
From the outset of my Foxboro experience on October 3, 2021, it was evident that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New England Patriots matchup would be like no other game. For starters, it was surreal seeing SO many Patriots fans wearing the opponent Tom Brady’s jersey in every form – Pats, Bucs, Michigan.

From the National Anthem to the final whistle, the fans at Gillette Stadium stood during Tom Brady’s return game.
Patriots fans’ divided loyalties were on display all over Foxboro for the Pats-Bucs game.
Despite the weather being ominous, fans clearly were giddy to see their old friend in person, with the tailgating lots filling up earlier than normal. Although there was a hint of disappointment that another old Patriot Rob Gronkowski would remain in Tampa due to injury, it allowed the fans to focus on the Brady vs Belichick battle. The most common topic that I overheard during the walk to stadium was whether Tom or long-time Coach Belichick would “win” the game, ignoring all the other participants. I later learned that they both won the game on different levels.
Overall, there was a sense of unease in the air, with fans frequently voicing confusion about how to feel about their returning hero. In the “Us vs the Them” mentality prevalent in Boston sports, Tom Brady appeared to no longer be “Us” and now was the part of the villainous “Them.”
