I've been a NE Patriots fan for as long as I can remember. My mom is from Boston and my aunt is a big fan. Between my nana and my aunt, I was groomed to be a Pats fan. One of the most distinct memories I have is from Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004, Carolina Panthers vs. NE Patriots. I live in North Carolina, so my dad was cheering on the Panthers and I was cheering on the Patriots. And I remember being so excited when the Pats won.
There are a few things us Pats fans can relate to, unlike anyone else in the league.
1. The feeling of having appeared in 9 Super Bowls in the last 20 years
I love watching my Pats play -
Paige Ryan
Win or lose, I love watching the big game every year. Sure, it's disappointing to take the loss, but the achievement of reaching that game is always sweet.
2. You're tired of hearing about "deflate-gate"
"Deflate-gate" was four years ago, and people are still making that joke. When it was rampant, people would get up in my face and ask me my opinion on it. I'm tired of people bringing it up.
3. You know there are more players than Brady & Gronk
I've also had people ask me to name other players than Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski. But we just have a really great team all around and some of the other players are my favorite!
4. Watching them play in 13 AFC championship games in the last 20 years
The Pats have not made it to every Super Bowl, but they've played for the AFC title 13 times in the last 20 years. Even when they don't make it to the final game, I still enjoy seeing their playoff bid.
5. The Patriots' slogans become a way of life
When the Patriots release their slogan, it literally becomes my anthem for the year. I swear I was saying, "Do your job" for ages.
6. Re-watching highlights on YouTube
I will watch the highlight videos from my favorite games every once in a while. It's just so satisfying.
7. They hate us because they ain't us
The Pats are subject to shade more than any other team in the NFL. When I wear my gear, I can't walk anywhere without one person trying to start a fight about how Tom Brady cheats, Gronk is overrated, and that the Pats suck. Too bad those people are wrong.
8. The last three years have been pretty good
Seahawks vs. Patriots
- Paige Ryan
We are on to our third straight year in the Super Bowl. I roll up to every Super Bowl get-together, ready to party.
9. You've seen some seriously nail-biting wins
Some games have come down to the last few minutes. You've also seen the Pats come up from a big score deficit. Sometimes I worry about them getting too relaxed when they're ahead. It always makes for an exhilarating ride.
10. The 2018 loss to the Eagles was a tough night
I spent the last Super Bowl in the home of Eagles' fans. Coming off 2017's win, I was confident and excited. So, it was a pretty sad to lose that one, but it was still a great game.
11. Being ready for the next Super Bowl
After a last year's loss, I'm ready for the rematch between the Rams & the Pats. Honestly, the 2018 season was off to a shaky start and I wasn't sure we were going to make it. But we did.
12. Being a fan of one of the best NFL teams
Pats fans for life -
Paige Ryan
No matter what, I'm a fan of the Pats through thick and thin. I just love watching the games and cheering them on.
Being a big Patriots fans definitely comes with some unique experiences. I have watched Super Bowls and AFC championship games, watching my team go up against a friend's team: the Broncos, Seahawks, Eagles, etc. No matter a win or a loss, I'm a Pats fan for life.
