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Northfield Grandma, 87, Wins 1st Fantasy Football Title

NORTHFIELD, Minn. (WCCO) -- At 87 years old, Pat Hanzlik has her fair share of success stories. But there's one thing that's eluded her for decades, until this year.

"I'm kind of overwhelmed," said Pat Hanzlik, who won her fantasy football league.

After a quarter century of playing fantasy football, Hanzlik won her league's Super Bowl.

"I have no tricks, I'm just lucky," she said.

Years of experience may have given her an edge.  She understands the importance of pre-draft research.

"I like reading about players. I follow that," said Hanzlik.

"She did her homework. She'll be modest, but she knows what she's doing," said Kevin Hanzlik, Pat's son.

Choosing Calvin Johnson and picking up Cam Newton were no brainers that secured the win. If anything, it's technology that's been Pat's biggest challenge.

"Years ago, I went with newspapers and magazines. Now it's TV and the Internet," said Pat.

She relied on her son Kevin to guide her through.

"She may say she's computer illiterate, but she's got things taped on her computer to go over," said Kevin.

Some might even call it a conflict of interest. Mother and son faced off in this year's championship game.

"70-48, that's kind of a whomping," she said.

"I was rooting for grandma," said Quinn Hanzlik, Pat's granddaughter. "I think it's cool that my grandma, who's 87 and female, won fantasy football."

Like a true competitor, Pat's already thinking of next season.  But, she's proven in fantasy football, she is in a league of her own.

Pat thinks New England and Green Bay will win the next round of playoff games. She's also no stranger to March Madness.

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