[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 15, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H597-H601]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONGRATULATING THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS FOR WINNING SUPER BOWL XXXIX
Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 86) congratulating the
[[Page H598]]
New England Patriots for winning Super Bowl XXXIX.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 86
Whereas on February 6, 2005, in Jacksonville, Florida, the
New England Patriots defeated the Philadelphia Eagles by a
score of 24 to 21 in Super Bowl XXXIX to win the National
Football League (NFL) Championship;
Whereas the Patriots' victory in Super Bowl XXXIX resulted
in their third championship in the last four years, the first
being a 20 to 17 victory over the St. Louis Rams in Super
Bowl XXXVI and the second being a 32 to 29 victory over the
Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII;
Whereas the Patriots' victory over the Eagles clinched
back-to-back championships for the first time in franchise
history;
Whereas in winning Super Bowl XXXIX, the Patriots became
only the second franchise in NFL history to win three Super
Bowls in four years;
Whereas beginning during the 2003 season and stretching
into the 2004 season, the Patriots won 21 consecutive games,
18 during the regular season and 3 during the post-season,
setting franchise and league records for consecutive
victories;
Whereas owner Robert Kraft, through sound management and by
instilling a team-first philosophy, has made the Patriots the
model NFL franchise;
Whereas Head Coach Bill Belichick, Offensive Coordinator
Charlie Weis, and Defensive Coordinator Romeo Crennel,
stressing teamwork and determination, led the Patriots to
their ninth straight playoff victory by winning Super Bowl
XXXIX and to their second consecutive 14 win regular season,
advancing to the Super Bowl by defeating the record-setting
Indianapolis Colts and the number one seeded Pittsburgh
Steelers in the American Football Conference (AFC) playoffs;
Whereas the Patriots' ability to win despite serious
injuries is a testament to the coaching staff and the desire
of the team to defend their title and win another Super Bowl;
Whereas wide-receiver Deion Branch, who had a record-tying
11 catches for 133 yards, was selected as the Most Valuable
Player (MVP) of the Super Bowl for the first time, joining
two-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback Tom Brady as the only
Patriots in NFL history chosen to receive this prestigious
award; and
Whereas all of New England is proud of the accomplishments
of the entire Patriots organization and the dedication of the
faithful New England fans throughout the 2004-05 NFL season:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates
the National Football League Champion New England Patriots on
their extraordinary victory in Super Bowl XXXIX.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent).
General Leave
Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
and include extraneous material on H. Res. 86, the resolution under
consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Pennsylvania?
There was no objection.
Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I am truly honored to be a new Member of the House. I
look forward with great anticipation to this body's numerous
deliberations on consequential issues in the months and years ahead.
Engaging in debate for this resolution, however, is unfortunately not
one that I have looked forward to.
Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 86 congratulates the New England
Patriots on winning Super Bowl XXXIX over the Philadelphia Eagles 24 to
21 on February 6, Super Bowl Sunday. As a big Eagles' fan myself, I
know the rules of the House preclude me from wearing this hat, but I
thought I would just show it to our audience. I am a dear and devoted
Eagles' fan, but I had a very tough day, as did millions of other
Eagles' fans across the country.
With this Super Bowl title, their third in the last four seasons, the
Patriots have indeed earned their place atop the football world, and
they deserve this honor from the House.
On behalf of all Members, I salute the Patriots for solidifying their
place as one of the most successful dynasties in NFL history.
In this era of great parity in the NFL, the Patriots' recent success
may not soon be replicated. Their three Super Bowls put New England in
a class with other great franchises in pro-football history, like the
Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s, the San Francisco 49ers in the 1980s,
and the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990s.
This was the Patriots' ninth straight win in the playoffs over the
past 4 years, which equals the great run of Vince Lombardi's Green Bay
Packers during the 1960s as the best pro-season stretch of all time.
Led by their infallible coach Bill Belichick, quarterback Tom Brady,
safety Rodney Harrison and Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch, the Patriots
continued to do whatever it takes to win big games, and the Brady
branch connection proved too much for the Eagles. They have won each of
their three Super Bowls by just three points, but Mr. Speaker, I want
to take a moment to recognize our Philadelphia Eagles for their
outstanding season as well.
The Eagles went 13-3 during the regular season and reached the Super
Bowl for the first time since 1981 and the second time in team history.
