JAY AJAYI wants to inspire a new generation of Brits into playing American football after realising his Super Bowl dream.
The London-born running back and his Philadelphia Eagles took down the New England Patriots 41-33 in a thriller at US Bank Stadium.
Ajayi moved to the US aged seven to pursue his dream and this year all the prayers were answered after a mid-season trade from Miami to Philadelphia.
He said: “Everyone dreams of being a champion, and I can say even when I’m gone, I’m a Super Bowl champion, and this is the greatest feeling in the world.
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“The journey and the challenges that I’ve been through, but to still be able to touch and kiss that Lombardi Trophy, and to understand that I’m a Super Bowl champion is the greatest feeling in the world.
“It’s rare to be in positions like this, coming from London, getting to the States and even being a Super Bowl champion.
“I’m so thankful to be on the Eagles and for the opportunity that I was given.”
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Eagles quarterback Nick Foles threw for 373 yards and three touchdown passes on his way to being named Super Bowl MVP.
The 29-year-old almost quit playing two years ago when he fell out of love with the game, and he also had a touchdown catch from Trey Burton to add to his three passes.
Foles stepped in for the injured Carson Wentz in December and the Eagles haven’t looked back since on their Super Bowl run.
Foles said: “We have such a great group of guys, such a great coaching staff. We felt confident coming in and we just went out there and played football.
“We’ve played this game since we were little kids, we dreamed about this moment.
“There’s plenty of kids watching this game right now dreaming about this moment and someday will be here.
“To be here with my daughter, my wife, my family, my teammates, this city – we’re very blessed.”
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, 40, vowed to return next season after his third defeat in eight visits to the Super Bowl.
Brady threw for 505 yards and three touchdowns in a near flawless performance, but his Patriots were edged out by Philadelphia’s rampant offence.
He said: “I expect to be back, but we’ll see.
“I have to process this a little bit but I don’t see why I wouldn’t be back.
“Losing sucks but that’s part of it. You try to win and sometimes you lose. That’s the way it goes.
“The Eagles played a better game and they deserve to win. That’s why we’re not the champs.
“No one is going to feel sorry for us. We’ll evaluate like we always do.”
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