2015 -- S 0147

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2015

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

CONGRATULATING ROBERT KRAFT, BILL BELICHICK AND HIS COACHING STAFF,

AND THE ENTIRE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS ORGANIZATION ON WINNING SUPER

BOWL XLIX

     Introduced By: Senators Jabour, Picard, Pearson, E O`Neill, and Paiva Weed

     Date Introduced: February 04, 2015

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, In a thrilling Super Bowl that will go down in history as one of the greatest

ever played, the New England Patriots once again came back from a deficit to defeat the Seattle

Seahawks 28-24 to win their fourth Super Bowl in fourteen years; and

     WHEREAS, The Patriots were led to victory by their irreplaceable quarterback, Tom

Brady, who completed 37 of 50 passes for 377 yards and four touchdown passes, on his way to

winning his third Super Bowl MVP Award. He is the career Super Bowl record holder for most

touchdown passes, completed passes, and most passing yardage; and

     WHEREAS, The Patriots were also aided by a deep receiving corps that consistently

found ways to get open and make plays against the tough Seattle defense. Julian Edelman played

a fantastic game with 9 catches, 109 yards receiving, and one touchdown pass while tight end

Rob Gronkowski fought off constant double teams to catch 6 passes, including one for a

touchdown pass. Receivers Brandon LaFell and Danny Amendola also caught touchdown passes

while Shane Vereen led the Patriots receiving corps with 11 catches; and

     WHEREAS, All season, The Patriots defense has been an underrated force that has

consistently stymied opposing offenses and made big plays when most needed. Fittingly, as Super

Bowl XLIX was coming to a dramatic conclusion, it was unheralded defensive back Malcolm

Butler who stepped up and made one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history when he

intercepted Seattle Quarterback Russell Wilson's pass at the goal line to clinch victory for the

Patriots; and

     WHEREAS, New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick cemented his place within

the pantheon of the greatest professional football coaches by winning his fourth Super Bowl,

tying him with Chuck Noll for the most Super Bowl wins by an NFL Head Coach. His playoff

record with the Patriots of 21 and 8, and regular season record of 175 and 65, are astounding

achievements and a legacy of greatness that few coaches in any sport can match; now, therefore

be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby congratulates the New England Patriots on winning Super Bowl XLIX. We congratulate

Robert Kraft, Bill Belichick and the entire New England Patriots team and organization for their

successful season and wish them continued success next season and beyond; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, and

New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick.

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