Why the Panthers could take a lesson from the Patriots

A year later I reflect on last years Patriots' win in the Superbowl and I smile. What a game! And for tonight we are focusing a little more on the yummy food we will be eating than on who wins. My family will always love the Patriots and here is one of the main reason why this Namibianmamma is so glad that her son's a PATS fan. 

Because believe it or not I care a whole lot about how players perform right after a great defensive play, after a touchdown or during post-game interviews. That's what really matters to me. I probably care about that more than the victory itself (don't tell my son I said that). And why? Because my sports fanatic son is watching you. And while he probably will never be a pro football player, if he is going to be spending that much time watching football, he had better be getting something more than just the enjoyment of the game out of it. 

           

     

More than anything I want my son to be a mensch, a person of character. And for that to happen he needs good role models. And while I am so thankful that his greatest hero happens to be his daddy, an amazing guy, I know that his sport’s heroes are also shaping him. And I am quite satisfied in the sports heroes he has found in this team. These men are stellar! They are humble, they are fun loving and play as a team and celebrate as a band of brothers. The post-game interviews impress me. This team honors one another, they think the world of their coach, they never take glory for themselves, it's always a team win and they never speak badly of their opponents. It just never happens. And while I realize that that's what's expected of them by their franchise and that it's no doubt an internal fight for them each time not to speak of their own accomplishment, they do not give into that impulse. Not even undrafted rookie Malcolm Butler, with his incredible game winning play, spoke of his accomplishment in gloating terms last year. 

And yes while they still do a victory dance here and there after a great play, it's rare and it's not that over the top either. OK maybe Gronk, the fun loving party animal is the exception, but somehow he manages to pull it off. And I am not sure why the over the top victory dances get under my skin so, but I can't stand it. I find it so prideful. It's such an over focus on the individual player and "their" accomplishment.  "Look at me, look at how great I am!" Is this not a team sport after all? And in doing it they also cut down and demean their opponent. Ugh. It's just gross. 

So to the New England Patriots I say thank you. Thank you for being a bunch of guys I am happy my son gets to emulate. And yes I am sad you did not make it to the superbowl. And let me tell you for a diehard rugby fan that's quite a confession to make!

A little sluggish the day after last years Superbowl