Being an away fan is always difficult. Being outnumbered in a stadium definitely has its impact both on the players and the fans. But while rivalry is a good thing between fans, there is a certain line that must not be crossed, no matter the circumstances. Unfortunately for Jerry Edmond, a New England Patriots fan, his first-ever live game was ruined by a rival fan.
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Edmond traveled to the Allegiant Stadium to watch his Patriots in action against the Las Vegas Raiders. Adding to the heartbreaking loss the Patriots suffered, Edmond had a Patriots fan breathing down his neck, berating him for wearing a Patriots shirt in “her” stadium. Her rant lasted a good few minutes, But Edmond kept his cool throughout.
A nearby spectator recorded the encounter on his phone, and the video went viral. Soon, fans were eager to track down Edmond, and offer him praises and goodies, including tickets for a Jan 1 game, to help compensate for this horrid experience. But the best gift comes from a very special source. And Edmond was more than happy to accept it.
The special source is none other than Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Moved by his composure, he invited Edmond to the Patriots’ week 16 game at Gillette Stadium. Reports suggest Edmond will also receive a customized jersey and pregame field passes for the warmups.
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Edmond praised for representing New England Patriots’ fanbase with class
While Edmond is definitely grateful for the gifts he’s received, he’s definitely happy for all the kind words his fellow Patriots fans put in for him. The situation also sparked a debate of sorts, about whether hostility towards away fans is acceptable. And if so, to what extent is it considered okay, and where does the line fall?
I’d like to thank everyone for all the kind words . I’m the Patriots fan in the video , my name is Jerry Edmond and that was my first ever NFL game . I didn’t want to ruin my experience by retaliating towards that women so I kept my cool
— 🇭🇹Jerry Edmond (@Duggie490) December 21, 2022
UPDATE
Patriots owner Robert Kraft reached out to Jerry directly and invited him to the game this Saturday at Gillette Stadium.https://t.co/CRn5lFReqy
— Babz (@BabzOnTheMic) December 22, 2022
@Duggie490 Season Ticket Holder here man! If you want my seats to the Jan 1st game, they are all yours. You deserve a better "first time" experience. Great composure by you, GO PATS
— CoachVLax (@rocks_lax) December 21, 2022
100% agree. @Patriots let’s find this fan.
— Babz (@BabzOnTheMic) December 21, 2022
Agree.
People exactly like that is why I hesitate to drop coin to see my team in other stadiums.Being a Packers fan in Tampa is hard enough with people like this lady out there.
And would u want to spend 300-500
Nah
— Zaraeleus (@zaraeleus) December 22, 2022
When I was a kid and Bucs were in same division as Vikings, I remember going to a game in the metrodome and in the 4th quarter 2 buc fans were walking down the steps to the concourse and I see beers thrown at them from behind me. I was in shock and can’t believe how sad ppl are.
— Troy Stenstrom (@TStenstrom) December 23, 2022
It shouldn’t happen here. We know tourists are our lifeblood and should treat them with respect. We are one of the few tourist locations that do a good job about being truly welcoming.
— Colby Pitt (@colbypitt) December 21, 2022
thats kind of a problem actually. away fans are too welcomed. we dont want away fans to feel welcome at home games. obviously you dont want to take it this far, but away fans should not feel wanted
— ＳＬＡＮＤＲ ＳＺＮ ☠️ (@im_right_though) December 21, 2022
Naw dude…how she acted shows she has no class. No fan should be like that to another.
— The GareBear (@GareBearOC) December 22, 2022
@Raiders do something for this gentleman. His maturity, composure and grace in your building under these circumstances deserves something.
— Adam (@agreenfield1998) December 21, 2022
@Raiders need to give this patriots fan free tickets to another game and treat him to an amazing experience after this horrible one
— Behdad Sami (@iambdsami) December 21, 2022
https://twitter.com/suestroud/status/1606063699529457664?s=20&t=dF-26_4rmU1IuLLkCdkF2Q
While Edmonds will be having the time of his life in week 16, the New England Patriots have a lot to do to make up for Sunday’s loss. With a 7-7 record, and sitting 3rd in the AFC East, their only chance of making the playoffs is through a wildcard spot. For that, they will have to win the rest of their remaining games, and hope for favorable outcomes elsewhere in the conference.
In essence, the Patriots still control their destiny, but it will not take much for it all to spiral out of control. Coach Bill Belichick will have to pull something out of the hat, and lead his team to the playoffs. Will super fan Edmond be treated to a spectacular win on his debut home game viewing? Or will week 16 be the final nail in the coffin for their playoff chances?
