Linebacker Antonio Pierce is set to make history as the first ever Bermudian to play in the Super Bowl following New York Giants victory over Green Bay Packers.

Pierce, whose father Cleo Burrows lives in Southampton, will now tackle the mighty and unbeaten New England Patriots at Super Bowl XLII at the University of Phoenix Stadium, Arizona.

The 29-year-old made several big plays during the NFC Championship match, including a terrific tackle on a screen pass. It was the third-coldest game in NFL history, colder than the 1967 Ice Bowl and the 1981 AFC Championship game.

"It was beautiful - Ice Bowl II, with a different ending," said Pierce who spent his childhood summers in Warwick. "A New York ending! Beautiful.

"I ain't lyin' to you, that was cold out there. We didn't focus on that. We had a game to play and guys made up their minds with regard to the weather, regardless of the score and regardless of what was going on, we were going to come away with a win."

New England Patriots are on the brink of Gridiron history with their win over San Diego Chargers stretching their record unbeaten streak to 18-matches.

Led by their inspirational quarterback Tom Brady, the Pats became only the second team in the modern era of the NFL to complete a perfect regular season with a record of 16-0, and the first team to do so since the introduction of the 16-game season.

"We know what all the hype about this will be," Pierce added. "Everyone expects the Patriots to be 19-0 and ride off into the sunset. We're going to go out there and compete."

The Giants pushed the Patriots all the way in the regular-season finale, losing, 38-35, as New England scored 22 straight points after trailing by 12 at the Meadowlands.

But Pierce does not believe that result will have any bearing when the teams are reacquainted on the sport's biggest stage.

"That's a good team. (Bill) Belichick is way smarter than that. Trust me. We're going to have our hands full."

The former Washington Redskin, who is rumoured to be dating singing sensation Ashanti, is captain of the Giants' defence.