A Massachusetts mother and son are heading to the Super Bowl in honor of their police officer husband and father, killed in the line of duty, thanks to a surprise from Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

Stephen LaPorta had been an “avid” Patriots fan before the Uxbridge police officer’s tragic death earlier this month, just days before New England started its playoff run.

LaPorta died at the age of 43 in the early morning hours of Jan. 7, when an operator of a tractor-trailer crashed into the officer trying to help a motorist in the northbound lanes of Route 146. The crash remains under investigation.

The Patriots have posted a video on their social media accounts showing Shannon and Matthew LaPorta on a trip to Gillette Stadium. The mother and son believed they were in Foxboro to tour the team’s facilities.

“In reality, they were about to be surprised with something much bigger by Patriot Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft,” the organization wrote in a statement at the start of the video.

Moments into the video, Shannon LaPorta is seen wiping her eyes, while Matthew, age 13, looks at his mother in awe. This came after Kraft told them the unexpected: He was sending them to Santa Clara to root for the Patriots in the Super Bowl against Seattle.

“We wanted to present you with a special surprise,” Kraft told the mother and son. “We’re sending you there in dad’s honor.”

Shannon LaPorta responded, “These are happy tears.”

“This is like the best moment of my life, like today,” the mother later added. “I’m truly blessed and grateful for all the outpour and support in this community and around.”

Matthew’s excitement was evident as well, as he pumped his fist and belted out, “Go Pats.”

In June 2024, the Uxbridge Police Department celebrated LaPorta’s promotion to full-time patrolman, achieving a “lifelong dream,” according to his obituary. He previously worked as a dispatcher and part-time police officer.

LaPorta “proudly” wore badge no. 31 for the Uxbridge Police Department.

The department reacted to Kraft’s surprise Super Bowl ticket giveaway, saying it had “no words.”

“The New England Patriots are sending Shannon LaPorta and Matthew LaPorta to the Super Bowl,” the department stated in a Facebook post on Tuesday night. “There are no words. Unbelievable. Absolutely unreal. What a way to honor Steve. #letsfinishthisforsteve #winfor31 #gopats”

LaPorta has been honored throughout the Patriots’ run to the Super Bowl. Before the Wild Card game against the Chargers on Jan. 11, the organization paid tribute to the fallen police officer with a moment of silence.

“Stephen was an avid Boston sports fan who proudly supported the Bruins, Patriots, and Red Sox, never missing an opportunity to cheer on his teams,” LaPorta’s obituary reads. “He also had a deep love for music and was a devoted fan of Kenny Chesney, enjoying his music whenever he could. These passions reflected Stephen’s warm spirit and appreciation for life beyond his service.”