Texas native Bailey Zappe explains why he’s rooting for Celtics over Mavs in NBA Finals
The Patriots quarterback says he's sticking with the Celtics because he is here now and doesn't want Bostonians to hate him.
Bailey Zappe grew up in Texas and began his college football career in Texas before transferring to Western Kentucky, setting the FBS record for passing yards in a single season and getting drafted by the Patriots.
This year’s NBA Finals matchup features the Dallas Mavericks from Zappe’s home state, and the Boston Celtics, which is the pro 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, per MassLive’s Karen Guerigian. “I’m from Texas, but I’m not from Dallas.
“You know, I think since I’m here, I have to say Celtics, otherwise Bostonians won’t like me anymore. So I’m (rooting) for the Celtics.”
Texas is a big state, and Zappe’s hometown of Victoria, Texas is about five hours away from Dallas. It’s a little more than two hours away from both Houston and San Antonio, the other two Texas cities that have NBA franchises. All three Texas teams compete in the same division.
Zappe started the final six games of last season after Mac Jones was benched. The Patriots have since drafted Drake Maye in the first round and signed Jacoby Brissett. Despite the additions, Zappe says he’s still competing for the starting spot.
“I’ve been having fun. They bring in guys every year, obviously. They want everybody to compete and that’s what they’ve been telling us the entire time, everybody is going to get an opportunity, everybody is going to compete. Like (coach Jerod) Mayo says, its what you do with the opportunity.”
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com