Mark Wahlberg says he left the Super Bowl early because his son was sick

Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Actor, producer and avid New England Patriots fan Mark Wahlberg has explained why he left Sunday's Super Bowl before his favorite team pulled a stunning upset and beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28.

"I had to leave the game early because my youngest son wasn't feeling well. Trust me, I would have loved to be at the stadium -- but family first. Doesn't mean I don't love my Patriots too!" the Massachusetts-born, father of four children said in a Facebook post, which accompanied a photo of him with his wife and sons at NRG Stadium in Houston.

The New England Patriots, trailing 28-3 in the third quarter, scored two touchdowns and a pair of two-point conversions in the final six minutes of the fourth quarter and another touchdown on the first possession of overtime for the win. The game is regarded as by far the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history.