I'd been waiting for the Pats to get back to the SB after witnessing the beatdown in '85, and it took them 10 years to do so. That '96 SB broke my heart, but it re'cemented the love I had for a team that I'd seen play since the late 70's. I thought we'd be back again quickly, especially with Drew at the helm. Who could be better than Drew to lead them back?
Then 2001 happened. It was the single greatest feeling I'd had as a sports fan, as I got to share it with Dad, who took me to just about every home game in the late 70's and 80's. The fact that we got to share the 2001 win together, after transplanting to Florida, meant everything as a Pats fan. That to me is 1b to the Sox winning, because of my Dad's love for baseball, and the historical meaning of it.
Until SB51. This is above everything I've witnessed as a fan of Boston teams. I've always believed that Larry Bird was the epitome of a true competitor, leading through will, heart, and confidence. What Tom did last night goes way beyond what Larry ever did. You always look up to your heroes as a young guy, you never imagine finding a better hero when your older, especially when you're older than them. This wasn't just Tom's greatest game, it was Tom showing the entire world how great he really is. What people aren't understanding is what Tom (and Bill) have accomplished tonight within their sport. They are Red Auerbach and Bill Russell, Casey Stengel and the Yankees, the Montreal Canadians. None of that happens without Brady being Brady, at 39 years old.
The best part is, what's next?