Quarterback Donovan McNabb has been their catalyst all season. He threw
for a whopping 357 yards and three touchdowns on Super Bowl Sunday, and
wide receiver Terrell Owens, who broke his leg and tore a knee ligament
just 7 weeks before the Super Bowl, returned for the first time and
remarkably caught nine passes for 122 yards.
Over 130 million Americans are estimated to have watched at least
part of the Super Bowl, nearly half of all residents. Super Bowl Sunday
has become an unofficial holiday in this country, and for the third
time in 4 years, the New England Patriots, and the Brady branch
connection in particular, proved to all of us that they are indeed the
champions of football.
Mr. Speaker, while I am indeed heartbroken and crestfallen in the
wake of the Eagles' loss, I want to sincerely congratulate my
colleague, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) both for the
success of his Patriots and for moving forward this resolution on the
team's behalf.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such
time as he might consume to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr.
Markey), a son of New England and a very proud Patriots fan.
Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman very much for the
time.
I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) for asking for
this time for a resolution to honor our great New England Patriots who
now go down into history as one of the greatest football teams of all
time, and in honor of that, I have a very brief poem that I thought I
would read to honor this great family and great team.
To the New England Patriots:
The New England Patriots we proudly honor today, they've won three
Super Bowls in 4 years with their remarkable play.
From top to bottom, the Patriots have clearly shown why in football's
history books they will be known.
For their great example both on and off the field the principles of
hard work and team play they never yield.
It starts with Bob Kraft, Myra and kin, whose motto is simple, with
class we shall win.
Belichick and Pioli then constructed their teams about which others
could only have dreams.
Because the coaching is so great on both defense and offense the
outcomes of Pats games are almost never in suspense.
But on the field, it's the players who win each big game and every
one of them belongs in a winner's Hall of Fame.
Quarterback Tom Brady is a football legend in the making. He's never
lost a playoff game, leaving opponents with heads shaking.
Corey Dillon in the backfield, Deion Branch the Super Bowl MVP; and
how about Troy Brown playing not just one way but three?
Rodney Harrison at safety, Teddy Brewski linebacker inside and
veterans McGinest and Vinatieri playing with great pride.
So after a season with 14 victories, the playoffs were ready to
begin. Peyton's Colts came calling first, but Romeo's ``D'' made their
heads spin.
The next stop was Pittsburgh for an appointment with Big Ben, but the
rookie was no match for the Pats. They won by two scores and then.
[[Page H599]]
They faced off against the Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX and victory,
sweet victory, was theirs for a third time.
Discipline and focus, a new standard for teamwork has been set with
Kraft and Belichick at the helm, more trophies they are sure to get.
Now one thing is for certain, fans and experts all agree, the New
England Patriots are football's newest world-class dynasty.
We honor Bob Kraft and his wife Myra, his son Jonathan, his entire
family, the coaches, the players and the greatest fans in the world,
the New England fans, for the incredible season that just culminated
with great anticipation for the one that will begin again this fall.
I thank again the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) for this
resolution, and I thank the gentleman from Illinois for recognizing me.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Mr. Frank's resolution and join
with the entire New England delegation in honoring the remarkable
achievements of the Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots. In the
interest of good sportsmanship, I also want to commend the Philadelphia
Eagles and their owner Jeffrey Lurie for a terrific season.
Mr. Speaker, the New England Patriots have redefined teamwork. Even
as individual accomplishments are recognized and rewarded at every turn
in professional sports, the New England Patriots have demonstrated that
winning championships is all about teamwork. Without question the
Patriots are a team filled with extremely talented football players,
but each puts the team ahead of his own statistics and accolades.
This philosophy, and this incredible record of winning with class, is
a tribute to Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, and the
organization he has built. His son Jonathan has been there every step
of the way as this team has traversed the path to greatness.
The team is fortunate to have Bill Belichick, who brings an
outstanding work ethic and knack for teaching football to this
enterprise. And Scott Pioli continues to be a player personnel phenom.
As every fan in New England knows, Bill is a coaching genius, and a man
who now finds himself in the elite company of the legendary Vince
Lombardi. What's more, he assembled an outstanding staff of assistants,
notably Defensive Coordinator Romeo Crennel and Offensive Coordinator
Charlie Weis. The coaches' game day schemes kept opponents guessing all
through this past season as the Patriots won 14 games, through the
playoffs in blowout victories over Indianapolis and Pittsburgh, and
right on into the Super Bowl match-up and win against the Philadelphia
Eagles.
