Last year Cleo Burrows supported the Redskins, this year it will be the Giants - the change in allegiance is surely the least he could do considering the New York team were prepared to invest $33 million in his son.

For Burrows, Antonio Pierce's move to the Big Apple means a change in direction for his bi-weekly trips to the States, a box seat in Giants Stadium rather than FedEx Field.

Burrows has been a constant visitor to the States ever since Pierce began his Arizona college career but the trips, either by himself or brother Randy, have increased in frequency since Pierce made the NFL.

“I try to get over for every home game and then all the games that are a three-hour flight away or less, so that means most of the divisional games,” said Burrows, who was visiting Pierce last week when the momentous news of his Giant move hit the headlines.

“I have been to Giants Stadium already a few times but it is going to be very different when we go and see him play as a starter there. It's a big place but we are getting used to those now, I will always remember when he played against Penn State and there were 109,000 there - now that is something I will never forget.”

Like most parents, Burrows gets nervous watching his son, especially in front of so many people and on such a grand stage.

“It's a hard thing to explain, it's like you are out there yourself,” continued Burrows, from Southampton, who expects a large contingent of family members to head out for the home opener later this year.

“Every time he is involved it is like you are involved, it's a hard thing to describe but it is also something that fills you with enormous pride.

“I am very proud of everything Antonio has done and I hope he continues to do the same with his new team.”

Although every parent would want their progeny to become a multi-millionaire overnight, there is always the concern that the $6.5 million that has just arrived in Pierce's bank account could be mis-spent - but Burrows is confident his son can handle the temptations and pressures of instant superstardom.

“His mother and I raised him to be responsible and I don't think this is going to change him,” continued Burrows.

“He is a good kid and is level-headed and I don't think he is going to be silly with his money. Maybe he will make a few mistakes but that is what young people do, but I'm sure he'll be careful and make sure this doesn't change him.

“Antonio has worked very hard over the years and now he can really reap the rewards and he deserves that.”