New England Patriots running back Jonas Gray has revealed that his Super Bowl snub has made him determined to become an integral part of the team next season.
Gray rose to prominence for the Patriots when he rushed for over 200 yards and four touchdowns against the Indianapolis Colts, but after being late for training the following week he fell down the depth chart.
As a result of his limited role, the 24-year-old was named as one of the Patriots' inactive players in their Super Bowl triumph over the Seattle Seahawks.
"Rooting for those guys wasn't very hard for me because I knew the work they had put in, I knew the sweat, the tears, everything that went into the entire season. I knew they deserved it," Gray told the Boston Herald.
"The tough part for me was to watch it, and not participate in a matter I thought I should, and not be able to help change the outcome of the game; being helpful. But it's motivation going into the off-season. I just know I need to work harder, so I'll never get myself in that position again."
Gray recorded 412 rushing yards and five touchdowns for the Patriots in the 2014 season.