Waterford - Hundreds of New England Patriots fans swarmed into the Crystal Mall Saturday night to bask in the glow of the football team's fourth Super Bowl championship, won just a week ago today.

While fans expected to see running backs Jonas Gray and LeGarrette Blount, about an hour before the event - co-sponsored by the mall's K&M All Star Sports and the Whaling City Ford car dealership in New London - they heard that Blount couldn't make it. Instead, Gray was joined by linebacker Akeem Ayers and defensive tackle Joe Vellano.

"We'll live," said longtime Pats fan Andrea Smith of Waterford, not bothered by the last-minute change.

Smith said she fell on her knees when defensive back Malcolm Butler made the saving interception to seal the team's Super Bowl victory.

"I was having a heart attack," added sister-in-law Sunni Smith of Norwich.

Of the three players who appeared at the event to sign autographs and pose for pictures, only Ayers actually played in the Super Bowl. But he made a big contribution, assisting on the tackle of Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch on the play just before Butler's interception, according to an online profile.

Fans started lining up to see the Patriots players about 4:30 p.m. - an hour and a half before they were scheduled to arrive - but the players didn't appear together until after 6:30. Those paying for VIP tickets shelled out $100 for the privilege, receiving two autographs and a picture with the players, while others paying general admission got fewer perks.

"It was totally worth it," said Larry Kuhse of Groton, who bought the VIP pass for sister Erin after stumbling upon the event accidentally.

Many fans sported Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski jerseys, though there were a scattering of other Patriots shirts, including ones honoring linebacker Dont'a Hightower, nose tackle Vince Wilfork and even retired receiving legend Randy Moss.

"Who's the greatest team in the history of football?" said Nathan Gaucher, general manager of Whaling City Ford Lincoln Mazda, while warming up the crowd.

"Patriots!" the crowd yelled back.

Sam Romanella, owner of K&M All Star Sports, said he has a close relationship with the Patriots and was able to arrange an appearance after only about five hours. He estimated between 300 and 400 fans had bought tickets for the event, but hundreds of others looked on and took pictures.

"We appreciate the support all the way down here in Connecticut," Vellano told the crowd as he waited for Gray and Ayers to join him. "Thanks for coming."

As the players all finally paraded through the crowd to an area near the escalators on the Sears end of the mall, a huge cheer erupted as young men lifted their girlfriends on their shoulders, kids craned their necks to see and dozens of people snapped pictures.

Gray and Ayers were never introduced, nor did any player but Vellano speak publicly, but those who received autographs - on photographs, footballs, caps, helmets, towels, posters and Sports Illustrated covers - said they were thrilled.

"Akeem was so nice," said Caitlin Mettler of Niantic, who attended the event with husband, Michael, and 3-year-old Kaden.

"And Joe gave him a fist pound," Michael said, nodding toward his smiling son.

"Wicked awesome," said Kuhse, the Groton fan. "It's a part of history."

l.howard@theday.com

Twitter: @KingstonLeeHow