Destiny Vaeao on the cusp of a Super Bowl championship

Happy Super Bowl Sunday! Can we just go ahead and make Monday a holiday already? Prayers with all of you on the East Coast, by the way.

I’m certain I’m not the only one reading this who is rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles today, given that Bostonians and frontrunners are the only ones who can possibly be cheering for the New England Patriots to win another damn ring.

But for us Cougs, we have our own reason to want the Eagles to win: Former Washington State Cougars defensive lineman Destiny Vaeao is a reserve for Philly. Since you’re being inundated by Super Bowl stories today, how about a couple on one of our own who is making all of us proud?

You’re probably familiar with Vaeao’s story, but in case you’re not: He came to WSU as one of the handful of guys brought in from American Samoa by former defensive line coach Joe Salave’a, himself a native of the island nation. He had a heck of a career, developing into the Cougs’ most disruptive lineman in the second half of 2016.

He then signed with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent, and has been able to stick ever since. He hasn’t been statistically impressive — just 10 tackles this season with no sacks — but anyone who’s paid any attention to the Eagles knows how good that defense is, and that means each guy is doing a heck of a job.

Vaeao has been soaking it up, as he should.

Now, it’s gameday.

Wouldn’t it be cool is Vaeao could get his first sack today?

Super Bowl

The Polynesian pipeline leads all the way to the Superbowl | Daily Telegraph
WHEN Destiny Vaeao charges out for the Philadelphia Eagles at the Super Bowl on Sunday it will be the crowning moment of a journey that began more than 10,000 kilometres away on a palm-fringed island in the South Pacific.

The 24-year-old from American Samoa will be the latest product of the “Polynesian pipeline” to grace the Super Bowl, a conveyor belt of talent which whirred into life in 1945 when Al Lolotai arrived at the Washington Redskins.

American Samoan Hoping A Super Bowl Ring Is His Destiny - American Football International
Destiny Vaeao was impossible to miss at the Super Bowl 52 Opening Night as he wandered down from a stage at the Xcel Energy Arena to the floor hosting many of the 5,800 media credentialed for this season’s NFL season showpiece.

More Links!

Washington State, Arizona State hope to change season trajectory as second half of Pac-12 play begins | The Spokesman-Review
Scorching starts followed by prolonged skids. The 2017-18 basketball season to some extent has followed the same pattern for Washington State and Arizona State.

Arizona St. tries to salvage trip finale at Washington St. (Feb 03, 2018) | FOX Sports
Arizona State continued a disconcerting pattern with a loss at Washington on Thursday.

ASU Basketball: Devils fight for hope against Washington State
Coming off of their sixth loss in 10 games, No. 25 ASU basketball will look to right the ship Sunday against Washington State.

Drew Bledsoe urges young men to seek counseling - The Boston Globe
The former Patriots quarterback and Pro Bowler said he sought counseling for depression twice during his 14 years in the NFL.

Best Beer I Had This Week

Since I’m taking over for PJ this week, here’s my take: Geodesic from Modern Times. Hazy, little wheaty, little dank. Enjoyable.

What are you drinking today? Thinking I might bust out my peanut butter Victory At Sea today.