When New England Patriots' backup quarterback Doug Flutie converted the first drop kick in the NFL in more than fifty years on New Year's Day, the grounds crew at Gillette Stadium, like the Miami Dolphins, were caught off guard and the net behind the goal post was not raised, allowing the ball to sail into the stands. With the historical merit of the play in mind, the Pro Football Hall of Fame requested that particular ball from the Patriots to put on display in Canton as a way of commemorating the moment. Unfortunately, despite television replays, officials with the team could not identify the lucky recipient of Flutie's bootie.
However, they didn't have to look much further because, along with legal representation, the beneficiary, who's name was not released, came to them as a self-professed "real Patriot fan" to help with their dilemma.
According to Ron Borges of the Boston Globe, this anonymous person approached the Patriots in a fax sent by his lawyer (whom the team is also keeping anonymous) promising to return the ball. Of course, in exchange for the ball from this "real Patriots fan", certain concessions were expected from the team.
Among the demands on the ransom note were $100,000 in cash, a guarantee of eight season tickets for 25 years (which the ball owner agreed to pay for), and a Tom Brady Jersey signed by every member of the team.
The Patriots response?
"Enjoy your football!"
However, they didn't have to look much further because, along with legal representation, the beneficiary, who's name was not released, came to them as a self-professed "real Patriot fan" to help with their dilemma.
According to Ron Borges of the Boston Globe, this anonymous person approached the Patriots in a fax sent by his lawyer (whom the team is also keeping anonymous) promising to return the ball. Of course, in exchange for the ball from this "real Patriots fan", certain concessions were expected from the team.
Among the demands on the ransom note were $100,000 in cash, a guarantee of eight season tickets for 25 years (which the ball owner agreed to pay for), and a Tom Brady Jersey signed by every member of the team.
The Patriots response?
"Enjoy your football!"
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