FOXBOROUGH - Patriots fans were in full force at Gillette Stadium yesterday, showing the team their support before it left for Arizona to take on the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII.
A rally was held inside the stadium, as opposed to past impromptu events in the parking lot, and featured brief speeches from owner Robert Kraft, coach Bill Belichick, and players Tom Brady, Richard Seymour, Tedy Bruschi, and Junior Seau.
Fans continued pouring into the stadium well after 10 a.m., filling up the lower stands on the visitor's side and behind one end zone. Gillette staff opened seats behind the second end zone at about 10:45 after more fans showed up.
Many fans said the sendoff was more important than in previous years because of the team's bid to go 19-0.
"I'm excited for the franchise just to become a dynasty . . . We've all been watching for so long with a lot of disappointment and this is tremendous," said Larry Halloran, 48, of Pelham, N.H., who made the trip with his 8-year-old son, Connor.
Rick Branco, 59, traveled from Somerset with his brother-in-law, Paul Lachapelle.
"I don't think anybody expected [the Patriots to reach five Super Bowls in 12 years]," Branco said. "After so many years of not coming anywhere near it, and then all of the sudden, here we are."
He acknowledged a "curiosity factor" about Brady's foot was an incentive to attend the event. Brady, who was photographed last week wearing a stabilizing boot on his right foot, reportedly is recovering from a mild high ankle sprain.
Patriots broadcaster Gil Santos introduced the MVP to the crowd as "the guy with the most photographed foot in the world," drawing laughter and applause. Brady walked without a limp but didn't address the reported injury. He instead thanked the "Foxborough faithful" for their support throughout the season.
"We're going down there for one reason, and that reason is to win and bring a title back to Foxborough, Brady said.
Belichick drew the loudest and longest applause, speaking briefly before the players took the podium.
"Nobody has given you more than these players have given you this year, and nobody is going to give you more next week," Belichick said.
Many fans brought signs, including Joyce Cronin, 52, who used a bed sheet and yardsticks to display her message of "We Believe" and "Go Make History." She came to Gillette with her sister-in-law to catch a glimpse of the 18-0 Patriots.
Others, like T.J. Kenny, 18, didn't bring a shirt. The Canton native traveled with fellow University of Hartford freshmen Zach Breen and Jamee Zeitag to see Brady, whom Kenny described as "perfect." In light snow and subfreezing temperatures, he stood shirtless in the stands to show his support.
"It's cold, but it's for the Pats so it's worth it," Kenny said.
While fans appeared pleased with the sendoff, some thought it could have been run more efficiently. Various festivities, including a cheerleader dance number, free T-shirt toss, and brief speech from former Patriot Andre Tippett, took place between 10 and 11 a.m. A fourth-quarter replay of the Patriots' 21-12 win over the San Diego Chargers last week drew boos from impatient fans.
"Far too long in the cold for a lot of these folks," said Frank Jager, 40, of Foxborough. "There were a lot of little kids and a lot of elderly that were here, too . . . All in all it was great, but I'm turning blue."
Jager's fiancee, Sheryl Connors, 39, agreed, saying that although it was cold, the morning was ultimately a success.
"I just loved the crowd's energy and the buildup," she said.
