Me and ‘Matty G': A Respectful Sports Rivalry

With the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers getting ready to square off in a potential AFC Championship preview on Sunday afternoon, it got me thinking about my sports allegiances and how rivalries with fans from enemy teams have changed drastically over the years.

Back in the day, growing up in the Boston area, my fandom for the Boston sports teams, especially the Patriots and Red Sox, got me into a few arguments. More than a few arguments if we're being perfectly honest. However, as time passes, you begin to realize things that are out of your control become a lot less important. The days of "Yankees S**K" chants have come and gone, being replaced by intense, yet respectful rivalries.

For me, Matt George, a great guy who bartends at Dewey's Public House in Dalton, has become my favorite sports rival. "Matty G" is a die-hard Steelers fan, which I respect. Matty and I certainly have had our trivia nights where we talk a bit of smack, but at the end of the day it's all in good fun.

Matty and I have rekindled our friendly wager that took place during the 2016-2017 season - whichever one of our teams goes further in the NFL season, the loser must wear the opposing team's jersey during an entire trivia night at Dewey's. As you can see in the video below, Matty will be looking for some redemption.

Throughout that entire night, Matty G wore that Tom Brady jersey and didn't complain about it for a second. Did it hurt his feelings a bit knowing he was wearing the uniform of his most hated professional athlete? I'm sure it did. Rather than sulk about it, he embraced the smiles and laughs. Now that the Steelers and Patriots will be playing again this weekend, there is a lot of respect involved, as well as some intensity.

Although the outcome of Sunday afternoon's game will not directly effect our wager in its entirety, it will still make for an interesting night of banter at Dewey's Public House on Wednesday night.