Kansas City Chiefs Defeat the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII
By: Dylan Sanchez
The Kansas City Chiefs are your 2023 Super Bowl Champions. Patrick Mahomes is the MVP for the first Super Bowl to feature two starting African American quarterbacks Mohomes for the Kansas City Chiefs Jalen Hurts for the Philadelphia Eagles.
At the end Chiefs pulled ahead an won, 38-35, in a hotly-contested game.
The two young quarterback serves as a signal of what is to come for the NFL
Playing on a bad ankle, Mahomes would throw two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter and scramble for 26 yards on the go-ahead drive before Harrison Butker kicked a 27-yard field goal with 8 seconds left to give the Chiefs a, 38-35, Sunday night.
The Chiefs won their second NFL title in four years and two-time NFL MVP Mahomes earned his second Super Bowl MVP award
Hurts led the Eagles into the game and held the Chiefs at bay until the very last drive of the fourth quarter. In spite lf winning the possession battle in the game, nothing would stop the Chiefs from marching down the field.
The greatness of the duo of Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, who had six catches for 81 yards and a TD, was not all that contributed to the Superbowl win. Rookie running back Isiah Pacheco, a seventh-round pick, had 76 yards rushing. JuJu Smith-Schuster had seven catches for 53 yards.
The offensive line as well, which did not get nearly as much attention as Philadelphia’s leading up to the week, would seem to hold off that furious Eagles’ pass rush all night. The defense held up in the second half as well, allowing only 11 second half points, giving enough of a chance for the Chiefs to pull out the win.
Despite the loss. however, Hurts would throw for over 300 yards in his first Super Bowl and would rush for three touchdowns in the game. Even though the plays he made on the field were not enough to bring a second title to Philadelphia, the future is on track to give the nation good football for a long time.
The departure of Tom Brady leaves just Aaron Rodgers left from the most recent era of Hall of Fame quarterbacks to play on the football field. The NFL has found gold in Justin Herbert, Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Trevor Lawrence, but leading the future is no doubt Jalen Hurts whose time will come to win, and two-time champion, at the age of 27, Patrick Mahomes
Historical Implications of Super Bowl LVII
By:James Xavier Flores
The 2023 Super Bowl was a historic cultural event. Both of the participating teams quarterbacks – Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles – represent and signal a new age, for not only the NFL, but for America.: Superbowl LVII was the first Superbowl where both quarterbacks are African-American.
Only a short two years in the aftermath of the controversial Trump Presidency, which was plagued with racial unrest and questions on whether or not America’s racial wounds had healed. Only two years after the George Floyd Riots which brought its attention to national forefront. Super Bowl LVII perhaps represents the beginning of a new cultural age. The NFL had a sordid past throughout its history regarding race, a past that has long since been forgotten by most of the world, its players, and its fans.
For the first decades of the NFL’s history, minorities were segregated from playing alongside whites, and at best practiced limited integration. It was not until decades after its founding that reintegration was introduced in the NFL, but for decades problems persisted. “Doug Williams, who was the first Black quarterback selected in the first round of the NFL draft…received streams of racist hate mail during his pro career. He was also underpaid, so much so that he left professional football for a year, in 1983, to become a substitute teacher.” (Gregory) 100 years after the NFL’s founding, over 70% of its players, and 25% of its quarterbacks – 11 and out of 33 – are African-American. “Only seven Black men have ever played starting quarterback in a Super Bowl. That number includes Mahomes… When Hurts steps onto the field tonight, he will become the eighth.” (Zirin)
Mahomes and Hurts are rookies as well. Mahomes, 27, in his fifth year, is a two times Superbowl Champion, Superbowl MVP, and NFL MVP. Hurts, only three years his senior and in his second year, was a rising star who led his team to the Superbowl as one of the League’s top teams, and were even favored to be 2023’s winners.“There has never been a better time in the NFL for Black men who aspire to play quarterback. These guys are the faces of franchises. They have massive endorsement deals. They have the biggest contracts,” Reid said. (Sullivan) Beyond just the social implications, is the representation of Mahomes and Hurts as the NFL’s future. Two rookies, fresh out of college, leading their teams to National spotlight and attention, In a franchise that once would have held back Mahomes and Hurts, now they are the heroes of the NFL.
“I think about all the rich history in this game, and to be part of such an historic event, historic moment, it’s special,” said Hurts on Monday. “It’s historic,” said Mahomes. “So many people laid the foundation before us, and to be playing with a guy like Jalen, who I know is doing it the right way, it’s going to be a special moment that I hope lives on forever.” (Sullivan)
Were the Super Bowl commercials worth the watch?
