The Patriots and football in general has also made watching the sport a social event. No other sport can match the time, expense and energy people put into throwing the perfect football bash. What better reason for a party! Chicken wings, chili, nachos, dips and beer. Red, white and blue cupcakes, banners, balloons, face paint and jerseys; the party is ready to begin! All you need is enthusiastic friends and family. They will come no matter the distance or the weather; the Patriots are worth it. Oh, and don’t forget the high definition TV and comfortable furniture. You don’t have a television big enough or seating for all your guests? Well, the Patriots playoff game is a great excuse to go out and buy new ones! The culture of this sport has made watching football games and partying synonymous–and that’s the simple joy of game day.
I think that is a big part of why a frustrating loss like last night makes it sting more; and makes the hangover linger. It’s not only realizing that our beloved team has ended its great season, but it’s also about packing our jerseys and fan gear and getting back to mundane routines. We’ve lost the invisible spark that makes winters less cold and the threatening skies cheerier. Many people may not gather with their friends as often, they no longer have an excuse to eat high caloric foods, and they can’t use the Patriots as an excuse to stay up late and arrive to work a little tardy. In short, fans must turn their attention back to their lives; going back to the gym, eating healthier, focusing on their careers, and raising their children. People must find inspiration from within. That’s not always easy.
Well, I believe there is a silver lining to all this misery: fans can watch the Super bowl and hope to see Peyton Manning or the cocky Cam Newton being flattened by a 300 pounder. Also, the Bruins and Celtics are still in the middle of their seasons. The Celtics for me are especially exciting team to watch- and they are steadily rising in the Eastern Conference. I have a soft spot for the Celtics because I am Irish and I love basketball, but I also find this particular team dynamic and resilient. Their coach is young, smart and inspiring and the players are charismatic, tough and passionate. They play with heart and their team chemistry is undeniable. I’ve been to a few games and watching the Celtics bench is my favorite part of the game. Whether Kelly and Jerebko are body slamming before the game or Salinger is throwing a towel over the sports announcer’s head, they look like a team that knows how to have fun and enjoy their successes. Check out Jae Crowder’s dance moves, (his defense, drives and 3’s aren’t bad either), Smart’s aggressive steals, Isaiah Thomas’s unbelievable layups and passes (and he never misses a free throw!) and the bench players like Rozier, Hunter and Young cheering, jumping and encouraging their fellow teammates. I even saw the whole bench do the “Dab” after Isaiah sunk his foul shots. They are an entertaining team to watch on and off the court.
So enough sulking over the tough Patriot’s loss, turn your attention to the other great Boston sports teams! I plan to turn my red, white and blue décor and clothing into green and white. After all, we still have St. Patrick’s Day to look forward to! The Patriots hangover can’t last forever… Take two Advil and make a switch to the other Boston teams!