Billy Burrows of Billerica, Massachusetts, has been a Patriots season ticket holder for some two decades.
"I just love the game of football," said Burrows. "I love the camaraderie."
That camaraderie began years ago when he decided to help out the people guiding traffic at the stadium, some of whom were homeless.
"I said, 'What is it going to cost to feed these kids? A quarter? A dollar?' So we started feeding them," he said.
The tailgates snowballed. Burrows and his friends welcome anybody who wants to stop by. The menu includes everything from lobster to meatballs.
His commitment to fans outside the stadium and the team inside has now earned him the title of "Patriots Fan of the Year."
"I'm the 31st fan of the year," said Burrows. "I'm the first one from up in the third deck to even get it."
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The trophy was handed to him by Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
"He was like, 'We need more fans like you,'" recalled Burrows. "I didn't know what to say. I was shaking like a leaf."
Besides the trophy, Burrows received a jersey and box seats for next season's home games.
The honor is something he cherishes.
"It means everything in the world to me," said Burrows.
