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American Football Ajayi hopes Super Bowl win inspires a generation of British kids

BRITISH born running back Jay Ajayi hoped to have inspired a new generation of NFL players yesterday after helping the Philadelphia Eagles win their first Super Bowl.

Ajayi was born in London but moved to the United States when he was seven. The former Miami Dolphin played a role in the Eagles’ 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots.

NFL UK spent the build-up to the championship game, and the majority of the regular season, reminding anyone who would listen that the 24-year-old spent a small portion of his life in Britain and, with the confetti still falling, Ajayi was immediately asked about what effect he hopes this victory does for National Football League in Britain.

“I don’t know,” he said. “Hopefully inspiring some people. Just from the journey and the challenges that I’ve been through, the adversity, everything and to still be at this point, to still be able to touch and kiss that Lombardi Trophy, and to understand that I’m a Super Bowl champion, greatest feeling in the world.”

Ajayi was also asked about his own journey and how “special” it meant to represent the country he was born in.

“Just to know where I’ve come from, to know my roots. It’s rare to be in positions like this, coming from London, getting to the States and even being a Super Bowl champion. It’s rare. So, I’m thankful for my upbringing, I’m thankful everything that’s happened in my life that’s brought me to this point.

“This journey from [Britain] to here is a blessing and has fuelled my fire. It’s a lot of hard work and dedication. If you stay determined, trust God, it really works out for you and for me it did.”

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