Jacoby Jones has said that he wanted "so bad" to play in the Super Bowl in his home city.
The Baltimore Ravens wide receiver will line up for the side in New Orleans this weekend.
The 28-year-old told the Ravens' website: "I've wanted this so bad. There are a lot of people that come out of New Orleans that don't really make it. I'm one of the ones that made it.
"The thing about New Orleans people is we're very kind-hearted, but if you cross us, it's not good. I wanted to show them. I was hungry."
Jones joined the Ravens in the off-season, having been cut after five years with the Houston Texans.
The Ravens will face the San Francisco 49ers in New Orleans on Sunday.
