    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
    [April 2, 2002]
    [Pages 533-534]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Honoring the 2002 Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots
    April 2, 2002

        The President. I'm honored to welcome the Super Bowl champ Patriots
    to the Rose Garden. I want to thank their owner, Bob Kraft, for his leadership. And of course, I want to thank
    their coach. Coach Bill has brought a lot of
    organization and clarity of purpose to this organization. I can remember
    when they were down on you a little bit--I know how you feel. [Laughter]
        As a matter of fact, the Patriots learned an interesting lesson. I
    remember watching all the experts talk about the Super Bowl. No one
    thought they'd win. They learned what I learned, that in politics and
    sports, the experts are often wrong.
        I was really impressed by the character of this team. Most of all--I
    obviously watched the game--I was amazed at the play and how they won.
    For a guy growing up in Texas, that snow game looked pretty rough.
    [Laughter] But I know all the Patriot fans were thrilled with that game
    and the Super Bowl. I know you've got some great fans here.

    [[Page 534]]

        Obviously, Members of the Congress are great fans. It's good to see
    Senator Kennedy, Senator
    Jeffords, who are here. I don't know if
    any Members of the Congress are here as well, but I want to thank you
    both for coming.
        I was impressed by a lot, but let me tell you what impressed me most
    was when the team took the field prior to the Super Bowl. It wasn't one
    of these things where the spotlight was on any individual; everybody
    went out at the same time. I thought that was a pretty good signal to
    America that teamwork is important, that the individual matters to the
    team, but the team is bigger than the individual. That's one of the
    things I try to explain to people in Washington, that we're here to
    serve something greater than ourself. And I appreciated so very much
    that signal to the country.
        I remember watching the early Patriots there in Houston, when they
    came down to the AFL. And I remember Gino Cappelletti. And Gino Cappelletti said this about this team--I think
    you probably remember Gino Cappelletti, don't you, Senator
    Kennedy? You were around in those days--
    [laughter]--barely, but around. ``I think every guy that ever played for
    the Patriots would be proud of this bunch. They are not only a team with
    great heart and toughness; they're also a good group of guys. They were
    champs on the field and, more importantly, champs off the field''--by
    sending not only a clear message about the importance of teamwork but
    about the importance of serving something greater than yourself in life,
    whether it be the Salvation Army in the Boston area or after-school
    programs so some child realizes somebody cares about them or how they
    conduct their own home life--is just as important to me and America, for
    that matter, than winning on the football field. So it's an honor to
    welcome true football champs but, as well, really fine Americans to the
    Rose Garden.
        Congratulations.

    [At this point, Robert Kraft, chairman and
    owner, and Bill Belichick, head coach, made
    brief remarks and presented the President with a team jersey and an
    autographed football.]

        The President. I appreciate that. Thank you, sir. That is short.
    [Laughter] Congratulations. Congratulations to you all.

    Note: The President spoke at 11:25 a.m. in the Rose Garden at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to retired Patriots player Gino
    Cappelletti. The transcript released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary also included the remarks of Mr. Kraft and Mr. Belichick.