Sports Minister El James is a New England Patriots fan to the core.

But come February 3 all of that will change as James intends to break from tradition and rather than back his beloved Patriots in Super Bowl XLII will rally instead behind Bermuda's own Antonio Pierce and the New York Giants.

"I've been a New England fan for over 30 years, but just for the day (Super Bowl Sunday) I think I will have to become an Honorary New York Giant," he smiled.

"I think I'm going to have to put aside my liking for the Patriots and go with my Bermudian brother instead because blood comes first.

"I have to support Antonio because it's not often you get a Bermudian in the Super Bowl. And I would really like to see him enjoy the success so that we can also bask in the glory here in Bermuda."

James' love affair with the Patriots began decades ago whilst studying abroad in New England.

The Patriots are gunning to become the first NFL franchise since the 1972 Miami Dolphins to cap off a perfect season with a Super Bowl title.

"I must admit that I wanted to see New England achieve the perfect season. But now they have come up against the wrong fellow and so I have to back my homeboy," he said.

Pierce and the Giants set up a Super Bowl showdown with New England next month after squeaking past Green Bay Packers in a nailbiter in overtime at a frozen Lambeau Field where temperatures dipped to minus 24 degrees.

And with victory over Brett Favre's Packers the Giants became the first NFC wild card team to reach the Super Bowl since the 1975 Dallas Cowboys.

The Patriots edged the Giants 38-35 in the last regular season match up between the two sides.

James said win or lose, Pierce will still emerge as a "winner" and has called on the island to throw their support behind the Giants' linebacker who he described as being a perfect "role model".

"Antonio is a local boy and definitely a hero right now and a big role model. He's already a winner and win or lose we will still invite him home and give him a warm welcome when he returns," he said.

"I think Antonio has already done us proud and I would like to see him on the day (Super Bowl) have champagne thrown over his head in celebration.

"Antonio has played an important role in helping to get the Giants to the Super Bowl, especially as a defensive captain. He's definitely a valuable asset to the team and has already done Bermuda proud."