New fans welcome

Why is it that when you have a winning team and they do win the Championship that some fans walk around feeling almost ashamed or even embarrassed? You shouldn't be. It appears the trendy thing to do is be a fan of a mediocre or even failing team. It shows that you have "heart" and are "true" to your team. God forbid your team develop into a winning organization such as the Patriots and you continue to wear your jersey. You'd be labeled a bandwagon fan by most except those that truly know you. You'd where your team's colors, shirt, or jersey and most would see you as a one-season fan. Suddenly, never watching a game, you show up in full dress to show your "faith" to your team.
Such is the case for me. For those who don't know, one of my best friends said that I should pick a team and follow them throughout eternity. Now, I love football but never really followed a particular team. Being from the upper midwest, I had a few local options but the most dominate one was Vikings. So, I can attest that my mother does have pictures of me in Viking jerseys when I was 5. Five. A long time ago and a forgotten one. I've repented from them but surely will visit Hell for my wrongdoing there. (had to get the religious moniker in there)
Anyway, so I had just come back from Boston on a tech conference and just fell in love with the place. If I could live anywhere it would be there. So, night after night, I watched the news cover the Patriots and I just got to know the players, coach, and well, the essence of the team. Underdogs at the time and well on their way to last place in their division, I chose New England as my Champions amid a lot of laughter and jeering. Bledsoe helmed the team and so far it was heading for a 2-6 season. Yep. That's my team. See, I was starting the trend almost 4 years ago. I was rooting for a team that was 5-11 the year before and going to match it this year. But...wait? I was now their solidifed fan. That would change everthing right?
Indeed.
Now, only a close circle really knew that was my following at the time. I didn't have one item of clothing. Nothing to signify I was a fan. I just had my mouth. Talk. Talk. Talk. That's all I could do.
So, I kept learning about the team. I began to learn their most evil rivals in and out of their division. And you know what? Football became more exciting. More personal. That friend...the one who encourage me to pick a team? He's a Steelers fan and by far a more experienced, knowledgable, and long time follower of his team than I am of mine. My God, you should see this shrine for his team. A lot of money down the drain. Oh well, not everyone can be saved. Anyway, I took extra joy in polishing his team off season after season. It still makes my eyes water knowing it was my team that destroyed the hopes of his team. (time out while I weep with joy).
Ok, I'm back. So, here I am. A true fan. I have several items of clothing and I wear them with pride knowing that I was a fan before they were a success. I get a Patriots calendar. I'm on their newsletter and get routine updates. I am definitely going to a game in Foxboro next year. I like to think it was me that propelled them on this winning journey. A journey not even close to ending.

New England Patriots---2001 XXXVI Superbowl Champs.
New England Patriots---2003XXXVIII Superbowl Champs.
New England Patriots---2004 XXXIX Superbowl Champs.
New England Patriots---2005 XXXX Superbowl Champs.