Watch Neil Reynolds interview with London-born Ajayi as part of our 90-minute build-up to Sunday's Super Bowl extravaganza which gets underway at 10pm on Sky Sports Action and Mix
Saturday 3 February 2018 11:26, UK
Philadelphia running back Jay Ajayi is likely to feature heavily on Sunday as part of the Eagles gameplan that will be key to any hopes of victory against New England.
Every player dreams of reaching the Super Bowl and after a rough first half to the season, Ajayi has ended up one win away from glory, and he can't wait for Sunday.
"It's special," Ajayi tells Neil Reynolds.
"I mean, this is my dream and my goal, to play in the Super Bowl so I'm just grateful that everything has worked itself out so far."
Before the season, Ajayi spoke to Sky Sports about how adversity has driven him throughout his career, and this season, he had to show even more resolve.
The third-year runner entered the season as a Miami Dolphin, endured a 20-0 shutout at Wembley Stadium early in the season, and was shipped to Philadelphia for a fourth-round pick at the trade deadline.
Though he was clearly out-of-favour in Miami, he's kept his focus and had a big impact for the Eagles, playing his part as they overcame the loss of MVP candidate Carson Wentz to claim the NFC title for the first time since 2004.
"I've had a few challenges throughout my career and it's just about staying determined, understanding my goal and having a positive mindset and understanding that realistically I can only control what I can control," he adds.
"And so now, like I said, I'm grateful to be on this team, having a welcoming locker room and just being on a team that I've been embraced in and appreciated.
"Now I'm here at the Super Bowl and one game left to finish it the right way."
While he has only scored one rushing and one receiving touchdown this year, he had an outstanding 5.8 yards-per-carry average as an Eagle in the regular season, and has totalled 39 touches and 197 yards in the playoffs, his role seemingly increasing in every contest.
The 'underdog' Eagles may have to take advantage of his talents to topple Tom Brady and the Patriots' dynasty.
"Obviously we've been underdogs in a lot of our games and we've embraced that role and it's helped propel us to this point that we are in right now."
Eagles fans will naturally be hoping their runner will soar on Sunday, but Ajayi also has the backing of the UK audience - and he's flown the flag his whole career.
"It's always a great honour to be that guy for the young kids and the youth in London and the UK.
"Obviously being from there I've appreciated all the support that I've gotten from back home from friends, family and the fans as well.
"It's going to be exciting on Sunday to join a group of UK players that have played in the Super Bowl and hopefully I can join the group of the guys that have won."
Only four Brits have hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy, two as starters - Osi Umenyiora and Lawrence Tynes were on the New York Giants squad that toppled the Patriots in 2007 and 2011.
Marvin Allen and Scott McCready were practice squad players for the Steelers and Patriots respectively, but Ajayi could make himself the first Brit from a skill position on an active roster to claim a Super Bowl winners ring.
But for now, he's focused on the task at hand and hasn't allowed himself time to think about how it will feel to run out of the tunnel.
"I haven’t really thought about it too much, just been going through all the motions right now during the week.
"But I know that my emotions will be high and I will be excited and it’s just going to be about allowing that to subside and going out there and playing a great game after the whistle."
Watch the full interview with Jay Ajayi as part of our 90 minutes of Super Bowl LII build-up - join us on Sky Sports Action and Mix from 10pm on Sunday where Josh Norman is our special guest
Sky Sports Main Event joins us at 11pm and the action kicks off at 11.30pm (GMT), including the half-time show featuring Justin Timberlake.
@SkySportsNFL are in Minnesota all week - follow us for live video and a flavour of the madness.
