Denver Broncos

Ryan Clady mocks Patriots for missing out on Super Bowl 50

Published Feb. 1, 2016 11:45 p.m. ET

Alex Marvez

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Denver left tackle Ryan Clady will be missing his second Super Bowl in three seasons because of injury.

One of the things that provides him some solace: New England won't be playing there either.

Clady didn't try to hide his disdain for the Patriots when expressing his feelings about reasons he can celebrate Denver's appearance in Super Bowl 50 despite his inability to play while recovering from knee surgery.

"I'm happy for my teammates. I'm happy to be here this week and happy New England is not here, to be honest with you," Clady said Monday during Super Bowl 50 Opening Night at the SAP Center.

Of course, some of Clady's joy comes from seeing New England lose to the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game. Clady also dislikes the Patriots because of the success they've enjoyed against Denver at Gillette Stadium. The Broncos have lost four straight road matchups against New England dating to the 2008 season when Clady first entered the NFL.

"[The rivalry] is definitely real," Clady said. "Just my generation, I've never won in Foxboro. Just that tension and rivalry when you get your butt whipped there a few times, you're not going to like the team. It's kind of how it is."

Clady does have professional respect for New England's accomplishments during the Bill Belichick/Tom Brady era.

"They've been very successful with it so you can't exactly knock them," he said before adding "But they're not here."