Go Patriots!
- By Richard Branson -
- Oct 07, 2012
Spent yesterday at the Gillette Stadium watching the New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos.
It was my first experience of an American Football match. What a spectacle. It is great to understand a whole new sport and get a taste for the passion and excitement of it. Having got to understand the rules of the game, we found it highly entertaining. Before I understood the rules I could never understand what people saw in it over English rugby. You realise it is a real tactical game.
We were very graciously hosted by the delightful Mr Robert Kraft. It was strange to be taught the ins and outs of the sport by the Patriots' legendary owner, and he even allowed us to see the inner sanctum of the Patriots - the dressing room. We were asked to go down on our knees with the team to say the Lord's Prayer at the end of the match, all holding hands together, a gesture that would be extremely unlikely to happen in the UK in this day and age.
Having got the chance to get onto the pitch and meet the officials and teams before the match, it was a particular highlight to talk to the Patriots' renowned Quarterback Tom Brady. His position requires infinite skill and intelligence, so it was no surprise he was very interesting and humble in conversation.
After seeing all the action first hand, I'm very pleased Virgin Atlantic are again working with the NFL and the Patriots for the big International Series Game later this month in London.
The Patriots will take on the St. Louis Rams at Wembley on October 28th, and Virgin Atlantic will be flying both teams over as the official airline. We'll also be running a competition for one super fan to report on all the action.
If want to enjoy a brilliant sport with a difference like we did today, try out on Facebook to be our Red Hot Reporter Good luck!
By Richard Branson. Founder of Virgin Group
