Trust me when I say: this Sunday I’ll be rooting for the Eagles.
There’s always that one team–the one team that, for whatever reason, the general public cannot stand. It’s Duke in college basketball. It’s Notre Dame in college football. It’s the Yankees in Major League Baseball.
When it comes to the NFL, the New England Patriots reign supreme in that regard. The team from Foxborough, Massachusetts has become a thorn in the side of football fans everywhere.
I even find myself cheering against the Patriots and felt crushed when the Jaguars fell 24-20 to New England after leading for much of the game. I’m not alone. Betonline.ag says that fans in 45 out of 50 states will be rooting against New England in Super Bowl LII.
Just why are the Patriots disliked so much? I think there are three primary reasons: The Fan Base, Tom Brady, and Bill Belichick.
Fan Base
Courtesy: Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images
Maybe it’s just because I’m from the South, but fans up North are about as crude as oil and as blunt as a Cuban cigar. Added to that, New England fans can be just plain arrogant They flaunt their success, boasting about accomplishments they’ve had since Belichick took over in 2000 as the Patriots’ head man.
Those in the Patriots’ front office sit in comfy chairs, count money, and admire their hardware. And, for the most part, it’s all because of the exploits of two men.
Tom Brady
New England quarterback Tom Brady has defied odds his entire life. Faced with adversity, Brady has persevered each and every time.
Courtesy: CBS Sports
Brady was listed as seventh on the depth chart when he arrived at the University of Michigan in 1995. When he finally got playing time, he had to battle Drew Henson for the starting spot. Then, Brady went in the 6th and final round of the NFL Draft in 2000.
While persevering in the face of adversity would typically be an endearing quality, it doesn’t seem to apply to Brady–at least outside of the Patriots’ fan base. He should be a shining example for young players all across America. Brady has a great work ethic, takes care of his body, and there’s nobody better at what he does. Yet ….
Bill Belichick
Courtesy: Thesportsgrid.com
Belichick is to the NFL what Nick Saban is to college football. Both guys churn out nothing but positive results.
The Patriots have not had a losing season since Belichick’s first season at the helm, and he has led New England to seven Super Bowls, winning five.
So why do so many people dislike Bill? It’s like because of personality, that’s why. He’s gruff, distant, and gets ruffled easily.
Then there’s the way Belichick dresses. He wears a hoodie or something else that makes him look far from the role of NFL coach. A visitor from another country might ask: “Why are reporters interviewing this homeless person?”
Conclusion
So, with no surprise, let me say this: I’ll be rooting for the Eagles on Sunday.
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Cameron Brown is an undergraduate student at Western Kentucky University, double majoring in journalism and history with a minor in broadcasting. Contact him for feedback and story ideas at cameron.brown288@topper.wku.edu
