Maine

Lombardi Trophy, Dent and All, Makes Appearance at Maine State House

The trophy made its way to Maine thanks to New England Patriots defensive end Derek Rivers, who was born in Augusta

The Vince Lombardi Trophy earned by the New England Patriots for their Super Bowl LIII victory over the Los Angeles Rams, made a special appearance at the Maine State House on Friday.

Shiny, gleaming and with a slight dent, the piece of sports history stood behind a bust of former Gov. Percival Proctor Baxter and under the gaze of former Sen. George Mitchell for much of the afternoon.

Fans who posed for pictures with the trophy got to see it with the dent made by newly-retired tight end Rob Gronkowski after he used it as a baseball bat at this year's Red Sox opening day.

"Just a big smudge," was the description one young fan used for the mark.

The reason the trophy made its way to Maine was thanks to Patriots defensive end Derek Rivers.

Rivers was drafted in 2017 and has only played in a handful of games and made a handful of tackles.

He does however, have some Maine history, after being born in Augusta. Although he moved to North Carolina, he still has family in the Maine area.

"After this, we’re going to see my grandfather," he said. "It's his 85th birthday on Sunday."

Rivers was also present for the moment when Gronk swung the trophy, giving it its signature defect.

Asked if he thinks the dent should stay, Rivers said absolutely because, "it's definitely a Gronk moment."

Most of the hundreds of fan in line agreed, as did Maine Gov. Janet Mills, who received an honorary jersey with her name on it.

"I'm going to wear it to dinner," she said. "We love the Patriots, we love Derek and his Maine connection."

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