Fans at Gillette Stadium Monday morning for the send-off rally. (Kim Tunnicliffe/WBZ NewsRadio 1030)
FOXBORO (WBZ-AM) -- Members of Patriots Nation waited in the cold for hours for a chance to cheer on the team before they leave for Minneapolis to face the Eagles in Super Bowl LII.
They came to hear speakers including QB Tom Brady and Head Coach Bill Belichick get them riled up for the big game.
"We got one more to go," Brady told the crowd. "We're going to go out there and try to win it for you guys, and that's all we got."
Some dedicated fans even showed up at 3 a.m. to start the festivities.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe asked fan Donna Gazetti what could possibly get her out of her warm bed that early on a Monday morning.
"To root for our team!" she said. "Gonna win the Super Bowl, get that sixth ring ... we're here so early so we can get up in front, check them all out."
Fan Jenna Banwell came from Connecticut in hopes of catching a glimpse of Rob Gronkowski, her admitted crush.
"I love him so much," she said.
Gronk is quesitonable for the big game because of his concussion, but Banwell isn't worried.
"He's a big guy, he's going to be fine," she said.
After the rally, the team left by bus to T.F. Green Airport in Providence, where their team jumbo jet awaited.
"For those of you that are going to Minnesota, we'll see you there," Belichick said. "For those of you that aren't, I know you'll be cheering your hearts out back here, and we'll see you Monday."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports