Would-be hero Mitch Wishnowsky has been reduced to a sub-plot in the record books after falling painfully short of becoming the first Australian to play in a winning Super Bowl team.
Much more than just playing, Wishnowsky excelled before his San Francisco 49ers suffered a crushing 25-22 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in a nerve-shredding Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.
Commentators marvelled at Wishnowsky's "unbelievable punting" as the real-life rags-to-riches star terrorised Chiefs kick returner Richie James with his every touch of the pigskin on Sunday (Monday AEDT).