BOSTON -- Jared Sullinger's allegiance is to the Boston Celtics. When it comes to football, though, his loyalties go beyond New England.
The Celtics forward was on hand Sunday at Gillette Stadium for the AFC Divisional Playoff game between the New England Patriots and the Houston Texans, but he wasn't rooting for the home team.
Sullinger is close friends with Texans wide receiver DeVier Posey from their college days at Ohio State and let it be known on Twitter.
Congrats to my boy @dpo8 on his first touchdown......
Jared Sullinger (@Jared_Sully0) January 14, 2013
"I was cheering for him, I'm not going to lie," Sullinger told CSNNE.com. "It's been four years since I've known him. We have the same mental mindset of the grind -- that's what we call it -- of how much we need to better ourselves on and off the court."
Sullinger's enjoyment watching his friend play came to a sudden end, however. Posey tore his left Achilles tendon with just over six minutes to play.
"I knew how bad it was since he couldn't stand on his own two feet," said Sullinger.
Sullinger stayed at the stadium following the Patriots win to see Posey. He offered words of encouragement, telling Posey to keep his head up. They spoke again on Monday morning.
"I talked to him to check up and see how he felt," said Sullinger. "He's a little sore but he has a good positive view on everything. So it looks like he's going to come back stronger than ever."
Sullinger said he will be cheering for the Patriots in Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens.