Being a Patriots fan in New England is something that is very difficult to explain to people. They just don’t seem to understand the pure joy we get when Tom Brady runs on the field or the elation when Gronk spikes his touchdown. Football isn’t just a sport in New England; it’s a way of life.

I have grown up in New England, so I have never been a fan of any other team. I hadn’t really gotten into watching football until I was in college, but now I can safely say I can’t imagine Sundays without it. There’s something about a group of people coming together with one dream: to watch the Patriots win. You can’t go on the Internet these days without seeing “In Tom We Trust” or “Do Your Job.” These quotes inspire our city with each passing game.

Everyone loves Tom Brady (AKA The Goat). Women swoon over him; heck, even men swoon over him. He is held at an unreachable standard on the East coast. To others around the country, it might seem like a little much. More than once I have heard how overrated he is and how he doesn’t actually do anything. To that I respond with, “Have you ever seen a game?!” Tom Brady doesn’t just play football, he isn’t just our QB1 -- he brings happiness to New England. When a blizzard is enveloping our part of the country and when the weather drops well below freezing, we look to Tom Brady to warm our hearts.

Unlike other fan groups, Patriots fans span far and wide, across the country, over the oceans. Once a Patriots fan, always a Patriots fan. I know people who go to college in Ohio, Oklahoma, Indiana, and California and wear their Patriots pride as loudly as they can.

Our team is good. I’m not really sure how to say it without sounding smug but the Patriots are frickin’ awesome. We can always count on them to be in the playoffs every year.

This team is full of laughs! Who isn’t going to chuckle a little when Gronk gets interviewed with his goofy smile and infectious spirit? Of course, how could we forget our beloved coach Bill Belichick? I’ve seen the man smile exactly three times on television so he’s probably done it all of five times in his life.

If anyone ever gets thirsty, you can look to Julian Edelman for some smoothie time. Not only do you get to learn how to make smoothies from our favorite wide receiver, but also he teaches you how to make the perfect Best Friend Smoothie. Sip up, New England, your smoothies are here.

If any team can be counted on to make a comeback, you know it’s your very own New England Patriots. Too many times we have been losing going into the second half or the fourth quarter only to pull from behind to victory. The fire the Patriots light in every single fan across the nation is unfathomable and certainly unparalleled.

Go on, New England -- wear your jerseys, put on your hats with the pom-poms, and continue to fall deeply and madly in love with Tom Brady.

Even though our season is over it doesn't mean we won't come back stronger and harder than ever. The Patriots are always in our hearts.