For the second time in eight years, the Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl champions. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys have reportedly discussed whether to pay Micah Parsons a premium or trade him for a massive return. Priorities, right?

That report conveniently surfaced hours before Super Bowl 59 started, signaling that Jerry Jones was trying to grab attention on the NFL’s biggest day.

Unfortunately for the Cowboys’ owner, nothing he leaks to the media can overshadow the Eagles’ well-deserved praise this week. They’ve earned every bit of it. With elite players across the board, Nick Sirianni and Jalen Hurts shutting down their critics, and Howie Roseman solidifying himself as one of the best GMs in NFL history, Philly is in a great spot.

While the Eagles will need to maneuver their salary cap going forward, their core is intact. The Cowboys, on the other hand, will likely keep lamenting their financial situation and refuse to pursue outside talent during the offseason.

They’re already toying with Parsons’ contract. CeeDee Lamb quickly called out the nonsense.

CeeDee Lamb calls out Cowboys over Micah Parsons contract drama Lamb is speaking for all Cowboys fans, who are fed up with the nonsense.

The only reason Parsons’ potential trade has come up is because the Joneses waited until the last year of his rookie contract to start negotiating an extension. From his first days in the league, it was clear Parsons was a cornerstone player for the team.

RELATED: Cowboys’ Kellen Moore decision may backfire in a way Jerry Jones didn’t foresee The Cowboys did the same with Lamb, who didn’t sign until the end of training camp last summer. Dak Prescott’s situation followed suit. Both Lamb and Prescott should’ve been signed during the 2023 offseason. The Joneses’ delay allowed trade rumors to swirl around Lamb and Prescott all summer, despite both players being committed to Dallas.

The Eagles, however, would’ve locked up Parsons two years ago. They extended DeVonta Smith and Landon Dickerson, drafted the year after Lamb in 2021, last offseason. They also signed A.J. Brown, Jordan Mailata, and even kicker Jake Elliott to extensions.

That didn’t stop Philadelphia from making Saquon Barkley one of the highest-paid running backs, signing linebacker Zack Baun, who excelled in the playoffs, or investing over $30 million in safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson in free agency.

Meanwhile, in Dallas, the Joneses claimed they couldn’t spend last offseason because they had to pay Prescott and Lamb… who should’ve already been locked up.

The NFL world has seen through the Joneses’ tactics after last offseason, which was supposed to be “all-in.” While it’s satisfying to see Jerry and Stephen face backlash, it’s equally embarrassing that Lamb had to call out the organization over the Parsons situation.

If that doesn’t highlight the vast difference between the Cowboys and Eagles, nothing does.

 

 

One former Tulane Green Wave football star walked away from the big game in his hometown with a Super Bowl ring.

 

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Parry Nickerson (38) warms up before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Parry Nickerson (38) warms up before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. / Eric Canha-Imagn Images

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It’s been a huge week for the city of New Orleans, for the Tulane Green Wave and its former defensive standout, Parry Nickerson.

 

The city hosted Super Bowl LIX and did a fantastic job. Tulane got plenty of great local and national publicity, especially as football coach Jon Sumrall was involved in plenty of the pre-game activities.

 

As for Nickerson? Well, he won his first Super Bowl.

 

Nickerson wasn’t in uniform for Sunday’s 40-22 Philadelphia Eagles victory over the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome. He was on Philadelphia’s practice squad and was not elevated to the active roster before the game.

 

But he still gets a ring, his first as a professional, even though he didn’t play in the game.

 

The cornerback joined the Eagles earlier this season as a practice squad signing in October. Philadelphia signed him as a free agent in June and he was cut during the preseason.

 

But he’s been fighting to be a part of a moment like this since he started his NFL career in 2018. He’s played for seven different teams, which started after he was a sixth-round pick in 2018 by the New York Jets and he made the team coming out of training camp.

 

He played in all 16 games that season, starting two games. He finished the season with 21 combined tackles, 18 of which were solo, along with a tackle for loss.

 

Since that season with the Jets, he’s played in regular-season games with four other NFL teams. He’s played in 30 career games with 33 total tackles (28 solo) with one pass defended.

 

The week was not only pro football’s biggest game, but it was a homecoming for the 30-year-old New Orleans native. He played his high school football at West Jefferson High School in nearby Harvey. He played his college football at Tulane. Given his New Orleans roots, Nickerson got a lot of attention, especially during the media days earlier in the week.

 

Nickerson overcame a career-threatening knee injury in his freshman year at Tulane to become a mainstay of the Green Wave defense. After coming back from the injury, he started 46 of his next 48 games, during which he intercepted 16 passes and deflected 31 more passes.

 

In his senior season in 2017, he was a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist who finished the season with 55 total tackles, two tackles for loss, six interceptions, and eight pass deflections as he earned all-Conference honors.

