TAMPA, Fla. -- A misty rain began to coat the field at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on a Sunday night in October. A chill set in -- a reminder, just like the fall months in New England, life's seasons are ephemeral and time stops for no one.
There were signs everywhere.
"Welcome to Goat's Borough"
"Thomas Edward Patrick Brady: The Ultimate Patriot"
"God, Family, Brady"
"We will always love you, Tom and Gronk"
One sign even had Brady's face superimposed on the Sacred Heart of Jesus.