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Jacksonville native Lito Sheppard reflects on his Super Bowl experience in his hometown

The Patriots won their third Lombardi Trophy at the conclusion of the previous matchup on February 6, 2005.

Super Bowl LII's matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots will serve as a rematch of arguably the most notable NFL game ever played in Jacksonville.

The Patriots won their third Lombardi Trophy at the conclusion of the previous matchup on February 6, 2005.

The modern-day Eagles will look to avenge that loss Sunday against longtime New England head coach Bill Belichick and All-Pro quarterback Tom Brady.

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If the Eagles are able to pull off the upset in the rematch, Jacksonville native Lito Sheppard will have a smile on his face. The Raines High School graduate spent seven seasons in Philadelphia and his strongest campaign culminated in a Super Bowl appearance in his hometown.

"That was an amazing year for me," Sheppard said in a phone conversation with First Coast News.

"It was actually the best year of my career. I can remember that year very vividly. I was fresh into the [starting] lineup that year, I was very anxious to get in the lineup, but that was my first year as a starter. I played pretty well that year, I was making some plays and we had a really good team."

The Eagles lost to the Patriots, 24-21, despite a strong comeback attempt in the fourth quarter.

Sheppard produced three tackles in his lone Super Bowl appearance. It was a bittersweet moment, as he was able to experience the big game in front of his family and friends in a losing effort.

"The X-factor to [the game] was I got the chance to play in the Super Bowl in my hometown," Sheppard said.

"I kind of thought it was going to be handed to me in that aspect, having a tremendous chance to play in it but in my hometown, in front of my whole family. That was special at the end but unfortunately, we didn't win it."

Sheppard is looking forward to this weekend's rematch. He has faced the brilliance of Belichick and Brady before and believes that challenge makes the prize that much more meaningful.

"When you're at that level and you're one of the best, you're one of the last two teams there, you really want to play against the best," Sheppard said.

"From a cornerback standpoint, Tom Brady is - and was at that time - arguably best quarterback. From my standpoint, it was a challenge and it was an honor to be able to say I played against the best in the best game."

The former NFL cornerback has watched this season closely. He has studied both teams and sees a strong matchup on paper.

He thinks the Eagles have a solid shot at defeating the defending champions.

"I think the Eagles team makeup has the perfect formula," Sheppard said.

"You have great upfront pressure, you have a very solid secondary and overall you've got a very aggressive defensive mentality. From a play-calling standpoint, I think that's the perfect recipe to give New England the biggest problems."

If the Eagles win, Sheppard will be thrilled for his former team. However, he wishes he could have been part of the team to take down the Patriots on the biggest stage in the NFL spectrum.

"In a perfect world, I could've have done it," Sheppard said, regarding his desire to beat the Patriots.

"I would have loved for my [Eagles] team to have a rematch against those guys. I think from an organization standpoint, it shows [Philadelphia] is a tough organization and one that intends on winning and being competitive every year. Because they had the opportunity one time, I know it's like Rocky III when he lost to Mr. T. You just can't wait to get that next chance to get that win. I know [the Eagles] are very excited about that opportunity."

Much like Sheppard's hometown of Jacksonville, the city of Philadelphia is hungry for a Super Bowl title. The Eagles haven't won an NFL championship since 1960.

Sheppard knows a win on Sunday would mean the world to the place he once called home.

"This is everything to that city," Sheppard said.

"I don't think this [Eagles] team and that city will rest until there is a championship in Philadelphia. This is a rare opportunity and I know they know that. We weren't able to take advantage of that when I had the opportunity to play in the Super Bowl. I know that's been reiterated a million times to these guys, so I just know how much is really, really laying on this game."

Super Bowl LLI will kick off at 6:30 p.m. EST live on NBC 12.

Follow Mike Kaye on Twitter at @Mike_E_Kaye.

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