ATLANTA - Former Cardinal Mooney product John Simon is living out a dream. He's playing in his first Super Bowl as a member of the New England Patriots.

Simon is a defensive end with the Patriots and joined them in September. 

"I've taken the long way to get here," Simon said. "The guys welcomed me into the locker room and made the transition very smooth," he said.

"I want to go out there every week and show them they didn't make a mistake bringing me here," Simon said.

Simon was drafted by the Ravens in 2013 and played a season in Baltimore. He went to Houston for three years, the Colts in 2017 before landing with the Patriots earlier this season.

Simon played at Ohio State under both Urban Meyer and Jim Tressel. He was the Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year and never forgets his Valley roots.

"I think Youngstown is definitely a blue-collar town with hard working people. I'm very proud and take pride it in as well," Simon said.

Simon will have a few family members in attendance for the big game. " My wife won't be able to make it. We had a newborn last week, so, unfortunately, she won't be able to make it, but I would love to bring her back a ring."

Simon is joined on the Patriots with other players with Youngstown ties. Defensive end Derek Rivers and practice squad wide receiver Damoun Patterson both played at Youngstown State.

On the Rams side, defensive back Troy Hill grew up in the city of Youngstown.