I grew up in Massachusetts and now live in Maine. I’ve lived in New England for most of my life, so it should come to no surprise that my football allegiance is with the New England Patriots. I was a fan when they didn’t (and weren’t expected) to win all the time.
My husband, on the other hand, was born in New Jersey. While he moved around a bit during his childhood, and most of his immediate family is now based in Nashville, TN, he grew up a New York Giants fan.
This presents a problem on Sunday. We have a house divided.
Since my kids were born in Maine and have only lived in New England, I’m trying to raise them as Pats fans. It has worked somewhat so far, since most people around us are also Pats fans. My older son, G, has decided he also likes the Green Bay Packers because they wear green (his favorite color), have a big G on their helmet, and Aaron Rogers has some cool commercials for State Farm. On the other hand, my youngest son, Biz, typically roots for whatever teams we despise. He likes the reaction he gets from us when he yells “Go Jets!” or “Go Cowboys!”
During the season, it was perfectly acceptable for the boys to cheer for both teams, as long as they weren’t playing each other. Now, when pressed to choose a side, they seem to be going with the Pats. Small win for me.
Tomorrow’s game also pits both sides of the family against each other. We’ve got die hard fans of both the Pats and the Giants on either side. I suspect there’s going to be a lot of texting tomorrow night.
Of course, I like a little trash talk and immediately pointed out on my Facebook page that I’d rather face the Giants than the 49ers defense. Also, I emailed this picture to both families yesterday.
Some of the Giants fans are quick to point out that their team came out on top the last time these teams played in the Super Bowl. I was quick to point out that the Giants aren’t going to get that lucky twice. (As the wife of a Giants fan, I know how good they are at shooting themselves in the foot during games.)
I have faith that Tom Brady isn’t going to let his team lose a second Super Bowl to a team from New York. But, it’s a big game on a big stage, so we’ll see what happens. I’m not declaring any wins just yet. (Us Boston fans are superstitious, you know.)
It’s going to be a loud game in our house, that’s for sure. Our biggest dilemma was figuring out who would put the boys to bed while the game is on. Luckily, our neighbor stepped to the plate and will be taking care of them. A good thing, since we’d probably just send them along their way around bedtime, hoping they would eventually go to sleep.
Did I mention there will also be roasted garlic-bacon dip? Hello.
Is it Sunday yet?
Photo Credit: Michele Williamson via Facebook
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