British-born Jay Ajayi hoping to make NFL history at the Super Bowl

British running-back Jay Ajayi is hoping to cement his legacy in the NFL by helping the Philadelphia Eagles to their first ever Super Bowl triumph when they meet the New England Patriots in Minnesota next weekend.

The Eagles secured a place in Super Bowl LII last weekend with a commanding 38-7 win over the Minnesota Vikings, causing Ajayi, 24, to burst into tears after the final whistle.

The Hackney-born running-back, who joined the NFC East outfit from Miami in October, had a taste of playoff action last year with the Dolphins but is now hoping to write his place in history by going all the way with his new team.

If the Eagles win, he will become the fifth British-born player to claim Super Bowl victory following in the path ofOsi Umenyiora, Marvin Allen, Scott McCready and Lawrence Tynes.

"Talking to my friends in Europe and my family in London I tell them it's like playing in the Champions League final or the World Cup final," Ayayi said. "It's the pinnacle of the sport.

"For me, this is a dream come true. It's just about finding a way to win. It's about leaving my mark and legacy and being a Super Bowl champion."

Standing in the way of Super Bowl glory and a place in the history books is a Patriots team looking to claim the Vince Lombardi Trophy for a sixth time under legendary head coach Bill Belichick.

Despite ending the regular season with the best record in the NFL, the Eagles enter the match as big underdogs which is a title they have held throughout the playoffs due to the loss of dynamic quarterback Carson Wentz.

"In my opinion, I've always been an underdog throughout my career," said the former fifth-round draft pick. "I've always been doubted and had a chip on my shoulder so that role is nothing new to me.

"It's that much sweeter when people don't believe in you and people count you out. Regardless of whether we are favoured or whether we are granted that underdog role, we have this chance to play in the Super Bowl."