Former Miami Kicker Borregales Aims for Super Bowl Glory

New England Patriots rookie Andy Borregales looks to make history as the first Venezuelan-born player to play in the Super Bowl.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 2:07pm

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After a successful college career at the University of Miami, rookie kicker Andy Borregales is set to make his Super Bowl debut with the New England Patriots. Borregales, who will become the first Venezuelan-born player to appear in the big game, is looking to follow in the footsteps of Patriots legend Adam Vinatieri and kick a game-winning field goal to clinch the championship.

Why it matters

Borregales' journey from Coral Gables to the Super Bowl stage represents an inspiring story of perseverance and opportunity for young athletes, especially those from diverse backgrounds, to reach the pinnacle of their sport. His matchup against former Miami teammate Elijah Arroyo, now a tight end for the Seattle Seahawks, adds an extra layer of drama and personal connection to the game.

The details

Borregales was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft after a standout college career at Miami, where he was named to the All-ACC team twice. He got off to a shaky start in his rookie season, missing his first career field goal and two extra point attempts, but has since bounced back, making all four of his attempts from 50-plus yards in the regular season and converting a crucial field goal in the AFC Championship game.

  • Borregales was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
  • Borregales will become the first Venezuelan-born player to appear in the Super Bowl on February 9, 2026.

The players

Andy Borregales

A rookie kicker for the New England Patriots who is set to become the first Venezuelan-born player to appear in the Super Bowl.

Adam Vinatieri

A Hall of Fame kicker and former New England Patriot who kicked the game-winning field goal in Super Bowl XXXVI, kickstarting the Patriots' dynasty.

Elijah Arroyo

A tight end for the Seattle Seahawks and Borregales' former teammate and roommate at the University of Miami.

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What they’re saying

“In a perfect world, that'd mean the world to me. At the end of the day, all that really matters is getting a [win] with the team because even though I know being a kicker is a very, I guess a one-man army you could say, but I like to think of it as a team thing because at the end of the day, if I didn't have a snapper, if I didn't have a holder, if I didn't have a line protecting, I wouldn't be able to do my job.”

— Andy Borregales (CHAMPSIDE)

“I've been sending him little snarky texts here and there. That was my roommate for two years, so that's really my best friend, and to be able to say that, 'Hey, I'm playing in the Super Bowl against my best friend,' is definitely something that not everyone can say, but here we are.”

— Andy Borregales (Casz Clayton)

“That was obviously the lowest point of this season. I look back and honestly I wouldn't change a single thing. Really it's just something you got to, I guess, growing pains you could say. You're just going out there and learning from my mistakes, like don't do it again, and then just from that point on just have fun.”

— Andy Borregales (Reporters)

What’s next

Borregales will look to continue his strong play in the Super Bowl as he aims to help the Patriots secure their first championship since 2019.

The takeaway

Borregales' journey from the University of Miami to the Super Bowl stage is a testament to his resilience and the opportunities available to talented athletes, regardless of their background. His matchup against former teammate Elijah Arroyo adds a personal touch to the big game, making it a must-watch event for football fans.