By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
As snow fell at Gillette Stadium during the Patriots’ AFC divisional-round win over the Houston Texans, Jennifer Noonan of North Attleborough sat bundled in the 100-level seats, clutching a small gnome ornament in her frozen hands.
The gnome — a Christmas gift from her daughter nearly a decade ago — has become Noonan’s good-luck charm, which she credits with helping the Patriots rally to victory in Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons. Since then, the ornament has accompanied her through tense playoff games, watch parties and now, another postseason run as the Patriots head back to the Super Bowl.
“I held it the entire second half of that Falcons game, when the Patriots started their comeback,” Noonan said. “If I had to leave the room, someone else had to hold it. It never got put down.”
Noonan, a Patriots fan of more than 25 years, recently won tickets to the snowy Jan. 18 playoff game through a Facebook raffle, paying $25 for a single chance. She brought a coworker who had never been to a Patriots game before, making the experience even more memorable.
“It was wild,” she said. “So many turnovers, so much energy. The people around us were awesome. There was a dad next to me with his son who kept yelling, ‘Don’t let go of the gnome!’ My hands were freezing, but I wasn’t letting it go.”
Her enthusiasm for the sport stretches well beyond lucky charms. Over the years, Noonan has attended numerous games at Gillette Stadium, including playoff matchups during the Tom Brady era and the 2015 AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts — often referred to as “Deflategate.”
She has also met former Patriots players Jerod Mayo and Danny Amendola at team meet-and-greet events and attended multiple Hall of Fame ceremonies, including those honoring Brady and Tedy Bruschi.
“Hearing Brady speak was incredible,” she said. “The things he said — he’s a great person and such a role model. I feel extremely lucky to have been part of such a special era.”
As the Patriots prepare for another Super Bowl appearance, Noonan is optimistic about the team’s future, including young quarterback Drake Maye.
“I feel for him because of the pressure,” she said. “He’s so young and leading an NFL team, but he’s handling it really well. He reminds me of a young Tom Brady — he’s good.”
Super Bowl Sunday at Noonan’s home will be filled with family, close friends and familiar traditions. About 15 people are expected to gather for chili, mac and cheese, and wings — and, of course, the gnome will be close at hand.
Decades of fan loyalty
While Noonan’s fandom is marked by rituals and playoff memories, fellow North Attleborough resident Melissa Davis’ loyalty spans decades of Patriots history.
Davis grew up cheering for the team during a time when watching games on television was not always guaranteed because of the NFL’s blackout rules, which restricted local broadcasts when games did not sell out.
“It was hard when I was growing up to watch them,” Davis said. “But I do remember cheering them on in their first Super Bowl against the Chicago Bears.”
She vividly remembers the rallying cry of “Bury the Bears,” which fans chanted despite the Patriots’ 46-10 loss at the Louisiana Superdome in 1986.
“I’ve been blessed to watch all 11 Super Bowl appearances and all six wins,” Davis said. “Every Sunday, I put on my Tom Brady jersey and cheer for the team — even during the last few seasons when they were losing.”
This year’s Super Bowl will be a quieter one in the Davis household. Her daughter is away at college in South Carolina — though still “totally repping the Patriots,” Davis said — leaving her and her husband to watch the game at home.
“I’m not sure on the game-day menu,” she said. “It will probably just be pizza.”
Like Noonan, Davis said she is optimistic about the Patriots’ future under Maye, praising his leadership and demeanor on the field.
“I do love Drake Maye,” Davis said. “I think he’s a great quarterback. He’s shown leadership in his second season and is very humble. He has such poise in games, and I think that will make him very successful in his career.”
While Brady remains her favorite Patriots player, Davis said she is already embracing the team’s next era.
“Brady will always be my favorite,” she said. “But I would definitely wear a Drake Maye jersey if I had one.”