Pro athletes don't play for pride.. or do they?

I will admit that I am not a pro sports fan (ok I admit to being an avid Rockies fan), but as a general rule I typically don't watch pro football. Last night was a change, and an abnormally interesting one at that. I turned on the Patriots vs Giants game fully expecting to see both teams rest the majority of their starters in a game that had absolutely no playoff implications, and instead was provided a game that showed in some unique instances, pro football is played for pride and pride alone.

While there were three NFL records set (most TD passes, most TD receptions, most regular season points scored), the game was really about pride in a "team" accomplishment instead of the usual "me. me. me" pro athlete attitude.

Both teams played their starters, and from the beginning you could sense that both sides were playing with an emotion that is typically reserved for college sports where million dollar pay days are not the norm. The game was entertaining, and hard fought from the beginning to the end. And although the Patriots maintained their perfect regular season record and finished with at 38 to 35 win and a 16-0 regular season record, what impressed me was the way the game was played by both sides.

It was a joy to watch, and even more enjoyable to see for one of the few times that pro athletes and organizations can put forth their absolute best performance for just a game of no "real" significance. The fans in the stands in NY got their tickets worth, the fans watching the game on the networks got to see history made in a well played and energetic game.

The biggest thing that will be remembered about this game was that the multi-million dollar athletes that have been bashed for only playing for the money, and concerned about their own personal performance, played for pride, and it showed.

A game that had no significance at all in the playoff situation, was probably one of most entertaining games of the season. Congratulations to the players of the Giants and Patriots alike, you have given hope to a typically apathetic pro sports fan.