New England Patriots fan Greg Hikel has been a New England Patriots season ticket holder for more than 30 years, witnessing the evolution of the franchise since team chairman & CEO Robert Kraft bought the team.
For all the instant-classic games and Super Bowls he's witnessed, he likely has a new favorite memory at Gillette Stadium after Tuesday afternoon.
Hikel had been invited to Foxborough for a tour and a final round of interviews, believing he was one of three semifinalists to win the 2025 Fan of the Year award presented by Bank of America. But when the doors opened to the trophy room, and he saw Kraft and wide receiver DeMario Douglas holding a custom Patriots jersey, things began to click.
"I thought it was a mistake," Hikel said after the surprise.
"I thought I was brought somewhere wrong, but the first thing I saw was the jersey they (Kraft and Douglas) were holding and it said "Fan of the Year." That's when I fully recognized I was going to be receiving the Patriots Fan of the Year award today. I am so honored and privileged to be here. This is a first-rate group of people and a team that I have been behind for ever since I can remember. Having it presented by Mr. Kraft and Pop Douglas is a complete honor. This is the greatest day of my life. I am so very happy about being here."
In Hickel's time as a season ticket member he's only missed four Patriots home games. Three of those absences were to prioritize watching his sons play football, because after showing up to support New England with a 102-degree fever and a kidney stone on separate occasions, Hikel has shown it takes a lot to stand between him and his Sundays in Foxborough.
He's traveled to watch the team internationally in Mexico City and Germany, and as a veteran, Hikel was once invited by the team to roll out the American flag for the National Anthem before a Salute to Service game a few seasons ago.
Hikel unfortunately tripped and tore his rotator cuff. He was stretchered off the field with a massive smile on his face, because even though he was injured, it led to a ton of high fives from Patriots players.
"I just started a new job two months ago and I told them I only have one rule," Hikel said.
"I cannot work home Patriots games. I will work Christmas. I will work New Years. I will work anytime else. I cannot work home Patriots games."
As part of the award, Bank of America will gift Hikel with season tickets for next season, in addition to his custom jersey.
Since the inception of the Patriots Fan of the Year Award in 1987, the team has presented individuals with the Joseph R. Mastrangelo Memorial Trophy honoring fans who embody unwavering loyalty and dedication.
As Kraft told him Tuesday afternoon, Hikel embodies that as a fan.
"It's people like you who inspired our family and organization to do what we do today," said Kraft. "I was you. I sat in those stands and dreamed about owning the team because I know the feelings you have and how important it is."
That inspired a heartfelt thank you from Hikel.
"This will be my team for the rest of my life, especially because of everything you've done to maintain and grow it," Hikel told Kraft.
"I will continue to represent this team in the best way that I know how for the rest of my natural life. It is amazing that I'm standing here next to you after all you've achieved and put into this team, and I sincerely want to, in front of all these cameras, hope and wish that you get into the NFL Hall of Fame this year as you deserve."
The well wishes from Hikel didn't stop there.
Before he left with his official title as Patriots Fan of the Year, he shared the futures bet he made before the season started and made a prediction that Douglas would score a touchdown in Baltimore against the Ravens this week.
"This team has provided me with the single biggest amount of joy," Hikel said. "I sincerely believe we have everything we need to win the Super Bowl this year.
