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| Seattle Seahawks place kicker Jason Myers watches one of his Super Bowl record-setting five field goals sail between the goalposts. |
When the confetti fell at Levi's Stadium Sunday, the "12th Man" wasn't just celebrating a second Lombardi Trophy — the Filipino American community was celebrating one of its own. Jason Myers, the Seattle Seahawks' reliable specialist, didn't just participate in Super Bowl LX; he owned it, proving once again that Pinoy Pride has a permanent home on the NFL gridiron.
In a defensive battle between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots where every point mattered, Myers was "nails" all night. He accounted for 17 of Seattle's 29 points, drilling field goals from 33, 39, 41, 41, and 26 yards. By going 5-for-5, he stands alone with the most field goals ever made in a single Super Bowl.
"It's made me who I am"
For those of us following the intersection of culture and sport, Myers is more than a stat line. He has been a consistent voice for the AAPI community, especially during the #StopAsianHate movement.
"I am proud to say I am Filipino," Myers has said. "It’s a tiny little group when you get to pro sports ... once you find out (someone else is Filipino), it’s always met with a smile and a hug."
Besides Myers, there are several other NFL players with Filipino heritagem including:
- Cam Bynum (Safety, Minnesota Vikings): Heavily represents his Filipino heritage, often wearing the Philippine flag and engaging in community activism there.
- Josh Jacobs (Running Back, Green Bay Packers): Features the Philippine flag on his helmet, honoring his maternal grandmother.
- Andrei Iosivas (Wide Receiver, Cincinnati Bengals): Known for his speed and is of Filipino descent.
- Johnny Wilson (Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles): A 6'7" receiver who takes pride in his Filipino roots.
- Sean Rhyan (Offensive Lineman, Green Bay Packers): Proudly honors his Filipino mother and heritage.
- Nikko Remigio (Wide Receiver, Kansas City Chiefs): A speedy receiver and return specialist.
- Tyler Allgeier (Running Back, Atlanta Falcons): A key offensive contributor.
- Tariq Castro-Fields (Cornerback, Carolina Panthers): A defensive back.
- Zaire Barnes (Linebacker, New York Jets): A developing linebacker.
- Dillon Gabriel (Quarterback, Cleveland Browns): Listed as a quarterback with Filipino heritage.
Myers' heritage isn't just a footnote; it's central to his identity. From honoring his great-grandfather who served in the US Navy to hosting free specialist camps in his hometown of San Diego, Myers carries the weight of representation with a quiet, familiar credibility.
Myers continues to give back through free performance camps at his alma mater, Mater Dei Catholic High School, ensuring the next generation of specialists has a path to the pros.
He has used his platform to stand firm with the AAPI community against discrimination, plainly acknowledging his lineage even when the spotlight isn't on him.
Sunday's record-breaking performance cements his place in NFL history, but for Filipino Americans, he’s already a Hall of Famer for making our community seen on one of the world’s biggest stage.
View from the edge
Myers has been increasingly open about his heritage. In a landscape where Asian Americans often feel invisible in professional contact sports, Myers has used his platform—specifically during the NFL's "My Cause My Cleats" initiative—to honor his roots.
"I’m proud of my Filipino heritage," Myers has shared in various interviews and social media posts. "It’s important for me to represent that community and show the younger generation of AAPI athletes that there is a place for them in this league."
EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge.
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