So the Patriots have a great owner and great coaches--and they have
certainly demonstrated that they also have great players--guys who put
the team first--and guys who can win championships. Led by the amazing
Tom Brady who has never lost a playoff game--he can beat you with his
heart or his head. The team has an outstanding offensive line and
receiver corps--Deion Branch tied a Super Bowl record for receptions
and was named the game's Most Valuable Player. In the backfield, the
combination of Corey Dillon and Kevin Faulk wore down defenses and
racked up yards. On defense, everyone contributed--Tedy Bruschi, Mike
Vrabel, Ted Johnson, Richard Seymour, Roosevelt Colvin--the secondary
led by Rodney Harrison, and the omnipotent Willie McGinest, the wily
veteran who hasn't lost a step. And then you have the extraordinary
Troy Brown. He exemplifies how Patriot players put the team first. Troy
is a receiver and returns punts ordinarily, but when injuries began
piling up in the Patriots secondary--Troy learned to play in the
defensive backfield.
Mr. Speaker, the New England Patriots have left an indelible mark in
the football history books, clearly establishing themselves as the
first sports dynasty of the 21st Century. They represent the very best
of New England and have earned the adoration of their fans--Patriot
Nation. I congratulate Bob, Myra and Jonathan Kraft, Coach Belichick
and all of the coaching staff and each and every player for an exciting
season, and a fantastic post-season, and for winning their third world
championship in four years.
I thank Mr. Frank for introducing this resolution.
Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the
gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Bradley), my distinguished colleague.
Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman very
much for the time, and I would like to thank my distinguished colleague
for such a gracious introduction to this resolution, especially from
Pennsylvania, which not only saw the Patriots beat one Pennsylvania
team but two Pennsylvania teams. So I thank him for that very gracious
recognition.
The New England Patriots have a motto. It is always team first and
team above everything else, and when we talk about the New England
Patriots, we talk about the full roster of 53 people and how from 1 to
53 they play as a unit, and they subvert all of their individual goals
to that of the team winning and the team winning playoff games.
It begins with the ownership of the team, the Kraft family, who have
shown vision and determination in building a new stadium and bringing a
top-quality product to all of us in New England.
It then goes through the coaching staff with Coach Belichick, who has
shown tenacity, creativity, hard work and planning for every
eventuality that has made the Patriots just a little cut above its
competitors in record fashion, winning three Super Bowls in the last 3
years, a 21-game winning streak, winning 34 of the last 36 games.
As we talk about the Patriots' success, though, it is also important
to pay tribute to worthy opponents, in particular, in the playoffs, the
Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia teams, all of whom
played tremendously well, had great seasons and, in particular,
Philadelphia who came so close in that game.
For those of us from New England, we saw a hero in Curt Schilling in
the World Series that brought the Red Sox for the first time in 86
years to the World Series and knew from the Eagles' point of view how
another hero, Terrell Owens, who is not only able to talk the talk as
we all know, but in the Super Bowl he clearly walked the walk; and from
all of us from New England who appreciate heroes, Terrell Owens
certainly earned his stripes in that game.
But if there is one person on the Patriots that we would pay tribute
to, it would be a person who has been an offensive player for all of
his 12 years for the Patriots, that being Troy Brown. This year, with
injuries in the depleted secondary, Troy Brown was asked to play
defense, and he had to go to team meetings on both the offensive side
of the ball and the defensive side of the ball, as well as continuing
with his punt return duties.
Troy Brown epitomized what it means to be a Patriot. Yes, he clearly
probably would have preferred to be a pass receiver, but when duty
called, he did what it took to help the Patriots win their third Super
Bowl in a row. Troy Brown epitomizes the spirit of the Patriots.
We hope for a successful year next year, and we know that there are
31 other teams, including two from Pennsylvania, who would like to
knock off the Patriots next year, and we cannot wait for the next
season of football.
I ask for my colleagues' support for H. Res. 86.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such
time as he might consume to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr.
McGovern).
Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois for
the time, and Mr. Speaker, I want to join with my other New England
colleagues in congratulating the world champion New England Patriots
for their victory from Super Bowl XXXIX.
Over the past few years, the Patriots have put the rhetoric of
teamwork into practice on the field. They work hard without show-
boating or glory-seeking to be the best football team possible.
{time} 1500
They deserve the mantle of dynasty, and we are proud of their
success. I particularly want to congratulate owner Bob Kraft and head
coach Bill Belichick for their hard work and dedication, not just to
the game of football but also to our community. And of course I want to
congratulate the magnificent players.
