The Patriots Will Honor the Guy Who Put Up With the World's Most Obnoxious Raiders Fan Like the Hero He Is
In the wake of that historically gawdawful Raiders game, it felt like there was nothing left to feel good about. Not now. Not ever. It was the death of hope. The end of all that we once believed in. And nothing would ever be worth fighting for, ever again.
But then, there was this viral video. This reminder that there was still some good in this world. A hero had emerged to lead us out of the seemingly never-ending despair that awaited us.
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First, anonymously. And then, he revealed himself to us.
In doing so, Jerry Edmond gave us more than just a good Patriots fan of character and integrity. He became a symbol. Someone we can rally around. Someone who was willing to stand up to tyranny, injustice and evil, to inspire us all. Like William Wallace. Or Batman. A figure who embodies the cause we believe in and all we stand for.
And he does not stand alone:
Patriots.com - New England fan Jerry Edmond was taking in his first NFL game this weekend, but unfortunately, didn't get the warmest welcome at Allegiant Stadium.
For Week 16 at Gillette Stadium, the team and Robert Kraft hope to make his second Patriots game a better experience. …
The video was viewed over 7.4 million times on Twitter and resonated with many -- including Robert Kraft.
The Patriots chairman and CEO called Edmond personally on Wednesday, inviting him to Saturday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Edmond accepted the invitation, and will receive a customized jersey and pregame field passes to take in warmups -- certainly a better view than the one he had in Vegas.
There is no better time of the year for heartwarming, life-affirming stories of hope than the holiday season. So it's only fitting that Mr. Kraft would choose Christmas Eve to welcome this young man. This living embodiment of all that is right in society today. To present him as a beacon to the world. To say, "Here. This is what New England is all about. Let the trash humans in Raiders Nation show the world what irredeemable goblins they are. Jerry Edmonds is the prime example of who we are and what we're all about."
I just hope they announce him the Gillette crowd they way they would a First Responder who saved a life. Because he's just that much of a hero. Exporting our culture in a hostile land and representing the best of us. And turning what would've been a fiasco in the hands of a less restrained individual into a triumph.
This also proves once again why the Kraft Family is so admired and beloved in this part of the country. They get it. They appreciate their own and don't take a single fan for granted. My friend RKK used to sit in those same stands that I did back in the old stadium, watching the total collapse of civilization unfold all around us. Every Sunday, it was like Lord of the Flies with goal posts at either end of the island. So he understands how far we've evolved. And won't miss a chance to honor someone who's advanced the cause. Godspeed, Mr. Edmonds, from one Jerry to another. May your second game end much better than your first. You're certainly going to be in much better company.