Advertisement

Yes, West Virginia; There is ‘Value’ in being a Tom Brady fan.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is unarguably one of the sports world’s most popular, and most polarizing, athletes. He is much beloved, but also much maligned. For as much praise as he receives, both locally and nationally, there is a near-equal amount of cynicism that seems to surround any story involving him.

Within Patriots Nation, it is almost incomprehensible to see the amount of vitriol that is dispensed in Brady’s direction. After all, he (along with head coach Bill Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft) is one of the most integral people responsible for the Pats proudly displaying five Lombardi trophies at One Patriot Place. That fact, alone, makes him an almost mythical-type figure in New England. At age 40, he is entering his 17th NFL season; fresh-off from engineering one of the greatest come-from-behind victories in sports history. As a result, his popularity among Patriots fans has never been higher.


AROUND COVER32

Free Agency: Seahawks sign former 49ers’ CB, Tramaine Brock, to a one-year deal

Around the NFL: Eli Manning thinks he can keep playing until the age of 40

What’s Trending: Brandon Marshall says war of words with Sheldon Richardson is dead

NFL Reaction: Braden Holeck gives his reaction after attending Chiefs’ training camp

2018 NFL Draft: Will North Carolina State DE, Bradley Chubb, standout in 2018’s deep edge rushing class

cover32 Podcasts: Check out our latest podcasts and view our entire library available on Apple iTunes


However, it feels like anyone, who is not a Patriots fan, gleefully lines up to discredit Brady’s accomplishments both on, as well as off, the football field. From the ridiculous arguments of him being merely a ‘system quarterback’ to the attacks on his personal political beliefs, Brady’s fame has planted the media bulls-eye squarely on his back. In fact, it has even led some in his very own back yard to ponder the ‘value’ of him being such a beloved ‘celebrity’ in New England.

So, is there ‘value’ in being a Tom Brady fan? In short, the answer to this question is a resounding ‘Yes’. And, that answer is validated by the sentiments of the same fans who have been asked that very question. Here’s a look at one special fan, in particular.

At the conclusion of Wednesday’s Patriots practice, Brady was visited on the field by one of his biggest fans. This fan certainly understands the ‘value’ in his fandom. In fact, that fan is proud to call the Patriots quarterback his ‘hero.’ He is 11 year-old Gabe Lester of West Virginia.

Gabe, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2011, got to fulfill a lifelong dream by meeting his favorite football player after a Patriots’ joint practice with the Houston Texans at The Greenbrier.

Earlier that same morning, Gabe had undergone another round of routine chemotherapy treatment. Merely a few hours later, he was on the field with his family, shaking hands with his ‘hero.’ Gabe’s father told Brady that his son was filled with excitement upon hearing that the Patriots would be practicing in their home state of West Virginia. From that point, Gabe eagerly anticipated the opportunity to watch the Pats practice and to meet his favorite quarterback. On August 16, Gabe fulfilled both of those wishes.

It is no secret that cancer is a subject for which Brady holds a spot deep in his heart. His mother, Galynn, has been battling cancer for more than a year. In the aftermath of the Patriots win in Super Bowl LI, Brady was uncharacteristically overcome with emotion while sharing a post-game embrace with his mother. At that moment, he was simply Galynn’s son, Tom, who was most grateful that his mom could be with him to share his success. One could say, Tom was Galynn’s biggest fan that day.

It’s moments like these that make being a fan both special and rewarding. Brady looked as excited as Gabe and his family while chatting with them, and even posing for a family photo. He also signed Gabe’s jersey and his TB12 cap. Before leaving, Brady gave Gabe a fist bump and told him, “You’re going to get through it!” Just like that, Tom Brady became a fan of Gabe Lester, and will continue to cheer him on throughout his battle.

For Gabe, this will be a moment he will never forget. It also will be something his ‘hero’ will not forget. Neither side was thinking of the destination of Best Buddies donations, political ideologies or the psi of footballs. For Gabe, it is Brady’s determination that gives him inspiration. Whether it be leading his team to victory after a 25-point deficit in the Super Bowl, to becoming a five-time champion after being a sixth-round draft pick, Brady has always shown that he’s a fighter who won’t give up. While the circumstances are most certainly different for Gabe, the lesson remains the same: always believe and never give up.

Learning of a story such as Gabe’s makes one question when being a fan became something negative. It seems that fandom has become somewhat of a punchline. In fact, the term ‘fanboy’ has become quite the insult on social media. For members of the media, the worst title that you can earn is that of ‘homer,’ or someone that blindly lauds the team of which they, themselves, are a fan. While a journalist’s primary responsibility is to be objective, it is the passion of fandom that drives its readers. In fact, it can often be the most effective way to connect with his/her audience. After all, the audience of sports media is sports fans.

Despite this fact, some media outlets go out of their way to paint their hometown heroes in a negative light, and avoid the dreaded ‘homer’ label. Their motives could range from pushing a political agenda, to jealousy, or simply hoping that they are that one entity that will finally topple the ‘golden calf.’ However, they fail to realize one very important factor. In expending that much extra effort in making attacks, they tend to lose the objectivity they so richly crave.

At the end of the day, Tom Brady will continue to have legions of supporters and detractors. He’s not a deity. He’s not perfect. He is, however, a great athlete and an admirable example of perseverance and determination. If you are a fan of his, you should feel comfortable to ‘wear that ‘badge’ proudly. His detractors may dislike his political views (which, by the way, he has never officially declared), his dietary and wellness program, or his fashion style. To his fans, that’s not what’s important. What is important is the lessons we learn from watching him on the field. Therein, lies the ‘value.’

On behalf of Patriots Nation, a big thanks to a courageous young man from West Virginia to remind us all of that ‘value.’ Wishing you the best of luck, Gabe. We’re all pulling for you! One of your biggest fans will be too. He just happens to wear #12 for your favorite team.

–Mike D’Abate is the Managing Editor for cover32/Chargers and covers the Los Angeles Chargers and the New England Patriots for cover32.com. Like and follow on Twitter @mg973024 and Facebook.

The post Yes, West Virginia; There is ‘Value’ in being a Tom Brady fan. appeared first on Cover32.