Australia paused on Monday, February 9, to witness one of its own reach the pinnacle of sporting greatness.
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Michael Dickson, a former southern Sydney local turned NFL star, cemented his reputation as "one of the best in the world" during a dominant performance in Super Bowl LX.
While the Seattle Seahawks cruised to a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots, it was Dickson's precision in the first half that had the world talking.
With millions watching globally, Dickson delivered a masterclass in punting, pinning the Patriots deep in their own territory with a sideline kick that left ESPN commentators in awe.
"Dickson is having a tremendous game, and it's no surprise he is one of the best in the world," one commentator said during the broadcast.
"Michael Dickson has been outstanding... absolute perfection."
The atmosphere was electric back home. At Kirrawee High in Sydney's Sutherland Shire, staff and students gathered around a big screen to roar for their famous alumnus.
Among the crowd was Dickson's former teacher, Mitch Scott, who watched with pride as his former student commanded the field in the US.
Dickson's journey to the NFL started even earlier at Kareela Public School, where he attended from 2001 to 2007.
Despite the bright lights of the stadium, the punter hasn't forgotten his roots. In a heartfelt message sent back to Kareela Public, Dickson reflected on the foundation the Shire provided him.
"I have so many fond memories of the school, of my friends, teachers... and being on the sporting teams I was on," Dickson said.
"When I get the chance to go back to Australia, sometimes I'll drive past the school and soak it in."
To the current students, his advice was: "Enjoy your time while you're there. Really soak up everything you can because one day you'll get to look back on the memories you created and really enjoy it."
Dickson was craving chips and a "parmi" after his booming boot helped Seattle to the 16-point win, which put the Australian in rare NFL air.
The 30-year-old punter starred as the Seahawks turned the screws at San Francisco and the Patriots failed to score until the final quarter.
The Sydney product - the Seahawks' longest-serving player, in his eighth season - averaged 47.5 yards on seven punts and was faultless holding for Jason Myers' five-of-five field goals.
"I have big dreams and I knew we were going to get there and we did," Dickson said after becoming the second Australian to play in a Super Bowl win.
"I love my family, my friends, Australia. I can't wait to get home and eat some chips with some chicken salt.
"I'm craving that, and a parmi, that'd be nice."
Dickson, overlooked for an AFL contract more than a decade ago, had his well-directed, right-footed cannons to thank for regularly pinning the Pats deep in their own end.
He had commentators raving when a final-quarter, 55-yard bomb settled one yard from the goal line to snuff out any hopes of a New England comeback.
"It was a crazy game; our guys balled out," Dickson said after denying the Patriots a record seventh title.
"It's nice to know that I can play in these type of games.
"If you ever feel any nerves, you look at the guys next to you and everyone's having fun."
Sam Darnold threw for 202 yards and a touchdown while Kenneth Walker (135 yards) became the first running back to win the Super Bowl MVP award since Terrell Davis 28 years ago.
The Seahawks' defence unit started the rot though, stifling the Pats and rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who was sacked six times.
It was 19-0 and the Patriots were eyeing unwanted history as the first scoreless Super Bowl team, before they finally found some offence with two late touch downs.
AJ Barner scored the first of two Seahawks touchdowns in Santa Clara. (AP PHOTO)
Two-time All-Pro Dickson joins Philadelphia's Bankstown-born Jordan Mailata, who broke the drought last year, as the only Aussies to play in a Super Bowl triumph.
Fellow punters Ben Graham (Arizona, 2009), Mitch Wishnowsky (San Francisco, 2020) and Arryn Siposs (Philadelphia, 2023) all played in losses while Jesse Williams has a ring but was on the injury list when Seattle won their only other title 2014.
Part of the Swans' AFL academy, Dickson trained with future star Isaac Heeney but was overlooked in the draft.
He moved to Melbourne and linked with Prokick Academy in a play that sent him to the University of Texas, where he became a Longhorns cult hero and was the first punter to claim the Texas Bowl MVP.
Drafted by Seattle in 2018, Dickson signed a $A23.25 million, four-year contract extension last year and was the only player on the field with claims as the highest-paid in his position.
The league will stage a first regular-season match in Australia later this year, when the Los Angeles Rams face the San Francisco 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
