1 week Ago
Credit: AP Photos This Sunday, the New England Patriots will face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London. For the Jaguars, this will be their second consecutive game in the UK, following last week's victory over the Chicago Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Patriots, however, will be making their first appearance in London since 2012, when NFL legend Tom Brady led the team to a dominating 45-7 win against the St.
Louis Rams. As anticipation builds for the upcoming matchup, the spotlight shines brightly on the Patriots' new quarterback, Drake Maye . Also Read: Aaron Rodgers-to-Davante Adams connection thrills Jets fans in first practice video featuring a touchdown Drake Maye's compelling reasoning calls on English fans to stand behind the Patriots In a media session on Friday, Maye was asked a curious question: why should unaffiliated UK fans cheer for the Patriots? His response, while perhaps a bit tongue-in-cheek, caught the attention of many.
He suggested that the name "New England" might resonate with fans across the Atlantic. “First off, I think it comes with the team name, New England. I think it’s easy for UK fans to be attracted to that.
Our colors are pretty sweet, they represent a lot of different things. And from there, I’m excited for the team, we’re going to come up, and we’ve got a lot of great seasons ahead. So shoutout to the fans that are already Patriots’ fans over here, and look forward to having some more.
” However, a deeper look into the Patriots' history reveals an ironic twist. The name "New England" is far from a tribute to England. In fact, the team’s name is a nod to one of the most significant regions involved in the American Revolution, where the colonists rebelled against British rule.
The "Patriots" moniker was deliberately chosen to honor the revolutionary spirit of that time, and the team has consistently embraced this rebellious identity. From their founding in 1959, the Patriots have maintained a connection to their historical roots, even incorporating militia reenactments during games, further reinforcing their revolutionary heritage. The irony in Maye's comments was not lost on history buffs.
While he aimed to make a light-hearted connection between the Patriots and the UK, it’s clear that the historical context stands in contrast. Yet, it’s important to note that Maye's remarks were likely an attempt to appeal to international fans, particularly as the NFL continues to expand its global footprint by holding games overseas. Though the Patriots' trip to London reflects the league's ambitions to grow internationally, their revolutionary ties to "New England" continue to be a reminder of the past, leaving some to wonder if King George III would be amused by the irony.
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