Super Patriots Fan:Local Businessman,Vin Conte Heading to Houston to Cheer on Patriots Against Falcons on Sunday

By Cary Shuman

Vin Conte stands in his shop office surrounded by Patriots memories of past victories and games attended. Conte is headed to the Super Bowl this weekend.

Vin Conte stands in his shop office surrounded by Patriots memories of past victories and games attended. Conte is headed to the Super Bowl this weekend.

Vin Conte was in Arizona when Malcolm Butler made what the Revere native considers “the greatest play in Super Bowl history.”

Butler’s dramatic interception of Russell Wilson’s pass at the goal line secured the New England Patriots’ 28-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in the 49th Super Bowl game.

“It’s the biggest play in NFL history and it changed the whole world for the Patriots,” said Conte, owner of the Patriot Depot gas station and Vin’s Auto Service on American Legion Highway. “I was with my buddy, Eddie, and Seattle was on the 1-yard line and we thought the game was over. We were dejected. When Butler caught the ball, I jumped up in the air on Eddie and everybody went insane. It was an amazing moment. Nobody could believe that play.”

Conte will be looking for similar thrills when he attends this Sunday’s Super Bowl in Houston, Texas. The Patriots will be seeking their fifth Vince Lombardi Trophy.

“My friends at Prime (Petroleum) invited me to the Arizona Super Bowl and they’ve invited me again to this one,” said Conte. “I’m leaving from Logan Thursday night. ZZ Top is going to be there to do a concert and I love that. I’ve never been to Texas so it’s a learning experience. I’m incredibly excited.”

A 1977 graduate of Revere High (and Class President) and 1981 graduate of Suffolk University, Conte is a lifelong Patriots’ fan, remembering the days when the old American Football League (AFL) franchise was called the Boston Patriots.

Conte is hoping that Tom Brady can win his fifth title, breaking a tie with Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana for most Super Bowls won by a quarterback.

“Tom Brady is the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time),” said Conte. “He’s already the best but winning a fifth Super Bowl would be the crowning moment, the feather in the cap. I want to see Roger Goodell’s face when he has to give that trophy to Tommy.”

Conte said he’s been counting down the days since he learned that he would be at the Super Bowl.

“I can’t wait. I’m trying to tie up some loose ends before I go. I’m a big fan who goes to four home games a year. I went to the championship game against Pittsburgh. Our seats at Gillette are on the goal line by the light tower on the Patriots’ side of the field.”

Conte is also hoping to escape the New England cold and snow that hit the area Tuesday.

“I just checked. It’s 75 degrees in Houston today.”

Conte said his personal motto for the game is: “Five Golden Rings,” taking his cue from the popular “Twelve Days of Christmas” song.

“Five golden (Super Bowl) rings,” he smiled.

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