Growing up in Londonderry, New Hampshire, Texans tight end Ryan Griffin was a passionate fan of the New England Patriots.
Griffin and his friends would watch the games on television from the start of the Tom Brady era and tradition-rich dynasty the Patriots quarterback launched with coach Bill Belichick.
And it's been frustrating for the 6-6, 265-pound veteran starter from Connecticut to have lost all five times he's played the Patriots heading into a season-opener Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
"Very sick of losing to these guys," Griffin said. "We've been closer and closer every time. We owe them one.