By: Emeri Drewry
Some companies wait all year to promote their product during the Supe Bowl, while others just use Super Bowl Sunday as another means of yearly advertisement. In the week leading up to Super Bowl LVII, I wondered what would the commercials entail? Would it be the common advertisements (Coca-Cola, Budweiser, M&M or Doritos) we see year after year? Would we see new brands (The Farmer’s Dog, Dunkin, Tubi or Paramount +) that have been promoted extensively on other platforms. Nonetheless, I knew that the commercials would make an impression on all viewers worldwide, whether that be good or bad.
I had the opportunity to speak with a person who works in the business worl. Here is here is how the person reacted.
“Super Bowl commercial’s attract attention worldwide and serve as a booster in sales for many companies who invested millions to run an advertisement,” Billy Mata said. “As a businessman, I don’t think any company who promotes an advertisement during the Super Bowl will see a major loss in sales”.
You might be thinking so how much has the price changed over the years? Let’s go back to 1968, a commercial cost about $54,400, now fast-forward 50 years and the price in 2022 as a hopping $6,5 million dollars
I spoke with a Texas A&M University – Kingsville student to get his outlook on this year’s commercial’s.
In 2023, companies spent about $7 million dollars for a 30- second advertisement. This year’s commercial price is said to mark this Super Bowl the most expensive in history.
“I enjoyed watching this year’s commercials, although some companies could’ve had better promotional videos for an broadcast that is worldwide Super Bowl,” TAMUK senior and Chemical Engineering major Ramiro Barrera said.
I personally believe that the commercials I watched during this Super Bowl had me guessing where some of the major brands I’ve always seen year after year. I recall Budweiser always releasing a promo video featuring their signature Clydesdale horses. So why weren’t they on the big screen?
“Budweiser’s strategy is a bit different this year as it’s the first time in three decades that Anheuser-Busch isn’t the exclusive Super Bowl beer advertiser,” USA Today Reporter Mike Snider said. “So Molson Coors and other beer makers including Heineken are expected to run national ads”.
Whether you enjoyed this year’s Super Bowl commercials or not, one thing is for sure that next year companies will be back to do it all over again. If you enjoyed them, I hope you were convinced to purchase some products that were advertised. If you did not, tune in next year and just remember without commercials a four-hour long program would get pretty boring!
The hype behind the Apple Halftime Show Performance
By: Alma Perez
After a five-year hiatus, Rihanna made her comeback at the Super Bowl LVII Apple Halftime Show. The singer began the show at center stage with a rectangle stage with moving or better yet floating parts. Fans were hoping to see a special guest during this performance, but the only question left after was how old is Rihanna’s special guest?
Rihanna went on to perform some of her most famous songs (“We Found Love”, “Umbrella” and “Work”) it was evident that her back up dancers were not the only ones to steal the show. Throughout the performance Rihanna’s dance moves were not what fans are or were used to leading to the answer of everyone question. Confirmation of the singer’s pregnancy was given to the audience at the end of the thirteen-minute half-time show.
“I think she did a fantastic job for not performing in five years, I’m happy for her but I was hoping there would have been a real special guest.” Jessica Taylor, a Rihanna fanatic, said.
Fans were quick to go to social media platforms to create memes and commentary over the Grammy winner’s appearance. Song after song, Rihanna was able to keep her fans and football watchers engaged with her center stage. With the stage being one of her focal points – dancers were scattered all throughout the stage, on the field and on levitating portions. The dancers were dressed in white puffer jackets and sweats all color coordinated, while Rihanna captured audiences with her red attire which left enough room to showcase her baby bump.
“I don’t care much for Rihanna; I didn’t set my expectations too high with her and I honestly feel that she is overrated.” Jonathan Garza, an Eagle Fan, said. “I feel that the half time show has seen better performances in the past years”.
With mixed emotions of the performance – the singer was trending on social media due to her pregnancy announcement; stage presences and becoming the first performer of the Super Bowl Apple Music Half Time Show. The National Football League and tech company made this announcement a year ago, replacing Pepsi as the sponsor.
Kansas City Chiefs Defeat the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII
By: Laryssa Salinas
The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII on Sunday night, in an exciting game. The Chiefs won, 38-35, after pulling away at the end with a game winning 27-yard field goal kicked by Harrison Butker, leaving only 8 seconds on the clock.
Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs throwing 182 yards, and three touchdowns. He continued to play after suffering an ankle injury late in the first half of the game. Mahomes was seen limping off the field and in pain on the bench while the teams medical doctor looked at him.
Despite the injury, Mahomes was named the game’s most valuable player. He also earned the league MVP on Thursday.
The Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts also had an impressive game. Team coach Nick Sirianni said “Jalen played the best game I’ve seen him play in the two years we’ve been together. He was outstanding.”
Hurts threw for 304 yards and one touchdown after completing 27 of 38 pass attempts. Hurts also ran for 70 yards, and three touchdowns on 15 carries.
After the Eagles led by 10 at halftime, the Chiefs came back and slowly started to close that gap. When the fourth quarter began the Eagles had a 27-21 lead which slowly came to an end early in the fourth quarter. Kadarius Toney was wide open for a 5-yard touchdown. After the extra point, the Chiefs led 28-27.
On another third down the Chiefs ran the same play that previously Toney had scored with except to the left side which would go to rookie Skyy Moore. Moore, just like Toney was wide open for a touchdown.
The Eagles then came with a big drive when DeVonta Smith was wide open and made a 45-yard catch. Which would then set up Hurts for another touchdown. Hurts ran in for the two-point conversion and the game was now tied 35-35 with 5:15 left in the fourth quarter.
The Chiefs began to move the ball and eventually Mahomes scrambled up the middle to gain 26 yards. Then a holding call on the third down against Eagles cornerback James Bradberry sealed the win for the Chiefs. Jerick McKinnon slid down just before the goal line. The Eagles then used their final timeout.
Mahomes took a knee twice and Butker came to seal the win with a 27-yard field goal kick. Leaving only 8 seconds left in the game.
After the game Mahomes said, “I want to thank God, man,” Mahomes told Tracy Wolfson of CBS. “He healed my body this week to battle through that. He gave me the strength to be out here.”
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid stated after the game, “That game last night was a heck of a game. I know Philly is hanging their head a little bit, but nobody really lost it was two great teams playing each other and two great cities,” NBC News Dillon Fuhrman said.
Kanas City Chief’s Most Valuable Player
By: Viola Valdez
The Kanas City Chiefs put in the work to secure a win against the Philadelphia Eagles, but it couldn’t have been accomplished without their quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.
Mahomes led the Chiefs to secure a win, 38-35, over the Eagles and was named the Most Valuable Player after the game concluded.
Mahomes was selected in the 2017 NFL draft as 10th overall by the Chiefs, fresh out of out of Texas Tech University in 2022. He has he Chiefs starting quarterback for six years. Mahomes was also named the Associated Press 2022 NFL’s Most Valuable Player. In the 2022 season, Mahomes broke the record for most total yards by a player in a single season.
Mahomes’ performance wasn’t the best in the first half of the game, due to aggravating a previous ankle injury and things weren’t looking too good.
Before halftime while scrambling away, Mahomes was pulled to the ground by his injured ankle. He sat destressed on the sideline and seemed not able to continue.
After receiving treatment during halftime, he came back to the field better than before. Mahomes completed 21 of 27 passes for 182 yards, threw three touchdowns, rushed for 44 yards. His 26-yard scramble near the end of the game that led to a field goal proved to be the difference. Even with an injury he managed to lead his team to victory.
“When you have those high ankle sprains you always reaggravate them… There’s nothing that’s going to keep me off that football field and so I was able to battle through,” Mahomes said in an interview with ESPN’s Terry Bradshaw. “Shoutout to my teammates man my offensive line stepped up”.
History has been made as Mahomes became the first player in NFL history to win multiple MVP awards and Super Bowls within his first 6 seasons. Mahomes also became the first player to win the Super Bowl MVP and the regular season MVP in the last 20 years. The last player to do the same was Kurt Warner in 1999. Mahomes has been able to do so much in the time he’s been with the Chiefs and at only 27 years old, his career is far from over.
International freshmen from TAMUK Tennis team experienced first ever Super Bowl
By: Raina Zaffar
The 57th National Football League Super Bowl was played on Sunday, Feb 12th at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The 2023 Super Bowl was a rivalry between Kansas Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. The Kansas Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in a gruesome game with 113 million viewers, making it the third biggest television program. The Kansas Chiefs prevailed in the end, 38-35, by making a comeback score of 38-35.
Freshman Annika Anderson is majoring in Biomedical Sciences and she is from Morrum, Sweden. What did she have to say about the Super Bowl?
