Before jetting off to Glendale, Arizona to take part in their sixth Super Bowl in 14 seasons, the Patriots earned one last hurrah from their hometown fans.
Boston mayor Marty Walsh — a noted Patriots season ticket holder —hosted the celebration from the steps of Boston City Hall at 11 a.m. on Monday, drawing thousands of frenzied New England supporters in the process.
Walsh, who donned a Tom Brady jersey during the event, was one of the many highlights from the morning, with the Patriots’ cheerleaders and “End-Zone Militia” making appearances on stage.
Loudspeakers placed throughout the plaza blared House of Pain’s “Jump Around” and The Outfield’s “Your Love” in an attempt to electrify the chilled crowd, but the biggest applause erupted when Patriots owner Robert Kraft, coach Bill Belichick and team captains Tom Brady (quarterback), Vince Wilfork (defensive tackle), Devin McCourty (safety), Matthew Slater (specials teams) and Dan Connolly (offensive line) addressed the masses.
McCourty acknowledged the throng of supporters, who braved colder temperatures to make it to the event.
They’re really tough,” McCourty said of the New England Faithful. “They’re kinda tougher than us. All week, we’ve been in an indoor bubble practicing, getting ready for Arizona and they’re out here outside in the cold, screaming and yelling. We appreciate the support and keep screaming.”
After leaving the rally, the Patriots took off from Logan Airport at 12:30 p.m. and will prepare for Super Bowl XLIX and a showdown with the defending Super Bowl champions in the Seattle Seahawks.
“I couldn’t be more excited,” Brady said. “It’s an unbelievable accomplishment for our team. It’s been a long ride. … We have the best fans in America. We’re going to represent you guys in Arizona as best as we possibly can as we have all season. Thank you guys for all of your support, we’ll be needing you all next Sunday night.”
While many betting circles have placed the Patriots as the slim one-point favorite, Jack Kennedy — a 78-year-old season ticket holder from Andover — has much more confidence in his team’s chances.
“I’ve been to all the Super Bowls,” Kennedy said. “We’ll be going out Thursday, if we can get out. … It’s all my wife and I do, we’re not into golf or boating, this is our thing.
“I like our chances very much. I think we’ll win by 10 points. Everyone says that it will be close. We’ve got a lot to prove in this one.”
