Patriots’ RB Sony Michel looks to ‘block everything out and focus on what’s important’

ATLANTA — As a rookie in the Super Bowl, it’s easy to become overwhelmed — even for a player on a team that makes a habit of reaching the big game.

But the New England Patriots don’t appear to have any reason to worry about running back Sony Michel getting caught up in all of the hype leading up to Sunday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII.

‘Focus on preparation, because the preparation is going to help me be able to perform on Sunday’

His approach seems consistent with that of his veteran teammates.

“It’s a big opportunity. Not too many people get this opportunity, so I’m just trying to take advantage of it.”

“Right now, it’s just to try to block everything out and focus on what’s important,” Michel told SiriusXM NFL Radio’s Torry Holt, who won a Super Bowl here as a rookie receiver for the St. Louis Rams 19 years ago. “It’s a big opportunity. Not too many people get this opportunity, so I’m just trying to take advantage of it. … Focus on the preparation, because the preparation is going to help me be able to perform on Sunday.”

‘There’s going to be a lot of things, a lot of distractions’

That’s the message Michel, who led the Patriots by rushing for 931 yards and six touchdowns, said he has constantly heard from Tom Brady and others who have vast Super Bowl experience, including being part of the Patriots’ winning five Lombardi trophies.

“There’s going to be a lot of things, a lot of distractions, but you’ve got to be able to focus on what’s important,” the running back said. “And right now the Rams are important to us and we’re just trying to seize the moment and take advantage.”