BROWERVILLE, Minn. - When the New England Patriots play in Super Bowl 52 in Minneapolis, Tom Brady will have a special cheering section from the small Minnesota town of Browerville.
"We had joked around about it, laughingly saying, 'Hey it's Minnesota in 2018,' and here we are, a game away," said Paul Johnson, who is Tom Brady's cousin. "I'm texting the Bradys. We've been texting back and forth. Praying, hoping."
Tom Brady's mother, Galynn Brady, is from Browerville and the Patriots quarterback spent many summers during his childhood visiting his Minnesota family members.
"He's a driven kid," said Gary Johnson, Brady's uncle. "He was an ornery little devil when he was younger."
Brady continues to spend time with family, inviting them to games and getting together. He last returned to Browerville in the summer of 2016 to speak at his grandfather's funeral.
When they're not together, the Johnsons cheer on their favorite player from the comfort of their garage, which is packed with Patriots pride.
"Pot luck meals every Sunday," Paul said. "We don't know what we're going to do when he retires, it's so much fun. We're so proud of him."
The family spent much of the AFC Championship game wondering if their dream of a Minneapolis Super Bowl would come through. The Patriots trailed much of the game, but after 18 seasons of late heroics, they never lost faith.
"I think Tom is going to pull it through, I do. The Patriots are going to make it," said Diane Johnson, Tom's aunt.
"We're going to be fine," said Kelly Johnson. "It's always last minute."
Brady eventually led his team back and threw the winning touchdown pass.
The room erupted in cheers, just like it has so many times before.
"Just unbelievable," Paul Johnson said. "I'm just sending emojis because I'm shaking too much to type."
Another round of cheers erupted as the CBS Sports announcers made mention of Browerville and the family he'd soon be seeing.
"Happy we won baby and we're going to Minnesota," Brady said on the broadcast.
"Can't wait to see him," Paul Johnson said. "I can't wait to see him."