February 5, 2012…. If you’re a New England fan, or at least a Tom Brady fan like me, this date will haunt you for the rest of your life…Okay, maybe not the rest of our lives, but probably until the next Super Bowl win. There’s nothing that feels worse than seeking revenge on a New York team (in the Super Bowl, might I add) and your team coming up short.
Wes Welker missing the pass from Brady in the fourth quarter with 4 minutes to go in the game not only felt like déjà vu of 2008, but also similar to the clips we have all seen of Bill Buckner playing for the Red Sox in the 1986 World Series when the ball went right through the first baseman’s legs. I mean, come on, this game had been four years in the making, since the New England Patriots lost to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII in 2008. Unbelievable. In less than 24 hours I have felt disbelief, sadness, anger, and what I like to call partial-acceptance.
Oh, the life of a New England fan…the ups and downs… It is exhausting. If you know me, you know I am a diehard New England sports fan, especially with the Patriots. My family is insanely sports obsessive and I grew up tailgating, going to Patriots games with my parents and brother (the old stadium wasn’t quite as nice as Gillette), and even going to summer training camp practices. I would bat my blue eyes, had eye black and face paint all over my cheeks, Sharpie in hand, praying that Drew Bledsoe would notice me and give me an autograph. I was fortunate to have attended Super Bowl XXXIX with my dad when I was a freshman in high school to witness a win over the Philadelphia Eagles. There couldn’t have been a happier or more excited girl in the entire world…Am I over the top? Probably. Definitely. But I can’t help it. I will blame it on the fact that I have no sisters.
So for you New England Patriot fans who may be wallowing in sadness over the outcome of the Super Bowl just like me, I have provided some tips to help you get over your sadness. Some of these methods take a more mature approach than others, but it’s up to you to decide what works best for you!
This is my number 1 tip and is CRUCIAL for getting over your heartbreak…. Whatever you do, DO NOT watch ESPN in the days following the Super Bowl. In fact, wait a week. Let’s say two weeks to be safe! They will be replaying New England’s worst plays of the game, showing Eli Manning and the Giants in all of their glory (Lombardi trophy and all) and over-analyzing every aspect of the game. I beg you, if you take even one tip out of this article, do not turn on ESPN!!!
Also, be careful of social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. We all have the friends here at UMaine who unfortunately grew up being New York fans. They will be posting non-stop statuses, comments, and tweets bragging about Eli Manning, the Giants, and about being Super Bowl Champions. Since I am an obnoxious fan I can’t say that I blame them one bit, but limit your time on social media sites so that you don’t end up heated! As friends, we can just agree to disagree on our favorite teams.
Next, if you so desire, you may choose to make a dartboard with Eli Manning’s face on it in your room. Print off a picture of him (I recommend color to make it feel more life-like), hang it on your wall, and throw those darts to your heart’s content. Okay I am kidding, but really… I think it would be a great way to help get the anger out. (Note: If you live in the dorms, please be careful).
Go the Rec Center. I find that working out, running, or doing some form of physical activity always helps me when I am feeling down in the dumps. But, be careful of your gym attire. You may choose to wear a Patriots jersey, t-shirt, or sweatshirt, but be careful of those Giants fans that are lurking around the corners just waiting for the perfect opportunity to call out a New England fan while they are feeling low. But we’re New England fans, we’re tough, and I’m pretty sure we can handle it.
Go in Hiding. I’m not sure that your professors will consider this an excused absence from class but they can certainly admire you for trying. If you’re anything like me, you have been bragging relentlessly in the couple weeks leading up to the Super Bowl. You may choose to “accidentally” miss the calls you receive from your New York fan friends or “not see” the texts they send. I would not judge you for it in the slightest. In fact, I recommend it. You can always try listening to music to get your mind off the fact that your favorite team just absolutely choked in the biggest game of the year.
But just like a bad breakup, we all know that there are some “touchy” songs that can’t be listened to directly after. IPod Shuffle can sure be a killer sometimes. One minute you are singing at the top of your lungs and nothing can bring you down, the next minute you can’t press “next” quick enough. I recommend some feel-good and upbeat music and definitely avoid the slow, depressing stuff! I know you feel sick to your stomach, but please keep eating.
There’s nothing like a little comfort food to make someone feel better, and since Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, the candy selection at the grocery stores is top notch. Get yourself a box of chocolates and treat your heartbreak. You gotta do, what you gotta do! Once again, no judgment here! Spend time with friends- but ONLY if they are New England fans. After all, misery loves company
. I won’t say this was just a game, because it wasn’t JUST a game. This game was everything; the furthering of a dynasty, bragging rights, and a sweet sense of redemption. But that being said, it is now over with. Whatever you do, keep cheering on our New England teams.
We will be back next year and will be better than ever. In Bill Belichick (and Bob Kraft!) we trust! For now you can be thankful that you don’t go to school in New York. In the mean time, check out a UMaine hockey or basketball game and help cheer the Black Bears on to a victory to get over your heartbreak faster! That is one mascot we can all agree on!
photo credit: google images