Mr. Speaker, all of us in Massachusetts, indeed all of us throughout
New England, have been given an embarrassment of sports riches in the
last year. First, our beloved Red Sox ended 86 years of misery, first
by coming from behind to defeat the New York Yankees in the American
League Championship Series, and then sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals
in the World Series. And now the Patriots are once again world
champions.
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I hope that the rest of the country is patient with those of us in
New England as we adapt to these new circumstances. After all, we have
much more practice with frustration and heartbreak.
Mr. Speaker, again, I want to congratulate the Patriots for their
tremendous season, and I look forward to watching them continue their
success in the years to come.
I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I have no other requests for time at the
moment. I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume to close for our side.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 86, which pays tribute
to the New England Patriots, their owner, Robert Kraft, their coach,
Bill Belichick, and their dedicated fans for the team's historic
achievement of winning Super Bowl XXXIX.
As an avid, patient, and optimistic Chicago Bears fan, I understand
how having a great football team can lift the spirits of an entire
community. The fans of New England have stood loyally with the Patriots
in tough times since their inception in 1962. However, over the last 4
years their dedication has been rewarded with three Super Bowl
victories.
In spite of their previous success, this season's Super Bowl
championship did not come easily. Headed into the playoffs, the
Patriots suffered two disappointing losses, and it was predicted by
many that they would lose their first playoff game.
The Patriots had a different plan. They first shut down Peyton
Manning and the Indianapolis Colts in New England by a score of 20 to
3. The Patriots then headed to Pittsburgh to play their rivals, the
Steelers, a team that had beaten them decisively earlier in the year.
Despite being dubbed the ``team with no stars,'' the Patriots easily
disposed of the Steelers by winning 41 to 27, and quieted their
critics. Their final test would come in the Super Bowl. Technically
favored to win the Super Bowl in Jacksonville, many people believed
that Coach Belichick and his players would be outplayed by Donovan
McNabb, Terrell Owens, and the rest of the Eagles' high-scoring attack.
Once the game was played, however, it was the Patriots who
celebrated. After falling behind early in the game, the Patriots
players displayed the hearts of champions by clawing their way back and
ultimately winning the game by a score of 24 to 21.
By winning their third championship, the Patriots solidified their
place as one of the National Football League's greatest teams.
Mr. Speaker, I take a moment to commend the efforts of the mastermind
behind the operations, Coach Bill Belichick, who has solidified his
standings as one of the great coaches in National Football League
history. With this win, Bill Belichick improves his playoff record to
10 and 1, the best playoff record of any coach with three Super Bowl
wins. His record even eclipses that of the legendary coach, Vince
Lombardi.
Congratulations to the New England Patriots and their fans and, once
again, for a terrific year. I am sure that it will not be their last,
and I know that the Chicago Bears have been waiting and watching and
hoping to emulate their success.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my
time.
Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. On
behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Eagles,
and the Pittsburgh Steelers and all of their fans, I urge all Members
of the House to support the adoption of House Resolution 86.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, at the risk of being as repetitive as the
New England Patriots, I rise to extol one of San Mateo, California's
favorite sons, the quarterback of the Patriots, Tom Brady. His
continued success in the National Football League is a source of great
pride for the city of San Mateo, which is located in my congressional
district, and for the entire Bay Area as well.
After leading the New England Patriots to a spectacular 14-win
regular season, Tom continued his winning ways in a post-season that
culminated in the Patriots' third Super Bowl victory in four years. As
we have come to expect, Tom Brady guided his team to victory with a
near flawless performance. He completed 23 of the 33 passes he threw
with zero interceptions, and finished with a higher quarterback rating
than either of his previous Most Valuable Player performances.
Mr. Speaker, Tom Brady's extraordinary play in the Super Bowl is even
more remarkable when one considers the great personal grief he had to
overcome when his grandmother passed away just five days before the big
game. Instead of allowing his loss to overwhelm him, Tom demonstrated
his professionalism by remaining focused and played a great game. I am
sure that even though she could no longer attend his games, Margaret
Brady, known as Peggy to her friends and family, cheered her grandson
on as he performed on one of the world's largest stages and proudly
cheered him on as she had done since his school yard days.
Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to pay tribute to Tom Brady, who has been
thrilling football fans since he was the quarterback at Junipero Serra
High School, home of the Padres in San Mateo. By leading the New
England Patriots to victory in Super Bowl XXXIX, Tom Brady joins Terry
Bradshaw, Troy Aikman and his boyhood idol, Joe Montana, as the only
quarterbacks to win at least three NFL titles. On behalf of the city of
San Mateo and football fans everywhere, I wish him continued success in
his already remarkable career.
Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise in
support of H. Res. 86, congratulating the New England Patriots on
winning Super Bowl XXXIX. The Patriots's victory is indeed cause for
celebration in my district as fans in Albany, GA, and throughout all of
southwest Georgia watched with pride as our native son, Deion Branch
led his team to victory as this year's most valuable player. We could
not be more proud.
We salute the New England Patriots for their third Super Bowl Victory
in 4 years. Only one other team has ever won the Lombardi Trophy so
many times in so few years, yet no other receiver in history has put
together back-to-back performances like Deion Branch. In Super Bowl
XXXVIII, which the Patriots won 32-29 over the Carolina Panthers, Deion
Branch caught 10 passes for 143 years, including the game's first
touchdown and the catch that set up the Patriot's winning field goal.
He should have won MVP then, but this year he bested even himself,
tying the Super Bowl record with 11 catches for a total of 133 years.
From the days when he was deemed too small for middle school
football, to his years on the Monroe High School team to the University
of Louisville, to his historic career in professional football, Deion
Branch has made up for what he lacks in size with a spirit and a talent
that defines him as one of the best to ever play the game.
On behalf of the city of Albany, the 2nd Congressional District and
football fans everywhere, I wish him continued success in his already
remarkable career and strongly urge my colleagues to vote in favor of
H. Res. 86 congratulating the New England Patriots on their outstanding
achievement.
Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in enthusiastic support of H. Res.
86, congratulating our New England Patriots on winning their third
Super Bowl in 4 years.
The word ``dynasty'' has become synonymous with the New England
Patriots. And deservedly so. Only one other team has accomplished what
the Patriots have done--the Dallas Cowboys of the early 1990s. I
believe that these Patriots have staked a real claim on the moniker of
``America's Team.''
But when the history of this team is written, there is one word that
seems most fitting: class.
Class means many things, especially in the world of sports.
Class means a head coach, such as bill Belichick, who immediately
after overtaking Vince Lombardi as the NFL coach with the best playoff
winning percentage talks about ``starting at the bottom of the
mountain'' next season. It also means a coach who deflects personal
credit as adroitly as he outsmarts opposing coaches. Similarly, class
seems suitable for a coach who should rather talk endlessly about his
role models than about himself, even after he eclipses those role
models in all measures of success.
Class also means a team that overcomes injuries to two key starters,
Ty Law and Tyrone Poole, when unheralded players, such as Randall Gay
and Asante Samuel, play like seasoned veterans in the most stressful
situations imaginable, to the disbelief of all observers. It means a
group of players whom many
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outside New England don't recognize by name or face but only as part of
a team. And class might also describe a team whose accomplishments are
sometimes dismissed as ``luck'' even when, by definition, ``luck''
can't explain continuous triumph, game after game, season after season,
at home and on the road, in close games and blowouts, in air-
conditioned domes and Foxborough blizzards.
Class refers to players, such as Tom Brady and Deion Branch, who
would rather credit their teammates than tout their own efforts. Class
describes players such as Willie McGinest and Tedy Bruschi, who would
rather win Super Bowls than All-Pro invitations, as well as players
such as Corey Dillon and Rodney Harrison, who have silenced past
critics with their on-field performance not their off-field remarks.
Class means owners who care as much about the team as does the most
passionate fan. The Kraft family, longtime New Englanders and Patriots'
season ticket holders, seem to fit that description to a tee. Like the
rest of Patriots Nation in 1994, Robert and Myra Kraft were devastated
to see the team on the verge of moving to St. Louis. So much so, in
fact, that they spent $200 million to prevent that from happening.
Class also means owners who view their role in the community with
dignity and responsibility. Although the Kraft family builds
championships and unrivaled proficiency, their off-field victories may
be even more impressive. Through the Patriot Charitable Foundation, the
Krafts have made charitable affairs an integral part of their community
presence, and as important a goal as any Super Bowl victory.
And perhaps most importantly, class means never describing oneself as
a ``dynasty,'' because dynasties are never proclaimed, but only
earned--something a team with class, like the New England Patriots,
knows quite well.
I join my colleagues in saluting the unsurpassed accomplishments of
the New England Patriots.
Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Chocola). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 86.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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