New England Patriots safeties Jaylinn Hawkins and Craig Woodson have great memories in the Bay Area, having both played college football at the University of California, Berkeley.
Back in Northern California to play in Super Bowl LX, they are still pinching themselves thinking about the reason they're back.
"We've been talking about it every day," Woodson told Patriots.com at Super Bowl LX Opening Night.
"We never would have pictured this – especially me in my first season. I never would have pictured being back in the Bay playing in a Super Bowl."
After an extended stretch of freezing temperatures in New England, it's no surprise Hawkins was most about the California weather. Revisiting some of his old food spots was a close second.
"I'm not going to lie, the sun, the way it felt hitting my skin is just amazing," Hawkins told Patriots.com on Monday.
"We've been in the snow, so obviously it's good to see some sunlight. We'll go visit the campus tomorrow. We're focused this week so I won't be going out, but we'll definitely be hitting up some of our old food spots."
Of course, tacos and In-N-Out burgers were top of mind when it came to food, but they also shared some specific spots for fans to check out while in town for the big game.
"Tacos by Alberto in San Leandro is really good," recommended Woodson. "There's also a spot called Ole's Waffle Shop that's good. It's low-key like a Waffle House. It's pretty good."
Despite being put on the spot, Hawkins quickly rattled off his favorites.
'I will definitely be hitting up IB's (Burgers), Gypsies Trattoria Italiana, you've got Abe's Pizza, Blondie's Pizza. You've got CREAM on Telegraph Ave. Berkeley Thai House – there's some good spots on Shattic (Avenue), man. I love that place."
As much as they both love food and their college town, they say no meal could have them as excited as they are to play in their first Super Bowl.
"Playing in an atmosphere that I'm so used to with the Bay Area is so crazy, but I'm so grateful," Woodson said.
"God is good."