“What I’ve heard it was a great game and that most people only watched half time when Rihanna performed,” Anderson said.
NFL analyst Tim Hasselbeck from Norfolk, Massachusetts predicted that, “Jalen Hurts was the most common pick to win Super Bowl Player of the Game (MVP)”. And he looked as if he was right. The first half of the game was led by the Philadelphia Eagles significantly, with a score of 17-7. The Kansas Chiefs started making a major comeback in the second half of the game. The Chief’s defense played a big role in their win.
All this was foreign to some of the university’s tennis players.
In India, American Football did not exist therefore, as a freshman in 2021 at TAMUK, football took some time to get used to. “Football” identifies as “Soccer” in most countries. American Football is a very American concept and its fandom is only shared by Americans. Many international students are most concerned about halftime shows as they do not understand the hype of the game.
I spoke with freshman Sterre Fleur Moerdijk who is majoring in Biomedical Sciences and is from Ermelo, Netherland to get her outlook on American Football. Moerdijk is a freshman on the TAMUK Tennis Team and she experienced her first American Football game in the Fall of 2022 when she first came to America.
“All I knew about Football was that it was big in America but I did not have a lot of knowledge about Football before coming to the United States,” Moerdijk said. “All I knew was that the teams are big and that it is basically the most important sport in the United States”.
I had to ask her about the Apple Music Halftime Show to see her thoughts on Rihanna’s performance. “I was more excited about the halftime show because I really wanted to watch Rihanna perform,” Moerdijk added.
Super Bowl LVII Fans of Kingsville’s Reaction
By: Alma Perez
Football fans across the country were eager to see which team would take the title of Super Bowl LVII Champions. During the days leading up to Super Bowl Sunday, there had already been speculation over which team would take the title, as well as what players would stand out throughout the game. In the end the Kansas City Chief’s took home the title while the Philadelphia Eagles were only three points away.
The game was a close call between both teams. Nonetheless both cities made history. This Super Bowl had two rare coincidence, both teams had African American quarterbacks and two Kelce brothers competing on each opposing team.
Eagle and Chiefs fans gathered on Sunday in hopes that the game would be on for the books. Families and friends placed bets to see who would come out as the winner on and off the field.
“I have money on the Eagles, for sure they have to win! There’s no way I’m losing out on two hundred dollars!” Roel Vazques, an Eagle fan said.
Unfortunately, those who had their hopes for the Eagles were disappointed with Sunday’s game final score. Not only did Vazques lose his bet, but he claimed that all his coworkers did as well. A total of eight people had to pay their boss $200 each.
If someone was able to make $1,600 off Sunday’s game, we can only imagine how many other Chief fans not only grasped in their teams winning glory but their wallets.
“It is what it is, money comes and goes. And who knows, maybe the Eagle’s will be back next year with a better team. Who knows? Maybe the Cowboys might make it, too!,” Vasquez added.
Some fans may have learned their lesson in placing bets while others still have hope that their Cowboys will make it to the Super Bowl next year. Friends and families experienced a divide after the holidays with this year’s game.
Chief’s fan, Estrella Gomez said, “I felt that my winning team could have had a better opponent”.
“I’m not a hater, but I am a hater. I wish the Chiefs had had more of a competitor, but that’s not to say that the Eagle’s aren’t a good team. But, there’s other teams that I feel would have made the Super Bowl more exciting. I hate to say it, but it felt very plain for a Super Bowl,” Gomez added.
Though celebration was still a part of Sunday’s game no matter the team, Chief fans like Gomez still had critiques about the game and the teams. Win or lose another Super Bowl is in the history books – and there’s still hope for the Dallas Cowboys, maybe next year?
The Chiefs flipped the script against The Eagles
By: Simon Poe
The Kansas City Chiefs offense subverted expert predictions in their game against the Philadelphia Eagles during Super Bowl LVII.
Many experts were predicting that the Eagles’ defense would keep the Chiefs at bay, and that their excellent offensive line would stop the Chiefs’ amazing defensive linemen from sacking Jalen Hurts, the Eagles’ star quarterback. Additionally, Jalen Hurts’ record for quarterback touchdowns and rushing yards would give the edge to the Eagles. While the Chiefs’ Quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, is an amazing player, experts were predicting that the Eagles defense would be too much for Mahomes to handle.
“I think the Eagles are going to be able to manipulate and contain Chris Jones better than the Bengals did,” Senior Writer Connor Orr wrote for Sports Illustrated’s Monday Morning Quarterback said. “Thus, I think the Eagles are going to be able to run their offense without much of an issue.”
