Editor’s note: Here is a tribute to the impact of Michael Jackson on the New England Patriots from a rabid and sometimes irrational Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and Pats fan, Rufedog. Where would the Pats be without Jackson?

How Michael Jackson Helped Start the New England Patriots’ Dynasty

Michael Jackson’s death has clearly taken the world by storm, and it is just getting started. Aside from the legal media circus surrounding his cause of death, estate, and children (which will likely continue for the next 12-18 months), many have begun a retrospective look at their personal memories associated with Jacko’s 40 years in music. Admittedly, I am guilty of purchasing songs, albums (if you can still say that in this digital age), and the “Thriller” video as I reminisced about my experiences and Jackson’s music in the last few days.

However, there is a story that few people have heard about how Michael Jackson jumpstarted the New England Patriots reign over the NFL during the last decade.

This article from The Boston Globe newspaper reveals the connection between the Jacksons’ unsuccessful “Victory Tour” in 1984, that forced the Sullivan family to sell the stadium to Robert Kraft in 1994, enabling the Patriot’s Dynasty to take shape over the following 10+ years.

Oh yes, my favorite Michael Jackson song has long been “Wanna be Startin’ Somethin’” off the Thriller album, Now I know why.

Watch Jackson sing “Wanna be Starting Something” from the Bad tour in 1987