Pollock thrilled for up-close view to Super Bowl celebration

PHOENIX -- Watching the Seahawks drive down the field with time running out on Super Bowl XLIX on Sunday night, D-backs outfielder A.J. Pollock had that familiar feeling in the pit of his stomach.

Pollock, a lifelong Patriots fan, was in attendance for Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis when the Giants beat New England, and as he sat at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday night, he was afraid that Seattle might beat his beloved Patriots in the final minute.

Instead, Malcolm Butler picked off Russell Wilson's pass to seal the game for the Patriots, and three rows up near that end zone, Pollock was able to exhale.

"It was unbelievable, man," Pollock said. "What a game."

Pollock grew up in Connecticut and his father, Al, had Patriots season tickets and would make the 1 hour 40 minute drive with his son to Foxboro, Mass., for their home games.

"[Tom] Brady has been my hero since the beginning of his career," Pollock said. "There's something about him. I think he's the epitome of being an athlete. I always knew watching him that he did everything right and he was the hardest worker, and then that Sports Illustrated article came out recently and I was pumped to see that. Just because I kind of had an idea he was like that, but then to actually see that he was like that was great.

"He's just a good role model for what he does on the field and off the field."

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Pollock has never met Brady, but he did have a connection for tickets thanks to his friendship with the Krauss family, who have served as hosts for players in the Cape Cod Summer League.

Following the game, Pollock and his wife, Kate, were able to go on the field to soak in the celebration.

"What an unbelievable game, cool atmosphere," Pollock said. "Great game."