Tom’s teammates rejoiced, but Tom knew the job wasn’t over yet. Tom still wanted to get another touchdown. The Patriots kicked the ball to the Giants, who started running it back. Tom locked his sights on the runner. He analyzed the position of each player, and he saw how the return would play out, with mathematical precision. He located the coordinates for a showdown, and put his strong legs into top gear. Three, two, one — collision. Fumble. Tom grabbed the football, and ran it for a touchdown.

Tom, allowing himself a rare indulgence, high-fived his teammates. Tom would later reflect on this moment and realize that it wasn’t an indulgence at all, but a decided attempt to maintain the spirits of his teammates. Morale was important — Tom had seen it turn the meek into giants, and heroes into splotches of flesh.

With two touchdowns, the Patirots appeared poised to win the Super Bowl. Would they win? Only time would tell. The Patriots played the rest of the Super Bowl, and ended up winning it.

The End