Aussie Mitch Wishnowsky’s heartbreak as San Francisco 49ers go down in Super Bowl thriller

Perth-born NFL star Mitch Wishnowsky came so close to sending Taylor Swift and the Kansas City Chiefs home in tears.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 11: Jake Moody #4 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a 53 yard field goal with Mitch Wishnowsky #18 of the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jamie Squire/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by JAMIE SQUIRE / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

Although he might not be feeling it right now, Mitch Wishnowsky can walk away from Las Vegas proud after his incredible performance for the 49ers.

The Perth-born NFL star lit up the Super Bowl with a glittering display against the Kansas City Chiefs, earning universal praise as his side threatened to send Taylor Swift home in tears.

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By the midpoint of the second half, the 49ers’ punter had an impressive average of over 50 yards across four punt attempts, with three of those landing inside the Chiefs’ 20-yard line.

Monday’s Las Vegas showdown marks Wishnowsky’s second time playing in the game that stops North America and his performance had several fans calling for him to be the first punter to be named Super Bowl MVP.

Initially an Aussie rules player who aimed for the AFL, Wishnowsky went on to make a name for himself in the US.

But he will have to wait to become the first Aussie to play in a Super Bowl winning team, as the Chiefs claimed the win 25-22 in overtime.

Despite the 49ers’ offensive challenges, including a first-drive fumble and several penalties, Wishnowsky’s punting effectively maintained their field position at important stages of the game.

As the second half got underway, Wishnowsky punted the ball high into the air, confusing the Chiefs defence and giving his team plenty of time to run down the field.

Aussie Mitch Wishnowsky has lit up the Super Bowl.

At another crucial moment, Wishnowsky’s teammate Chris Conley was waiting on the edge of the end zone and collected the ball, giving San Francisco excellent field position.

“You cannot execute it better than that,” the ESPN commentator said.

“Conley got down there in a hurry, just turned and waited for the ball to bounce into his arms.

“That is a huge play by Wishnowsky.”

A punter still hasn’t won the Super Bowl MVP, but Wishnowsky attracted a lot of support online to pick up the prestigious accolade.

A punter has never won Super Bowl MVP.

Mitch Wishnowsky might change that tonight. pic.twitter.com/RKsIuEVjpp

— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) February 12, 2024

Mitch Wishnowsky is your damn Super Bowl MVP

— Steve Bartle (@SBartle247) February 12, 2024

🇦🇺 Mitch Wishnowsky doing his thing on the @NFL’s biggest stage… with a view 🔥 #SBLVIIIpic.twitter.com/wXF9fRAvzy

— NFL Australia & NZ (@NFLAUNZ) February 12, 2024

The punting battle tonight could be huge with Wishnowsky and Townsend as two of the strongest in the NFL..

Wishnowsky has already pinned the Chiefs back for this drive..

— PJ Green (@PJGreenTV) February 12, 2024

Excellent punt by Mitch Wishnowsky and great coverage from veteran Chris Conley. The 49ers appear to be locked into a good plan in all three phases of the game to begin, but execution issues on offense (CMC fumble, Williams holding penalty) have kept this game tied so far

— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) February 11, 2024

NFL analyst Aaron Schatz was in high praise of Wishnowsky’s performance against the Chiefs, who are known for their strong punting game.

“Punting should be a KC advantage, but that was a great punt by Wishnowsky for SF,” Schatz tweeted.

Wishnowsky also played a crucial role in the game’s first scoring play by holding for Jake Moody’s 55-yard field goal, setting a record for the longest field goal made in Super Bowl history.

Following a sack of 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, Wishnowsky was called upon once again, executing another crucial 51-yard punt.

Australian media mogul Craig Hutchison posted: “The boys own story from Perth Mitch Wishowsky coming up big here under pressure and having an impact.

“Has a genuine shot at being the first Aussie punter with a @SuperBowl ring from here. He’s helping it happen. Wishnowsky is having a blinder and has nailed his four punts so far.”

Originally published as Aussie Mitch Wishnowsky’s heartbreak as San Francisco 49ers go down in Super Bowl thriller