There are so many things to be thankful for being a New Englander. There is so much history in this region of the U.S., plus diverse states, the four seasons, lobster...and then there is football. We live and breathe football; it is simply in our blood, and having a team that can bring us so much excitement is the icing on the cake. That team, the New England Patriots are definitely something to be thankful for. This season may not have ended as we anticipated considering the start, but there are so many reasons why we still love and support our professional football team.
1. We have Tom Brady.
Yes he has four rings, yes his wife is former Victoria's Secret model Gisele, yes his kids are adorable, yes he may get rejected with high fives, but yes he is still one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. He holds records on records. And 16 seasons later after being the 199th draft pick back in 2000 for the Patriots, Tom Brady is considerably the face of the team. #12 on the field, #1 in our hearts.
2. Belichick is still a boss.
The list goes on for Bill Belichick as New England Patriots head coach with 16 years of experience, four Superbowl wins, six conference titles, 12 division titles, 22 playoff victories. With now 41 years under his belt coaching professional football, he is one of the best coaches in the NFL today and in history. With all the stats (and his usual grey cutoff sweatshirt) he really doesn't ever disappoint.
3. Together we have the Brady and Belichick bromance.
People joke but 16 seasons together can really bring on a bromance. The Patriots would not be where they are today without the two. They have won four Superbowls together and also faced some tough defeats. However, the love is always there.
4. Patriots players overcome their injuries like champs.
This season showed it all. With an injury report 20 names deep, the Patriots did not have an easy season. Amendola, Edelman, Gronkowski, Brady, Jones, Ninkovich, Slater, you get the point. Some of the major players for the team were injured at some point throughout the regular and post-season, but that did not stop the Patriots from being a powerhouse.
5. New Englanders don't bandwagon.
Sports consume New Englanders. We grow up playing sports, watching sports, talking about sports, and going to sports games. No matter how our professional teams do, New England sports fans are some of the most loyal to their teams from the beginning. Bandwagoning is not in our vocabulary. In good times and bad, we stick with our teams seriously through wins, losses, injuries, it all. We're superfans, to say the least.
6. Whenever they win, we win.
It is always a great feeling after a Sunday win walking around pridefully in your Patriots gear. I mean you truly feel like you played in that game after screaming at the TV for the majority of it or cheering as loud as you can. Your ankle even feels a little sore after witnessing one of the players go down. However, the extra perk of the team's win was the free Dunkin coffee you got on Monday, am I right? But really, a 12-4 regular season as a fan gives you the feels.
7. We have been through a lot.
The Deflategate scandal last year really brought to the surface how much other people seem to hate the Patriots, New England sports teams and their fans in general. With that said, Patriots fans are always down to defend the pride of their team. I mean we're on a first-name basis with every team member, it's like having your best friends back. Don't worry, we got you Tom.
8. Boston sports teams always make the best comebacks.
New England sports teams come back with a vengeance after defeating seasons or games, and so do their fans. With some of the most championship wins in the history of any city, some of the saddest moments in sports history, and with some of the longest periods without wins, there is always hope for a comeback on the horizon. Let us not forget (even though we all want to) the "Curse of the Bambino" aka the 86 season drought in between the Red Sox World Series wins. Maybe, 2016 will be the Patriots year. Fingers and rings crossed.
9. They gave us a whole new season to look forward to.
The whole fun of being a die-hard sports fan is following a team throughout a season. No matter the outcome, you were there through it all. Yes, it would have been great for a Superbowl win this year, but there is always next season. Being a Patriots fan is a lifestyle, so keep wearing your Patriots gear and preseason will be here before you know it.
10-15. Have you seen the team?
Oh and last, but definitely not least, how can we not love the Patriots and forgive them for not making it to the Super Bowl with their looks? Just wow.
Thank you, Patriots, for an amazing season. We'll get em next year boys.
With love,
New England Sports Fans
