Thinking about that year, the year of disrespect. Rodney brought with him a massive chip, genuinely believing that nobody other than the Patriots believed in him. He was a force on the field. Flying around back there, acting like a heat-seeking missle coming to the ball, picking off errant throws. The sheer thrill he brought to every game.
Listening to him talk all season. "Nobody thinks we can do it, that's ok. We like it like that", "Keep disrespecting us" ect...Filled all of us with tremendous pride for our team. Galvanized the fan base as much as the team. The disrespect card became an integral part of the team, it's branches seeping all the way to the quarterback. All because of Rodney.
Then, the Patriots utter dominance over Indy. We had done it, Rodney Harrison had done it. All of us pulling so hard not only for the team, but for this great player who had contributed so much to the game of football. The media, other fans, other teams disrespecting the Patriots by refusing to aknowledge the defense. All over the Colt's jock all season. Nobody believed in us.
That small exchange was the perfect articulation of all the emotion that had built up all season. Finally culminating two weeks later in that enduring image of Rodey, left arm in sling, right held triumphantly in the air, confetting falling, tears streaming down his face. One of the greatest moments in sports I have ever seen.
In any case, I choose to remember very clearly my team, and that special moment, not necessarily the opponent! What are you, the memory police?::bricks:
