Bad Weekend to Be a J-E-T-S Fan

Just had to share this non-coffee-related personal observation. Pittsburgh is fortunate to have a competitive football team - and only one team. Growing up around NYC with its nine pro teams in four major leagues, friendships, marriages and business dealings are sometimes (often) determined by which team one roots for.

The timing of this weekend's trip allowed me (Rich) to enjoy a Super Bowl party in Norwalk, CT with old college friends. I haven't been able to attend the party since moving here in 2002, so it was great to be amongst pals.

However, having gotten used to the Steelers 24/7 environment here, it was a wake up call being situated near the zone between Patriotia and Giantistan. The mood was charged and there was definitely animosity amoung people who normally look forward to seeing one another. About 67% were for the Giants, 33% for the Pats. Of course we were only an hour from The Meadowlands and two from Gilette Stadium, so that made sense.

That said, there are few things worse than being a Jets fan and going to a Super Bowl party in Connecticut where the game is between the Pats and Giants. Four of us there were Jets fans. Three were rooting for the Giants using the rationalization that they were the "local" team. Nobody used the "it's our divisional representative" argument.

I was rooting for the Pats. Like Mets vs. Yankees, you have ONE team. The other is the enemy. And the Giants are the same as the Yankees to me. The enemy. But there was one other factor at play: Had the Pats won the game and achieved 19-0, we'd never have to hear from ex-Dolphin and criminal Mercury Morris again. And regardless how skittish I felt about rooting for the Pats, that alone was worth it.

One other note: Nobody there drank coffee. Nice to have a second half that didn't require stimulants to be exciting.

On a sad note, during my trip back yesterday, I learned we lost a coffee industry icon. RIP Dr. Ernesto Illy.

Comments

[Larry]

I can relate. Back in the 80's, I lived in the SF Bay Area during the 49er's Super Bowl run. Being a Steeler's fan renting from Oakland Raiders season ticket holders no less. To this day they still curse the immaculate conception!