Three Samoans shine bright at the Super Bowl

By Jarrett Malifa 13 February 2023, 12:13PM

The upcoming Super Bowl is set to be a historic event for the Samoan community, as three Samoan individuals, Juju Smith-Schuster, Jordan Mailata, and Parris Goebel, will be showcasing their talents on the biggest stage in American football.

Juju Smith-Schuster, a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs, has established himself as one of the top young talents in the NFL. 

With his flashy catches and dynamic personality, Smith-Schuster has quickly become a fan favourite and a key player for the Chiefs. 

He is a proud Samoan and often showcases his heritage through his tattoos and social media presence. Smith-Schuster will be representing his culture and community on the field in this year's Super Bowl.

Jordan Mailata, an offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles, will also be representing Samoa on the field. 

Despite having no prior American football experience, Mailata was drafted by the Eagles in 2018 after impressing scouts at a combine in Australia. 

He has since developed into a solid contributor on the Eagles' offensive line. 

Mailata is a devout Christian and credits his faith for helping him overcome obstacles and achieve his dreams. 

He is also a proud Samoan and has spoken about how his heritage has shaped his identity and drive to succeed.

His unique helmet design features the flags of both Australia and Samoa, showcasing his dual identity as an Australian and a proud Samoan. 

The flags  symbolise Mailata's connection to both his country and his cultural heritage, and serve as a visual representation of his journey from Australia to the NFL. 

In addition to Smith-Schuster and Mailata, Parris Goebel, the world-renowned dancer and choreographer, will also be showcasing her talents at the Super Bowl. 

Goebel, who is of Samoan descent, will be performing alongside singer Rhianna during the halftime show. She has made a name for herself in the dance world, with her unique style and energetic performances.

The New Zealand born dancer has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Justin Bieber and Jennifer Lopez, and has received numerous accolades for her work. 

She is also a proud Samoan and often incorporates elements of her culture into her performances.

These three individuals are not only talented in their respective fields, but also proud of their Samoan heritage. 

Their representation of Samoa at the Super Bowl is a testament to the diversity and success that can be achieved by those who come from humble beginnings. 

They serve as inspiration and role models for young Samoan athletes and performers, showing that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

By Jarrett Malifa 13 February 2023, 12:13PM
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