Patriots

Bailey Zappe grew up in Texas and started his college football profession in Texas before moving to Western Kentucky and playing for the FBS record for passing yards in a single season and be drafted by the Patriots.

This 12 months's NBA Finals will pit the Dallas Mavericks, from Zappe's home state, against the Boston Celtics, the skilled basketball team closest to Foxborough, where the Patriots play.

So, which team will Zappe be rooting for?

“I'm here, I'm in Boston,” Zappe said Wednesday, based on Karen Guerigian of MassLive. “I'm from Texas, but I'm not from Dallas.”

“You know, I think since I'm already here, I have to say Celtics, otherwise Bostonians won't like me anymore. So I'm rooting for the Celtics.”

Texas is a giant state, and Zappe's hometown of Victoria, Texas, is about five hours from Dallas. It's just over two hours from Houston and San Antonio, the opposite two Texas cities with NBA franchises. All three Texas teams play in the identical division.

Zappe began the ultimate six games of last season after Mac Jones was benched. The Patriots have since drafted Drake Maye in the primary round and signed Jacoby Brissett. Despite the brand new additions, Zappe says he continues to be fighting for the starting spot.

“I had fun. Of course, they bring in new guys every year. They want everyone to compete, and that's what they've told us all along: Everyone gets a chance, everyone will compete. As (coach Jerod) Mayo says, it's all about what you do with the opportunity.”