The countdown to Super Bowl LIX is in full swing as the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles prepare to clash on Sunday in New Orleans. While there are no Hawai‘i-born players on either roster, the Aloha State is still well-represented—off the field.
The NFC Champion Eagles boast two Hawai‘i football legends within their scouting department. Waimea’s Jordon Dizon serves as the team’s national scout, while Chris Naeole, a Kahuku native and former University of Hawai‘i assistant coach, holds the role of international scout. Both were All-Americans at the University of Colorado and enjoyed NFL careers before trading in shoulder pads for note pads.
For Dizon, this will be his second Super Bowl appearance as part of a scouting staff, having earned a ring eight years ago with the Denver Broncos.
“It’s the ultimate team sport,” Dizon said. “What’s really cool is we’re all rowing in the same boat. It’s special to celebrate with friends, coworkers, and teammates. That’s the best part—this is a collective effort. We all work hard for moments like this, and sharing them makes it even more meaningful.”
Adding to the emotional significance for Dizon is the journey he and Naeole have shared—both hailing from public schools in Hawai‘i, moving on to standout careers at Colorado, then into the NFL, and now contributing to the Eagles’ front office success.
“It’s unbelievable,” Dizon said of working alongside Naeole. “This is actually Chris’s second Super Bowl with us. Sharing this moment with another local guy makes it extra special. Coming from such a small place and doing this together means a lot. Chris is such a great guy who works incredibly hard, and we’re lucky to have him.”
The Eagles and Chiefs will square off in Super Bowl 59 on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. HST.
The game will be televised live on KHON2, with coverage starting bright and early with Wake Up 2Day at 5 a.m.