Monday 2 February 2015 07:16, UK
Tom Brady praised the mental toughness of his New England Patriots team-mates after their Super Bowl XLIX win over the Seattle Seahawks.
The defending champions had all the momentum heading into the final quarter in Glendale, but Brady masterminded two touchdown drives to lead the Patriots to a tense 28-24 victory.
Brady was named Most Valuable Player after throwing four touchdown passes, taking him past Joe Montana to a total of 13 in the sport's showpiece game.
He admitted things hadn't gone according to plan but was full of praise for the whole Patriots team, saving special words for rookie Malcolm Butler, whose late interception on the goal-line secured their victory.
"It wasn't the way we drew it up," said Brady, who was taking home his third Super Bowl MVP award.
"It certainly didn’t help, me throwing a couple of picks. It took a lot of mental toughness, and that we’ve had all year.
"We never doubted each other so that’s what it took. That’s a great football team we beat and I am just so happy for our team.
"We knew they were a good defense and they take advantage of any bad offensive football. For the most part we played pretty good. Our defense, well what can you say about them, making the play at the end of the game.
"It was a great team win.
"Thanks to my friends and my family who have supported me, and to all my team-mates. This is for you guys.
"It’s been a long journey. I’ve been at it for 15 years and I’ve had a couple of tough losses in this game but this one came out good in the end.
"I thought I might need to get out on the field for another drive (at the end) but Malcolm – what a play, for a rookie to do that for us and win us the Super Bowl.