NPR

Patriots' Success Encourages Larger-Than-Life Expectations

The Patriots' well-established reputation for winning has taught kids to dream big and believe that anything is possible. But is it possible to have too much of a good thing?
Tom Brady celebrates after the New England Patriots defeat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 during Super Bowl LI on Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston.

The New England Patriots and quarterback Tom Brady, are hoping to once again do the unheard of in this Sunday's Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles. If they win it'll be their sixth championship in 16 years.

For all those impressed by the team's unprecedented success, there is perhaps none more mesmerized than their youngest fans, who swagger to school in Patriots' sweatshirts hoping to emulate their winning ways. The team's successes have offered great life lessons for countless kids in Patriots nation, but at the risk of sounding like a New England humble brag, it's starting to feel like so much winning may be sending the wrong message to some young fans.

The idea of beating the odds, and exceeding expectations has become as much a part of

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