 

Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata

Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata celebrates after defeat of Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL Super Bowl. Photograph: Doug Benc/AP

Eagles player completes journey from reserve-grade rugby league

Mailata plays big hand in Philadelphia’s 40-22 win over Chiefs

Jordan Mailata, the giant rugby league convert from Bankstown, spoke of his “crazy, crazy journey so far” after making history by becoming the first Australian to play in a Super Bowl victory. The offensive tackle, taking part in his second NFL championship decider, played no small part in the Philadelphia Eagles’ stunning win over the Kansas City Chiefs in this year’s showpiece game held in New Orleans.

 

In front of a star-studded Superdome crowd and a global audience of tens of millions, Mailata’s journey from humble beginnings in Sydney’s south-west to the pinnacle of world sport was completed, as he helped the Eagles to a one-sided 40-22 win over the Chiefs, whose hopes of securing a three-peat were dashed in spectacular fashion.

 

Mailata had a big impact on the game, particularly during the first half in which the Eagles raced to a 24-0 lead. The 27-year-old played a crucial part in the opening touchdown – a “tush push” play which saw star quarterback Jalen Hurts squeeze under a mass of bodies and into the end zone.

 

His tireless work in the offensive line also allowed Hurts plenty of time to stamp his authority on the game, either throwing downfield or making breaks forward himself when necessary. Mailata comes in at 2.03m tall and tips the scales at 166kg, and proved an imposing presence.

 

“You have got to want to be more physical,” Mailata told Fox Sports NFL. “That was a great defence we were going up against so we knew we had to answer that call. And that ain’t easy, you have to have the want to.”

 

The game turned into a rout as the Eagles cantered to their second Super Bowl in a decade and Mailata secured his first ring at the second attempt – after the disappointment of the 2021 decider which the Eagles lost to the Chiefs.

 

“It’s a completely new team, that’s the beauty about it, the culture that we built early on,” Mailata said. “We left that baggage of ‘22 because we didn’t want to bring that to the new season.”

 

Mailata’s performance in the game was lauded, and former Detroit Lions quarterback and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky said the Australian’s influence would be felt beyond the field of play.

 

“Think about all the kids back in Australia,” he said. “Now, you might not be gifted with the god-given ability to be 6ft 9in, 350lbs and move like that, but for a guy to come from [Australia], come over here and have the career he has, it does give hope to a young kid that maybe says ‘I want to be the next Jordan Mailata’.”

 

There were delirious celebrations at full-time in New Orleans, scenes few would have imagined possible when, in 2017, Mailata chose to turn his back on rugby league, having been told he lacked the requisite fitness and conditioning to make it at the NRL’s South Sydney Rabbitohs. He rejected a contract worth $5,000 with the North Sydney Bears, Souths’ reserve grade team at the time, and turned to his focus to American football.

 

The former labourer with the voice of an angel was invited to the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program and, despite his minimal knowledge of the game initially, he showed enough potential there and in rugby league highlight reels to convince the Eagles to select him with the 233rd pick in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

 

After a slow start, he eventually blossomed and Mailata has not looked back since. In 2021, he signed a four-year, US$64m contract, before helping his team to the Super Bowl the same year, and in 2024 he put pen to paper on a US$66m extension to keep him with the Eagles until 2028 and make him one of the NFL’s highest-paid offensive tackles.

 

Three other Australians have appeared in a Super Bowl – Ben Graham for Arizona in 2009, San Francisco’s Mitch Wishnowsky a year later and Arryn Siposs, Mailata’s teammate in the 2022 decider.

 

Mailata is not the first Australian to own a Super Bowl ring – Queenslander Jesse Williams picked up one with the Seattle Seahawks in 2013 but, having been sidelined all that season through injury, he did not take to the field in his side’s 43-8 hammering of the Denver Broncos.

 

 

 

 

NFL on ESPN Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl – One of the most highly anticipated sporting showdowns of the year is live on ESPN this Monday February 10 when the defending NFL champion Kansas City Chiefs meet the Philadelphia Eagles at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.

 

The Kansas City Chiefs will aim to become the first team to win three straight Super Bowls, while the Philadelphia Eagles – including Australian superstar Jordan Mailata – will seek revenge for their agonizing last minute Super Bowl defeat to the Chiefs in 2023.

 

ESPN viewers will once again experience unrivalled access to the showpiece event, with the team covering every angle of Super Bowl LIX.

 

Super Bowl LIX will be called exclusively for Australian and New Zealand audiences by ESPN’s Chris Fowler, Dan Orlovsky and Louis Riddick.

 

ESPN’s Super Bowl coverage begins at 9am AEDT Monday with NFL Blitz before Super Bowl LIX follows LIVE at 10.30am AEDT.

 

ESPN host Phil Murphy and NFL experts Sam Acho and Mike Tannenbaum will bring viewers special access including the best analysts, in-depth features and live reports with live coverage from inside the Ceasars SuperDome for Super Bowl LIX.

 

Super Bowl LIX: Kansas City Chiefs vs Philadelphia Eagles

The Kansas City Chiefs are aiming to create NFL history by winning a third straight NFL championship.

 

They have reached the Super Bowl in an incredible five of the past six seasons, taking home the Lombardi Trophy three times during that stretch.

