New England Patriots linebacker Akeem Ayers is grateful for the decision of the Tennessee Titans to trade him to Bill Belichick's men during the season.
The 25-year-old was sent to the Patriots along with seventh-round pick in the 2015 Draft so the Titans could collect a sixth-rounder in exchange from the AFC champions.
However, the fortunes of the two parties were in complete contrast as Ken Whisenhunt's side finished with the joint-worst record in the NFL, while Ayers and the Patriots will be competing in the Super Bowl.
He told reporters: "They made a decision that they felt like they needed to make. I don't have any hard feelings. I just took it as motivation and especially being here on this team, I feel like they did me a favour, honestly.
"I really don't have any hard feelings for them. I have a lot of close friends on the team and I still talk to them. It's nothing personal. I came here and I did a good job here and we're going to the Super Bowl."
Ayers has recorded 23 tackles, four sacks and one interception in his 11 games with the Patriots this season.
