Division champs gear -- who buys that stuff?

[edgecy]

So... wearing division champ gears is low expectation now? Aren't we spoiled?

This team has gone through a lot, this year has been especially tough because the division is one of the best in the league this year. Considering all the negativity since this offseason (Branch, WMG, AV) I think this is a reason to celebrate. I know plenty of teams out there would love to be a division champ. Let's put things in perspective, people. You goal first and foremost should be always to win your division.

 

[Double G]

Who buys that stuff; Bruins fans used to.

Of all the Patriots gear I own, aside from the Super Bowl Champs shirt I own from when we beat the Rams, my second most favorite shirt is the AFC Champions shirt I own from when we beat the Stoolers two years ago. Still can't get over the way we smoked their ***es after the way they waxed us during the season...............

 

[Tunescribe]

So... wearing division champ gears is low expectation now? Aren't we spoiled?

This team has gone through a lot, this year has been especially tough because the division is one of the best in the league this year. Considering all the negativity since this offseason (Branch, WMG, AV) I think this is a reason to celebrate. I know plenty of teams out there would love to be a division champ. Let's put things in perspective, people. You goal first and foremost should be always to win your division.

Your point is well taken about how tough it was to win the division this year, but it's only a stepping stone and not a satisfying end unto itself. What does a division championship mean, aside from the opportunity to compete for something truly meaningful? By that, I mean conference and Super Bowl titles.

 

[Murphys95]

So... wearing division champ gears is low expectation now? Aren't we spoiled?

This team has gone through a lot, this year has been especially tough because the division is one of the best in the league this year. Considering all the negativity since this offseason (Branch, WMG, AV) I think this is a reason to celebrate. I know plenty of teams out there would love to be a division champ. Let's put things in perspective, people. You goal first and foremost should be always to win your division.

You said it. A division title is a phenomenal feat!

And after reading a lot of the posts in this thread - yeah, spoiled is right.

 

[Michael]

You said it. A division title is a phenomenal feat!

And after reading a lot of the posts in this thread - yeah, spoiled is right.

Well, do you think it's an accomplishment (which I certainly do) and do you buy AFCE Champ clothes are two very different questions.

 

[Fanfrom1960]

I agree, and I was surprised and disappointed to see BB and Tedy wearing them. I want the team to continue to have the attitude they have had in the past -- namely that the goal every year is to win the Super Bowl, and anything less is falling short.

Oh come on, someone hands them the things and what are they supposed to do with them? Oh, ick, division only, get them away! :snob:

 

[jczxohn1]

I can see how Colts fans might go ape-sh!t over division champs hats, sweatshirts, T-shirts, etc., but who among us wants to pay hard-earned bucks for that stuff?

Never ask a question unless you know the answer, right Tune?
Wher did you go to law school?

 

[VrabelMayeWin]

When Bruschi talks about T-Shirt and Cap games, he's not just talking about the Super Bowl.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Winning the Division is an important accomplishment. But I think Brady and the vets in the lockerroom all understand it is just a stepping stone towards the ultimate goal. Let em enjoy the moment for now They have a tough game versus the Titans next week and seeding might be at stake. It sure don't get any easier from here on out.

 

[PromisedLand]

I'll admit I buy a T-Shirt. That's all. I like to wear it during the playoff games and it's OK to wear if we don't go to the SB. If it becomes obsolete after we win the big one - I can live with that. But in 12-13 days I'll be wearing mine during our first playoff game.

The thing is, it becomes obsolete by Feb. 5th (or whenever the SB is this year) whether we win the big one or not. I made the mistake of buying the 1997 AFC Champions T-shirt and after we lost to the Packers I never wore the thing again. But you're right, if you want to spend money for a T-shirt that you will only get to wear for a few days (in WINTER - who wears T-shirts anyway, especially in New England? ), then it makes sense to buy it.

 

[PromisedLand]

Once again there is a difference between team members and fans. They worked for the goal and they are celebrating it, that's cool. Also, they are wearing it as a show of support for the Krafts who want to sell it on the open market.

As a fan,I won't buy any of that stuff. I remember that I bought some AFC Champions Stuff the first SB againts the Bears. Then I bought the same stuff the next time againts the Peckers. But, when we went to the SB againts the Rams, I decided not to buy it and wait til they win it all. Well, now I've got 3 sets of sweatshirts,tee shirts, and caps (all official locker room stuff).

I consider it bad luck to buy anything else, but that's me.

You raise a very good point about the players and coaches wearing the stuff to help the Krafts sell them. (I wonder if BB got a "memo" about that from RK?) But I'm with you on the luck thing. I bought the AFC Championship shirts in 97 and 85 (plus the original "Squish the Fish" - remember that one?) but never wore either after the Super Bowl. It's actually a little embarrassing, especially after the pasting we took in 85. It's like chanting "we're number two!"

 

[richpats]

I bought a division champs shirt in '03 b/c we had won it so early and I wanted to wear it to the Jets game in NY to show the Jets fans that the Pats were back!

I thought it was really important particularly that year since we had missed the playoffs altogether in 2002.

Other than that, it's all SB champs gear.

 

[Tunescribe]

You raise a very good point about the players and coaches wearing the stuff to help the Krafts sell them. (I wonder if BB got a "memo" about that from RK?) But I'm with you on the luck thing. I bought the AFC Championship shirts in 97 and 85 (plus the original "Squish the Fish" - remember that one?) but never wore either after the Super Bowl. It's actually a little embarrassing, especially after the pasting we took in 85. It's like chanting "we're number two!"

I waver somewhat on that myself re., conference champs gear. I think a conference championship is worthy of commemoration. That white conference champs hat from two years ago was kind of cool. But the Super Bowl champs gear you can wear for years afterward.

 

[Jacky Roberts]

Oh come on, someone hands them the things and what are they supposed to do with them? Oh, ick, division only, get them away! :snob:

I bet Jet fans would love the opportunity to buy an AFCE champ hat.

 

[CTPatsFan]

I can see how Colts fans might go ape-sh!t over division champs hats, sweatshirts, T-shirts, etc., but who among us wants to pay hard-earned bucks for that stuff?

While I've never personally purchased one (well, o.k., I pay the Visa bill), the Mrs. has bought me a long sleeve Div Champ and Conf Champ shirt every time one has been available starting with the XXXVI run. It's been a pretty good stretch. I'm just superstitious enough that I'm comfortable with the purchase. I still pull them out and wear them, even if only under a SB Champ sweatshirt.

 

[frankiesfly]

i dont buy it or where it. I think im jinxing them if i do for the rest of post season.

 

[CTPatsFan]

i dont buy it or where it. I think im jinxing them if i do for the rest of post season.

And I'm vice-versa, I don't dare NOT

 

[pats60]

I like this year`s hat i allready ordered it.

 

[PatsSox363804]

I bought the Saints shirt, it's a freakin miracle that they are where they are right now, plus I like to help out all the local businesses whenever possible.

 

[QuiGon]

I can see how Colts fans might go ape-sh!t over division champs hats, sweatshirts, T-shirts, etc., but who among us wants to pay hard-earned bucks for that stuff?

I always buy division champions t-shirts... but I wait about 6 months when they are priced at $3 each at the Patriots Pro Shop instead of today when they are $20 each.