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Sending Their Team Off, Patriots Fans Out For Revenge

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Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo, front right, displays the Lamar Hunt Trophy to fans as he exits the stadium following a sendoff rally in Foxborough, Sunday. (AP)
Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo, front right, displays the Lamar Hunt Trophy to fans as he exits the stadium following a sendoff rally in Foxborough, Sunday. (AP)

The New England Patriots have arrived in Indianapolis to prepare for Sunday's Super Bowl game against the New York Giants. Before the team left Sunday, more than 10,000 Patriots fans swarmed Foxborough for a send-off.

The fans packed the stadium like it was game day. The players stood on a stage in the middle of the field decked-out in suits and ties. The crowd went crazy when quarterback Tom Brady took the microphone before heading to his fifth Super Bowl appearance.

"We have the greatest fans in America," Brady said. "I wish we could take all of you guys to Indy with us. We're going down there for one reason. We'll give it our best. Hopefully, we'll have a lot more people at our party next weekend."

Patriots coach Bill Belichick addressed the crowd in his characteristically understated style.

"It's a great honor to be representing the AFC and New England in the Super Bowl," he said. "We're really excited about the trip. Appreciate your support. I'm sure we'll see some of you out in Indy. Go Pats."

After the team spoke, fans rushed to shoot cellphone photos of the players boarding buses.

Sandra Balff painted her face red, white and blue and held a sign that said, "Bill for President," referring to Belichick.

"Look what he's done for the team. He's amazing," Balff said. "He can win anything, and do a good job, no nonsense along the way."

In fact, Belichick has already won a few Super Bowls. So many, it's almost become commonplace for Nick Balff, Sandra's nephew from Mansfield.

"I don't have any doubts," he said referring to the Pats' chances of winning Sunday.

Balff said he doesn't like Giants' quarterback Eli Manning.

"I don't think he's as good as Tom Brady. New York receivers are young, they don't know what they're doing. (It's their) first time in a huge game like this. They're all second-string rookies. I bet nerves will catch up to them."

Pats fans have pride on the line. Many said they want revenge on the Giants, the same team that beat the Patriots in 2008, the last time New England went to the Super Bowl.

This program aired on January 30, 2012.

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