Nick Riewoldt stuns fans with appearance on ESPN’s Super Bowl coverage

Australian NFL fans spotted a very familiar face on ESPN’s Super Bowl coverage – and it could be a sign of greater things to come.

Nick Riewoldt on the big stage

Nick Riewoldt’s appearance on ESPN’s Super Bowl coverage might not be the last time he is seen on the sports broadcasting giant.

The AFL great made a surprise appearance on the coverage live from Arizona with the Herald Sun reporting he’s doing a freelance stint, which could lead to more regular work down the track.

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As an NFL superfan, the 40-year-old is living it up on the big stage as he interviewed both Aussies featuring in Super Bowl LVII, Jordan Mailata and Arryn Siposs, for the network’s coverage.

“It’s on another level, there’s a huge vibe, huge buzz in town. I might be the most excited person in Phoenix at the moment,” Riewoldt told Triple M’s The Rush Hour with JB & Billy.

“Made the move over to Texas a few weeks ago and got a call out of the blue from an Australian guy at ESPN asking if I wanted to cover it.

“I’m pissing myself to be honest, this is an absolutely dream come true.”

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Riewoldt shocked media parties Down Under when he decided to move overseas with his wife, Catherine, and their three young kids.

A bidding war was breaking out to try and secure the former St Kilda star’s services with Fox Footy, Channel 7 and Channel 9 all reportedly offering him roles.

Riewoldt’s contract with Fox Footy expired at the end of 2022 and the Foxtel network was fighting Seven and Nine to retain him as one of the highest profile football analysts in the country.

His star behind the mic had grown and grown, now it seems the biggest broadcaster on the planet looks set to capitalise.

Nick Riewoldt on ESPN's coverage

His departure is a hit to the star-studded Fox Footy team after he became a popular figure in his appearances across the network’s comedy shows.

He featured on flagship program On The Couch on Monday nights and was also on entertainment show Best On Ground every Saturday night.

But while the move overseas may have come as a shock to the Australian market, Riewoldt said it had been a long-time coming and he’s doing his best to fit in, even buying an American truck.

“It’s pretty awesome, so the boys are in school, it’s a bit of a soft landing for us and something we’ve been talking about doing for a decade and particularly since I’ve finished playing footy when we’d be able to get over here and do it properly,” he said.

“I’m trying my best not to be an ugly baseball parent.”

“I’ve bought myself a truck, it’s an F150.”

One of Riewoldt’s former teammates is set to take part on the biggest game on the planet with

Siposs will play in the big game. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Arryn Siposs to play a key role for the Philadelphia Eagles as their punter.

“He was really optimistic that he was going to get up to play,” Riewoldt said, alluding to Siposs’ recent injury struggles.

“It’s an amazing story and I just hope he goes well.”

The biggest question however is who will win it all and Riewoldt is sticking with his local roots and backing the Eagles to reign supreme.

“The Chief’s offense is unbelievable, I mean Patrick Mahomes you just can’t bet against him with what we’ve seen so far in the playoffs, he’s playing basically on one leg, and he’s been absolutely incredible,” he said.

“But, I think for an all round team sort of set up, the Eagles offensively, defensively they’re pretty good across the board so, I think they’ll win and I’m hoping they’ll win for our Australian contingent that are representing them.”

Originally published as Nick Riewoldt stuns fans with appearance on ESPN’s Super Bowl coverage