 

Kansas City went 15-2 during the regular season – although 11 of the Chiefs’ wins came by one score.

 

Riding their luck became the theme, but during the post-season the Chiefs have shifted up a gear. They eliminated Houston 23-14 and Buffalo 32-29 in the AFC Championship Game to secure another Super Bowl appearance.

 

The Chiefs’ superstars shine on the biggest stage and there are none bigger than Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.

 

The Philadelphia Eagles will be making their fifth Super Bowl appearance and second in three years.

 

Philadelphia is seeking revenge having fallen to the Chiefs 38-35 at Super Bowl LVII in 2023. A field goal with eight seconds remaining was all that separated the two sides.

 

The Eagles’ offensive is firing. The 55 points scored in the NFC Championship win over Washington was the most in a Conference championship game since 1970.

 

Philadelphia’s 39 rushing touchdowns this season is the second most in NFL history.

 

Saquon Barkley has 2447 rushing yards heading into the Super Bowl, the second highest total in a season in NFL history – behind only Broncos Hall of Fame running back Terrell Davis’.

 

Jordan Mailata will once again fly the flag for Australia on Super Bowl day. The 165kg left tackle has had another impressive season and the NFL continues to shower him with accolades. All that remains is a Super Bowl ring.

 

The Super Bowl LIX Half-Time show will see rapper Kendrick Lamar hit the stage.

Lamar is fresh off a year of critical acclaim, including two of the year’s biggest hits ‘Not Like Us’ and ‘Like That’.

 

The rapper has amassed 17 Grammy Awards and in 2018 won a Pulitzer Prize for his album ‘Damn’.

 

Super Bowl Half-Time is known for its special guest appearances and while no names have been officially announced, Taylor Swift will be in the building, cheering on Chiefs’ star Travis Kelce.

 

ESPN will provide extensive digital coverage across ESPN.com.au and the ESPN App, plus live scores, in-game highlights and reaction.

 

ESPN Australia will be on ground in New Orleans, showcasing the colour and spectacle of the Super Bowl.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Philadelphia Eagles veteran edge rusher Brandon Graham went down with a torn triceps in Week 12, it not only seemed like Graham’s season was over but, in all likelihood, so was his time in Philadelphia.

 

“Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham will miss the remainder of the season, he told reporters Sunday night, after tearing his triceps during Philadelphia’s 37-20 victory over the Los Angeles Rams,” ESPN’s Tim McManus wrote on November 24. “Graham, a longtime team captain, has played his entire 15-year NFL career in Philadelphia.”

 

Graham, 36 years old, is playing on a 1-year, $4 million contract he signed in March 2024 and now, at the 11th hour, might make a surprise return for the Eagles when they face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX on February 9.

 

“No firm update on Brandon Graham’s status on 94.1 WIP tonight,” PHLY’s Zach Berman wrote on his official X account on January 28. “He said he’s taking it ‘one day at a time.’ ”

 

“I ain’t heard nothing, man,” Graham said. “I’m just excited to be here, excited for this team, excited for this moment … I feel good. …This has been the easiest injury, I’d say, out of the injuries I’ve had. Upper body stuff is a little bit easier. ….It’s just making sure I’m building muscle, I’m getting stronger and doing the right things to where I’m not re-hurting it. We’ll see what the docs say, see what’s going on, and go from there.”

 

Graham has played in the Super Bowl twice for the Eagles, and his strip sack of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady with 2:21 remaining in Super Bowl LII gave the ball back to Philadelphia and helped seal the first Super Bowl win in franchise history.

 

He also played in the Eagles’ 38-35 loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII following the 2022 season.

 

Graham had 3.5 sacks on the season before his injury, including a sack of Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in Week 12 before he was hurt.

 

Graham was the 2009 Big Ten Most Valuable Player and selected by the Eagles in the first round (No. 16 overall) of the 2010 NFL draft out of Michigan. He earned NFL All-Pro honors in 2016 and made the Pro Bowl in 2020.

 

Graham has $97.7 million in career earnings through the 2024 season.

 

 

While the Eagles had the NFL’s best defense in 2024, they did so without an elite edge rusher outside of Josh Sweat, who could also be out the door alongside Graham next season.

 

While Nolan Smith is emerging talent on the outside, it’s still Sweat who makes the engine move for the Eagles with rushing the passer from the outside.

 

Pro Football Network currently has Sweat listed as the No. 3 overall NFL free agent available in 2025 and with the Eagles staring down just $18.9 million in projected salary cap space next season and Sweat projected to land a 3-year, $45 million contract, it doesn’t seem viable for him to stay in Philly.

 

From PFN: “The lack of elite pass-rushers in this class boosts Sweat’s overall value in free agency, given the impact the pass rush can have on a game. Also playing into Sweat’s hands is an impressive 16.8% tackle rate, which makes him the most all-around pass-rush weapon in free agency this year.”

 

Tony Adame covers the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Commanders and Denver Broncos. A veteran sports writer and editor since 2004, his work has been featured at Stadium Talk, Yardbarker, NW Florida Daily News and Pensacola News Journal. More about Tony Adame