llinois Gov. Pat Quinn kicked off his Super Bowl Sunday with a message of service and humility at a South Side megachurch.
"We have to address each day with new eyes, no grudges," Quinn told the congregation of thousands at Salem Baptist Church in Chicago. "We always have to learn every day."
Quinn did not specifically mention former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was booted from office on Thursday and faces federal corruption charges. Blagojevich has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Instead, Quinn talked vaguely of his plans for the state and mentioned some attributes he believes a governor should have.
"A lot of things have happened since last Sunday," he said. "The governor of Illinois, or governor of any place, ought to be a humble person ... My heart is always at your service."
He added: "It's a tough time economically for people, we've got to make sure we help our neighbor."
In his approximately 10-minute address, Quinn cited scripture and addressed the importance of education, pointing specifically to the church's Rev. James T. Meeks, who is also an Illinois state senator.
Meeks, a Chicago Democrat, has held several high-profile protests with Chicago Public Schools students to draw attention to education funding in Illinois.
Quinn, 60, also praised black leaders including President Barack Obama and poet Gwendolyn Brooks in recognition of Black History Month.
The state's former lieutenant governor said he received a congratulatory phone call from Obama on Friday.
Quinn has said he will travel to Washington during his first full week in office to lobby for federal money and repair relationships he claims soured during Blagojevich's tenure.