In the first half of the game, these predictions were true.
The Eagles showed why their offense was ranked #1 in the league. Their defense was so strong that the Chiefs’ offense did not enter the field for 23 minutes straight. The Eagles’ offense was on point as well; Hurts opened the second quarter with a 45-yard pass to Wide Receiver A.J. Brown for a Touchdown. At Halftime, the Eagles were 10 points in the lead and had a 10-minute lead in possession time.
Then the Chiefs started their comeback.
After halftime, the Chiefs managed to score on every possession they had. Their offensive linemen made protecting Mahomes their primary concern, preventing the Eagles from stopping their star quarterback. The Chiefs’ running backs and receivers performed well, giving the Eagles little opportunity to stop them. In the 4th Quarter, Chiefs Wide Receiver Kadarius Toney made a 65-yard punt return, only five yards away from the first time a punt return resulted in a touchdown in Super Bowl history. Additionally, the Chiefs defense was brutal. Chiefs Line Backer Nick Bolton made several important tackles, and their Defensive linemen kept the pressure up. This allowed the Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker to score the winning field goal.
Key plays in this year’s Super Bowl LVII
By: Armonie Brown
The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles were the last two teams standing in this year’s National Football League season. They advanced to the Super Bowl with sparkling 16-3 records With two dominant teams vying for the championship, the game drew people’s attention, instantly. Knowing both teams for their powerhouse abilities it was going to be a high scoring game.
Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles came out with high energy and started the game off right. Driving the ball down the field, the Chiefs defense held the Eagles to a third-down conversion. Shortly after, Hurts connects with DeVonta Smith on a short route on the sidelines for a first down. Taking advantage, the Eagles continued to move the ball down the field leading up to Hurts scoring on a quarterback sneak on the goal line. The. Eagles were ahead quickly, 7-0.
Wasting no time Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs responded quickly.
Action would follow, but so did controversy.
“I think the Super Bowl was okay, but the calls and the field was terrible, they claim it was one of the best fields in Super Bowl history, but everyone was slipping, and they had to change cleats,” Daniel Valdez said. “The team I was rooting for did not win particularly because of the officiating but mostly poor performance in the second half”.
A key play would follow.
On the Eagles 19-yard line, Mahomes drops back and released a bomb to his big tight end Travis Kelce for a touchdown. The comeback started. Game tied,7-7.
Trying to get past the Chiefs 50-yard-line on a third-and-long conversion, Hurts scrambled out wide of the Chiefs defense and the Eagles to a punting situation. With the help of the Chiefs offensive line, Mahomes was able to sit comfortably in the pocket and make plays. But the Eagles were able to hold the Chiefs offense to a fourth-and-and third conversion forcing Harrison Butker to kick a field goal, but it hit the goal post. No good.
“Overall, I think it was a good game, it was a close one until the end, but I think we all knew who was going to win” Casey Henderson said. “I did not have a team, but I wanted the Chiefs to win and I also saw another Brady moment happening with Mahomes”.
With Eagles approaching a new set of downs, Hurts connected twice to A.J. Brown for a first down then a touchdown putting the Eagles back on top. Returning the ball back to the Eagles the Chiefs defense swarmed around Hurts in the backfield, forcing him to fumble. Nick Bolton scooped u[ the ball and runs to the end zone for the score. The the Chiefs gain momentum.
Then, a turning point of the game followed when Kadarius attempted to field a high punt but almost drops it. He regained possession of the ball and used his athletic ability to speed past the defenders near the goal line.
Now the game is going the Chiefs’ way. They are on the Eagles 5-yard line and Mahomes finds Skyy Moore on a short route headed to the endzone, giving the Chiefs their first lead of the night.
By halftime, the Eagles were ahead, 24-24. The best was yet to come.
Hurts did not hold back down and the Eagles responded by tying up the game. A controversial pass interference call would follow but this game would belong to the Chiefs at the end, 38-35.
“I feel that the super bowl was a great competitive game all the way to the last second,” Donavan Bailey said. “I enjoyed this one more than all of the others in the past because I was at the edge of my seat the whole duration of the game, from kick off to Rihanna halftime performance followed by the Tubi commercial”.
Super Bowl LVII was one of the highest scoring Super Bowl games played in history and the Chiefs were able to come out on top. Both teams were absolute dominant on both sides of the ball, but it all came down to who wanted it more.