Lifelong New York Giants fan, Rick Olson, says linebacker Antonio Pierce will have to play the game of his life if he wants to win Super Bowl XLII.

Mr. Olson, owner of Bermuda Bistro at The Beach, remembers going to his first Giants game with his father in the late 60s and has been to more than 30 games since.

"My Dad took me to the Giants and Jets game at the Yale Bowl. They would play every summer in Connecticut", he remembered.

He explained as a young boy, he inherited his sports team from his father, mostly because his Dad had the remote control and chose to watch the Giants.

He said he remembered ticking his father off at one game when an emergency bathroom trip forced his father to miss two touchdowns.

"I probably haven't missed a game on TV in the last 40 years, unless I was flying or something", Mr. Olsen laughed.

The Giants fanatic says he is probably the only person in the world who has seen Giants home games at Yankee Stadium, Shea Stadium, the Yale Bowl, Giants Stadium and most recently at Wembley Stadium in November.

He was at the latter game where serial British streaker, Mark Roberts, came on the field dressed as a referee then stripped down and did push-ups on the field.

The fan said Mr. Roberts was the star of the game.

Mr. Olson said he tries to fly up to a game every year and attended the Super Bowl in 2001 when the Giants lost to the Ravens, 34-7. He is trying to go to the game this year but a business trip will prevent him from attending.

His favourite player on the team is none other than Bermudian linebacker, Antonio Pierce.

"He's my favourite because he's Bermudian. I don't think he's a spectacular player, he's just good and solid all around. He's more of a team player than an individual star."

He continued: "Besides being a good athlete, he is one of the smartest players on the defensive end as he is the defensive captain."

Other than Mr. Pierce, Mr. Olson lists New York Jets star Joe Namath and the Minnesota Vikings' Fran Tarkenton as his favourite quarterbacks when he was a boy.

Asked if he honestly thinks his beloved Giants will win against the 19-0 New England Patriots, Mr. Olson said: "Do I think they're going to win? No. Do I think they have a chance? Yes. He's (Pierce) certainly got his work cut out. He better play the best game of his life if he wants to win."

Mr. Olson added his bar will be having a huge Super Bowl party where the second half of the game will see Happy Hour drink prices.

There will be a tailgating style menu featuring food like Buffalo wings, pizza, hot dogs and nachos.

There will also be beer specials all night and anyone wearing an Antonio Pierce jersey or shirt will get a free pizza.

Mr. Olson's final words: "Go Giants".

• Have you got a good luck message for Antonio? E-mail it to mpearman@royalgazette.bm