“It’s shocking and a dream come true!” says Brooklyn Decker. She’s talking about her latest project, getting on the front page cover of the newest issue of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

Decker is only 22 years old. The North Carolina-raised model was so happy that she finally made it to the cover after five years of posing for the magazine.

She was also ecstatic when she was invited as a guest in The Late Show with David Letterman on Monday. Decker said, “I’ve done news shows, but I’ve never done a big talk show.”

And Decker is not the only one rejoicing. “My mom cried,” she said. “We’re all on pins and needles before the issue comes out, because the cover is something all the girls want so badly,” says Decker. “So it’s nice for my family because they don’t have to stress about it anymore.”

Decker is also tennis champ Andy Roddick’s wife. Asked about what Roddick’s opinion on the cover, Decker said, “He’s so proud. I think this gives him a one-up in the locker room for the next year or so.”

Catch Brooklyn Decker when she appears on Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

(story & image from People)