While the Kansas City Chiefs won the Lombardi Trophy, Eamonn Dixon had a whirlwind day and came away with the game ball.

Some could look over the events that Eamonn Dixon experienced on February 12 and say, “God works in mysterious ways.” Now I usually fall on the side of thinking that the Almighty has more important things logged into his agenda than concerning himself with the activities of a sporting event, but then again, omnipotence lends itself to becoming involved in all things. So maybe yes, perhaps a number of pieces were moved around on this Stratego gameboard we call “Life.”

Before waking on Sunday morning Dixon had a basic day mapped out — spending time at home with the family and watching Super Bowl 57. (Sorry, “LVII.”) Eamonn already had a connection to the days-long festivities. As an advertising executive for Goodby Silverstein and Partners, based in San Francisco, he was about to see some of his work displayed to the world. One of his accounts is Tostitos, and Dixon worked directly on that company’s commercial that was to run during the game.

This connection then kicked off his wild day. At 7:00 am, he received a call from one of his Tostitos clients in Phoenix; they had one of their game tickets come available and offered Dixon the chance to see the game live. Jumping at the chance, he booked a Noon flight and managed to make it to State Farm Stadium during the National Anthem. Eamonn met up with his clients and settled into their seats, dozens of rows back behind the end zone.

NFL history was playing out before their eyes, but also many particulars on the field had to break a certain way. In the waning minutes of the tied game, the Chiefs were driving toward Dixon’s end of the field. As many who watched the game know, a very touchy defensive holding penalty was called. On a third down Patrick Mahomes was pressured and made a pass that fell incomplete into the end zone, leading to a lengthy field goal try and plenty of time left for Philadelphia to put together a drive for the final.

But a flag was thrown as James Bradbury was accused of holding the jersey of Juju Smith-Schuster. The infraction was slight, it may have occurred within the allowable region from the line of scrimmage, and it sure did not appear to be enough to impact the receiver’s route. But the call was made and this meant things began to align for Eamonn Dixon.

Given a first down, from the 11-yard line, on the next play, Mahomes handed off to Jerrick McKinnon, who swept to the left and was going to trot into the end zone untouched. However, as McKinnon was about to score, he instead fell to a knee, sliding just short of the goal line. This was done to be sure the Chiefs bled the clock on two additional plays and set up for a chipshot field goal attempt by Harrison Butker.

Dixon pulled out his phone to record the game-winning attempt, and then his day went from amazing to something beyond. Since Butker was closer than an extra-point attempt his kick was not only far more likely, but it meant that as he launched the high kick he managed to sail the ball above the capture netting, something that Eamonn caught on his camera phone. And then while filming – he caught the actual ball.

What a lucky catch!!

Melbourne man Eamonn Dixon who currently lives in the US, got a last minute ticket to the Super Bowl and ended up catching the winning ball! pic.twitter.com/8ZLHLpOjnQ

— 6PR Perth (@6PR) February 13, 2023

This ad executive from Australia, in his San Francisco home that morning, managed to come into possession of one of the rarest fan acquisitions. Eamonn did not have very much time to sit and savor his newfound trophy. As he was swarmed by those seated nearby, sharing high-fives and camera shots with the ball, security in his section advised him to work on making a hasty exit, as he would like only draw mounting attention. 

🚨Eamonn Dixon, creative director on @Doritos #SuperBowlAd, caught the winning field goal tonight.🚨 pic.twitter.com/VZZo3lWeh9

— Goodby Silverstein (@GSP) February 13, 2023

“Everyone was trying to get it off me, but I shoved it in my friend’s bag and we got ushered towards the exit and, all of a sudden, I was out in the carpark. It was just all a bit of a blur.”

What comes next for the man with the audacious catch and surreptitious exit is still up in the air. It has been estimated that if Dixon chooses to sell the ball on the memorabilia market there is a significant payout possible. CBS Sports checked with one sport-collecting expert who pegged the potential value at $350,000. That’s a grand payoff for the guy who leaped at the chance to join the game before having breakfast.

It is also a bit more assured to retain its value, unlike the guy who purchased the football from Tom Brady’s “last” touchdown throw.