The last time the Patriots played the Seahawks in the Super Bowl, Jack Westover was a 15-year-old kid from Bellevue, Wash., admittedly getting “emotional” when Malcolm Butler picked off Russell Wilson for a Patriots victory.

Now that Westover, a fullback, is playing for the Patriots, his emotions have changed while watching that play.

“I was young. I was a little kid then. Now I’m happy to be on this side,” Westover said. “Kind of feels good, especially with how all the fans back home are acting right now. It feels good to be on this side, not going to lie.”

Westover’s family will be rooting for him and the Patriots in full force at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. Some friends couldn’t bring themselves to cheer for the Patriots, however.

Westover’s message to them: “Kick rocks.”

“Oh gosh, it’s brutal. My family’s fine, but oh my gosh, I can’t stand some people right now,” Westover said. “I’m getting the whole ‘rooting for you but go Hawks.’”

The Patriots’ fullback joked that he started every ticket request with “interrogation.”

And the loyal ones pass the test.

Westover played for the University of Washington and actually began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the Seahawks last season. He suffered an injury early in training camp and was released with an injury settlement.

“Just playing for the hometown for a bit was cool, but happy to be out here now,” Westover said.

He joined the Patriots’ practice squad last season as a tight end and transitioned over to fullback this summer.

Westover has primarily been used as a lead blocker in the run game, playing 233 total snaps. He has two receptions for 8 yards in 20 games.

The Patriots have leaned into their run game more heavily as the season has gone along, so Westover figures to play a key role on Sunday against the team he grew up cheering on.