Prior to 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 3, I had never felt as certain about the outcome of an upcoming football game. I felt as certain as Benjamin Franklin did about death and taxes.
"Nothing is certain in life but death and taxes and the New England Patriots winning the Super Bowl." That's how certain I was of a Patriots' victory.
The game between the purported greatest football team of all-time, with the league's best quarterback, wide receiver and coach on its side, and the underdog New York Giants was — to mix sports metaphors — a slam-dunk in-waiting for the Patriots.
The Goliath Patriots would stomp the David Giants. By how many points? I don't know. Pick a number. How many Dollar Stores are there in Haverhill? 50? The Pats would win by 50 points to cap off a perfect 19-0 season, the best in NFL history. I was certain of that.
Six-plus weeks later, I remain certain about death and taxes. Franklin, the Fab Founding Father, was one smart cookie, even though he was almost electrocuted flying a kite.
As for the New England Patriots, well, I am now certain about them too. They had a Not-So Super Sunday — in case you've been living in Mike Huckabee's head and missed the news. The Pats lost to the Giants 17-14. In the freaking Super Bowl. Not even Roger Clemens could make up stuff like that.
For as invincible as the Patriots appeared this season, winning 18 straight games and piling up the most points in NFL history, the result of their final game on the biggest athletic stage in the world demonstrated the uncertainty of sports.
And that uncertainty and unpredictability are what make being a sports fan so enjoyable. No, I am not going all Oprah on you and, no, I don't think it was swell the Pats tried hard in the Super Bowl but lost.
But unlike a movie or television show, athletic events, excluding professional wrestling, are not scripted. Anything can happen. The Miracle on Ice in 1980. Villanova over Georgetown for the NCAA hoops title 1985. Yours truly beating a two-time Olympic marathon runner. Okay, it was in a game of bocce during a cookout, but nevertheless a win is a win.
We all felt a tad numb after the Pats' shocking Super Bowl loss. It hurt like a swift mule kick to the gut. But it's important to appreciate the magic carpet ride of a season Bill Belichick's Boys took us on.
And as for moving forward, the Boston Celtics (remember them?) currently boast the best record in the NBA. Kevin Garnett, the team's best player, is enjoying a Tom Brady-like MVP season. Fans are digging the C's and some are predicting an NBA title for the Green.
The Red Sox have captured two World Series crowns, including last year's, in four years and are the chic preseason pick to bring home another World Series trophy to Boston in October.
Two more championships coming our way, right? I am not so certain about that. There's a reason, as the saying goes, why they play the games. Just ask the Patriots.
So, sports fans, enjoy the journey; it's nice but not all about your favorite team winning championships. For if it were, chances are you would end up disappointed. I am certain of that.
Mark Behan is a freelance sports columnist for The Haverhill Gazette.
