Patriots Cheerleader, Tiverton Native Living Her Dream

A third year cheerleader for the New England Patriots is entering Sunday's Super Bowl at possibly the most exciting time of her life.

Amanda Riddle, 24 and from Tiverton, went to Hawaii last week to represent the team in the Pro Bowl, and is now only hours away from the biggest event in all major sports.

"She's always wanted to go to the Super Bowl," said her mother, Brenda Helger, via phone on Thursday. "When we were watching the final game [against Baltimore], it was up and down. At the very second when we won, we were all very emotional because we knew that's what she wanted, to end her career going to the Super Bowl."

Riddle is a 2005 graduate of and was class valedictorian, according to Helger. She graduated went on to the pharmacy school at the University of Rhode Island.

Helger said she spoke to her daughter on Thursday afternoon when the squad left Gillette Stadium by police escort, then took a charter jet straight into Indianapolis. Once landed, Helger said Riddle went through security and went straight to the hotel.

"It's surreal," she said. "It's all very exciting. She said she's seen some celebrities already."

Helger said she will be home on Sunday watching the game with the family, including Riddle's two brothers.