Patriots take victory lap in Boston
BOSTON — Snow, rain and chilly temperatures didn’t dampen the joy of New England Patriots fans exulting in their team’s latest championship Tuesday.
The five-time Super Bowl winners received a hero’s welcome as they paraded through downtown Boston aboard Second World War-era duck boats that have become a staple of the city’s recent title celebrations.
Sounds of “Brady! Brady!” “TB12!” and “MVP” rang out throughout the procession as fans proudly wore No. 12 jerseys over thick parkas and sweaters, holding signs declaring star quarterback Tom Brady the G.O.A.T. — the greatest of all time.
Brady grinned and just took it all in, at one point tossing footballs back and forth with fans on the route as the duck boats rumbled along.
“We’re going to remember this one for the rest of our lives and we know you will too,” he shouted from a stage at the parade’s end at city hall. “I told you we were going to bring this sucker home and we brought it home!”
Cannons shot out red, white and blue confetti along the route, which started near the Boston Marathon finish line, where three spectators were killed and 260 others wounded in bombing attacks in April 2013. The route wound past famous city landmarks such as historic Faneuil Hall and the Boston Common.
Fans were still in disbelief over New England’s stunning 34-28 comeback win in overtime against the Atlanta Falcons.
“We were all sweating bullets the whole time, and then we saw the best comeback in the world and the greatest thing we’ve ever seen,” said James Mastrangelo, a Quincy, Massachusetts, resident decked out Mardi Gras-style, with a red, white and blue mask and Patriots sneakers, sweater, gloves and hat.
Phyllis Barone, of Saugus, Massachusetts, held up a large cardboard cutout of Brady and did her best to join the boisterous crowd in rowdy chants of “Go Pats.” But her raspy, weakened voice betrayed her.
“Three days of cheering. I’m surprised I still have anything left,” she said. “I’m a true die-hard fan.”
Along the route, Patriots players held up some of the team’s five Lombardi trophies.