared to see this game end with a champion.

~

"Ending the game with a score of 31-25, the winner of Super Bowl XLV is the Green Bay Packers!" the announcer's voice echoed across the stadium.

Wisconsin became surrounded by her fellow states as they cheerfully got themselves drunks on champagne and what was left of the cheese boards.

"A toast the Packers' fourth Super Bowl win!" Wisconsin raised her glass. "Cheers!"

"Cheers!" Everyone clinked their glasses to Wisconsin's before chugging champagne down their throat.

"Congrats, cheesehead! Next year, we'll be sure to give you a harder time next season," Illinois laughed.

Wisconsin chuckled. "You silly FIB. Didn't anyone tell you the Bears suck?"

A couple of laughs went around the room.

Illinois tried to stay straight-face with the insult. "Watch your mouth, cheesehead. My team will be ready for next season. Believe me. You won't see me coming."

She giggled. "Anyway, let's go and take this after party elsewhere! The drinks are on me!" Wisconsin declared as everyone cheered, following after her out the VIP room.

The only person left out from the group was the die-hard Pennsylvanian who looked dead at this point. She lost all of her energy by the end of the game. What was left of her dignity was on the maroon carpet. She stayed on the ground like a cold, defeated corpse, contemplating what she just witnessed.

Tex came back to the room to get her bandana back. She hard Penny's groans and approached the burnt out Steelers fan on the ground. "Ya alright there?"

Pennsylvania didn't move. "Just let me die here," she groaned.

Tex shrugged. "Okay. We're going out to celebrate Wisconsin's win, so feel free to join us later."

"Go ahead..." Penny continued to lay in that spot as the Texan went out the room.

After all the drama that had happened, the victor of Super Bowl XLV was now the Green Bay Packers. Wisconsin not only celebrated her team's prowess that season, she also celebrated her talent as well. Like a true cheesehead, she was a person not to be underestimated as Pennsylvania and the others learned that memorable day.

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+ Originally, Wisconsin's chapter was a boring cheese tour, and I ended up trashing the chapter thanks to @Dinosquirrel42 who gave me some insight on their state. Funnily enough, they messaged their lack of knowledge in sports, and I ended up writing this chapter centering around the Super Bowl. Oh well.

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Feel free to vote or leave a comment on your thoughts of Wisconsin or place suggestions for future chapters on Wisconsin (history, facts, etc.)