I am a New England Patriots fan. I have been a fan since I was about 12. At that age I had just started to wrap my head around the game, seeing as I only watched the Super Bowl from that point it took me a while.

Nonetheless, between the attractive jerseys, young handsome QB and a solid winning streak, not to mention I live in New England, I chose the NE Patriots as my team. The team to root for, the team to follow and the team I came to love. Now I live in what is considered as the "Tri-state Area." An area that encompasses areas in lower CT and NY, as well as upper New Jersey--all centrally located around the city. I didn't realize I was choosing such a difficult path. Between the Giants and Jets fans its hard to sell your case a top their yelling.

However, the few times over the years when I have met a fellow fan in the area I've noticed we have a few things in common as dedicated Pats fans:

1. The words "Tom Brady" and "God" are often uttered in the same sentence.

2. You let go of the fact the Coach Bill Belichick looks like a Sith Lord with his cut up hoodies and recognize his true genius for gathering one of the greatest teams the NFL has ever seen.

LOL.

3. The name Kraft means more than macaroni and cheese.

4. Living in New England is one of your strongest arguments for being a Patriots fan when you live in the CT Tri-state area.

5. The ratio 18-1 makes you shed a single tear, but can quickly back it up with the facts that unlike some teams...the Patriots continue to make it to the playoffs.

6. If at the scene, you would have given Tom Brady a high five.

7. Sometimes Matt and Ben are your only true allies.

8. You will always have to defend Tom Brady's poor endorsement deals. "But Uggs are so soft!"

9. You study politics to better address matters such as "Illegally Filming the Other Team", "Deflategate" and "Bribery". Pleading the 5th often works.

10. You lose more sleep over the thought of Tom Brady retiring than paying off your student loan debt.

11. Keeping track of the Patriots wins feels like a personal accomplishment "Four Super Bowl wins, check. Over 200 game wins, check. Good job team!" *High fives self*

12. Giving the team a pep talk in your car after a bad game is part of the norm. As well as, screaming at the steering wheel for a week after the team loses the Super Bowl, but let's not talk about that.

There are many more things that I could say about being a Patriots, or at the moment have forgotten. I will say this, nothing brings me more joy than seeing my team (Yes, I take ownership of them) play during football season.

I know Pats fans have a bad reputation, but we're just passionate and occasionally let are emotions get the best of us. We're human, OK! I don't, and will never regret my decision to be a Patriots fan (I mean who doesn't want to watch Julian Edelman run around?!)