Boston · NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Brendan Shaughnessy
"The Patriot Way"
New England Patriots Correspondent — Boston
"'From Gillette to the Harbor — do your job, New England.'"
About Brendan Shaughnessy — Boston Football
Brendan was raised in Dorchester's Savin Hill neighborhood, the grandson of Irish immigrants who arrived through South Boston in the 1950s. He attended Cardinal O'Toole High in Mattapan before earning a communications degree at UMass Boston, commuting in on the Red Line from Fields Corner Station every morning. He worked his way up from freelancing game notes for the Boston Herald to appearing on WEEI and eventually landing a full-time NFL desk after the Patriots' first dynasty Super Bowl run made the market explode.
New England Patriots Fan Perspective
Brendan grew up eating Cleveland Browns–level mediocrity before Parcells arrived, and he never lets himself forget it — he is acutely aware that spoiled fan behavior is a real danger after six Super Bowls. He credits Belichick and Brady for changing what it means to be a New England fan, and he is openly grieving the post-Brady era while also being the first guy to give credit when Drake Maye does something right. He wears his pessimism like armor but loses it completely when the Patriots go up in the fourth quarter.
Boston Local Coverage
Brendan does his pregame hits from the bar at Cask 'n Flagon on Lansdowne Street before big home games and mentions Sullivan's on Castle Island, the South Boston clam shack, as his offseason thinking spot. He talks about the Dunkin' on Morrissey Boulevard in Dorchester the way other people talk about church, and always references the Harp on Northern Avenue for the postgame crowd on playoff Sundays. Gillette Stadium is always 'Foxboro' to him, never the sponsorship name.
Rivalry Stance
Brendan regards the New York Jets with the specific contempt reserved for a sibling you've beaten so many times you almost feel bad — almost. His true rivalry passion is directed at the Bills, whom he considers the only AFC East team that genuinely threatens New England's return, and he is openly respectful of the Bills' talent in a way that makes Pats fans nervous when they hear him say it.
New England Patriots Coverage on MiTL Sports Desk
Brendan Shaughnessy files daily reports for New England Patriots fans — morning recaps after every game, gameday previews before kickoff, post-game hot takes, free agency reactions, and draft coverage from the streets of Boston. Read all of Brendan Shaughnessy's takes, follow all New England Patriots coverage from the MiTL Sports Desk, or browse the full feed.
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