Bill De Blasio Pulling For Patriots To Win Super Bowl

NEW YORK, NY — Not even politics can tear Bill de Blasio from his home team. The Massachusetts-born mayor will be rooting for the New England Patriots to beat the Philadelphia Eagles in the Feb. 3 Super Bowl, despite its leaders' affection for President Donald Trump.

"I did grow up with the team and I remain loyal to it, and I always say they only start playing once they are behind by a touchdown or two. So I think they are going to prevail," de Blasio said in an interview aired Thursday on Hot 97's "Ebro in the Morning."

De Blasio grew up in Cambridge, Mass. and has brought his childhood sports allegiances with him to City Hall. Citing his loyalty to the Boston Red Sox, he drew ire in the fall by refusing to root for the Yankees in the MLB playoffs despite leading the team's home city.

The Democratic mayor's left-wing political leanings put him somewhat odds with Patriots owner Robert Kraft and coach Bill Belichick, who are both friends with Trump. Star quarterback Tom Brady also praised the Republican president before he was elected.

De Blasio has spent much of the last year lambasting Trump's right-wing policies. He said he disagrees with "the politics of the New England Patriots hierarchy," but couldn't help flattering Brady.

"After the last victory in the conference championship he took off his helmet and his hair was perfect," the mayor said. "I just want to note that."

The Super Bowl leaves New Yorkers in a bind — root for the Patriots, who remain dominant despite accusations of cheating, and the Eagles, rivals to the New York Giants.

De Blasio isn't the only city official backing the Pats. City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, a native of Beverly, Mass., told Politico New York he's also behind the team.

"Having grown up playing football 30 minutes outside of Boston, my Patriots fandom runs deep," Johnson said in Politico's New York Playbook newsletter. "While I'd obviously like to see more opposition from our owner, coach, and quarterback to the Trump administration, I'll be rooting for my home town team."

(Lead image: Mayor Bill de Blasio speaks at a Super Bowl handoff ceremony in 2014. Photo by Christopher Gregory/Getty Images)