For any sports fan, witnessing one of your teams win a championship is a top five best feeling. Witnessing every single one of your teams win at least one championship by the age of 21 is something special. In my case, it has been the Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, and most often, the New England Patriots. My generation has been lucky enough to witness multiple duck tour celebrations through the streets of Boston. Further, we have been witness to the evolution of the New England Patriots and Tom Brady…
For those born in the mid 90's like me, we have grown up alongside one of the best teams in NFL history. Some fans hope for a championship appearance each year, some fans hope to just make the playoffs each year, and some fans even just hope for a winning record. For a Patriots fan, every year seems like a Super Bowl or bust. With the start of the 2016 season, it is no different. Even without our lord and savior Tom Brady for the first 4 games, the Patriots are still considered a contender to win the Super Bowl. Throughout the past decade and a half, New England has continued to be a powerhouse in the AFC and the league as a whole.
2001—The year the city of champions was born. February 3rd, 2002 was a special day to witness and is one of my earliest memories of the Patriots. As a 6-year-old kid, I remember being with all of my uncles and aunts glued to the TV and exploding with cheers as the ball went through the uprights.
2003—Another one. Was 2001 a fluke? 2003 season begs to differ. Many fans live for the day one of their teams can bring home the hardware. Now, I am 8 years old and have witnessed two Super Bowl victories by New England.
2004—Dynasty complete. 3 rings, 4 years, can’t get much better than that. By now, 9 years old, and it seems like rings and the Patriots go hand in hand. So far, it has been unreal to grow up in this time as a sports fan, more specifically a Patriots fan.
2014—Yep, Pats are still good. Thank you to Malcolm Butler for reminding the NFL that the Patriots are the number one team and Tom Brady should not be doubted. I remember sitting in my college dorm, refusing to talk to anyone and eyes glued to the screen. The video of the goal-line interception will always put a smile on my face.
As a 90's kid, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick ARE the New England Patriots. At 21, I have seen 4 Super Bowl Championship wins by the Pats and Belichick. Yes, there have been some bad memories and VERY lucky plays that cost us, but overall, this generation of football fans has been blessed. The 2001 victory will forever be etched in my memory. So will 2003. So will 2004. And so will 2014.
