Antonio Pierce's journey to the Super Bowl has been fuelled by his disappointment at being snubbed during the 2001 NFL draft.

Pierce, then at the University of Arizona, kept a notebook during the two-day draft process, entering each linebacker selected. His own name never made the list of more than 30, and the rejected has inspired him ever since.

"I was highly disappointed," Pierce told the East Valley Tribune. "Once my name didn't go up, I kept that list."

"After that first year, I wanted to see who made it.

"I kept stats on them. As the seasons went by, I just started crossing names off. Then I started looking at how they did in their career. Who had the most success? Who put up numbers, and winning teams and things like that?"

He may not have made the list, but his numbers have eclipsed all those who did. Just six names remain.

The 29-year-old signed as a free agent with Washington Redskins and played four years there before signing a six-year, $26 million contract as an unrestricted free agent with the Giants. During his career he has amassed 605 tackles, seven interceptions and 6 ½ sacks.

"I've had players like him before, that start out being guys people say can't make it," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said of Pierce. "And they just keep working and outwork people."

The Bermudian became an NFL starter in his last season in Washington, 2004, before joining the Giants the following year.

"My rookie year, I got a chance to start a couple of games and play a little bit," he said. "Then I went on special teams because we brought in a lot of veterans.

"I got an opportunity my last year (in Washington), and I wanted to make a name for myself," Pierce said.

"What better place than New York?"

Pierce, who will play in his first Super Bowl when the Giants take on New England Patriots on February 3, added: "This is what you strive for, to be a champion.

"This week and this upcoming game is what I've been waiting for my whole life."