Staff Reports
Super Bowl LIX turned out to be anything but “super,” and it appears America’s favorite pastime has lost a bit of its fizz. The Philadelphia Eagles laid a can of whoop on the Kansas City Chiefs, strolling to a 40-22 victory that felt more like a masterclass in football than a contest. The Chiefs’ offense was about as effective as a screen door on a submarine, failing to find its rhythm against the Eagles’ ferocious defense.
Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes spent most of the game running for his life, as the Eagles’ pass rush brought him down six times. Attempts to run the ball were equally disastrous, netting a pitiful 49 yards. It’s almost as if they thought they could just show up and rely on their star quarterback, but in the face of Philadelphia’s tenacity, Mahomes found himself tossing more interceptions than he did touchdowns—a most uncharacteristic performance that left Chiefs fans wondering if they were watching their team or a glorified practice squad.
Super Bowl LIX Halftime Entertainment. SUCKED. ROYALLY SUCKED!. Sucky Sucked. What the literal F were you thinking NFL? Just the worst ever NFL halftime. 59 Props your music sucks. pic.twitter.com/Tq3kG0XthV
— Sherpa_k2 (@Sherpa_k2) February 10, 2025
On the other side of the field, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts had a field day, throwing two touchdown passes while adding a rushing score for good measure. Despite the Chiefs managing to contain All-Pro running back Saquon Barkley to just 57 yards on the ground, the Eagles had their way with the clock and the chains, showcasing offensive efficiency that left Kansas City’s defensive woes painfully apparent.
With the game taking the limelight, the Super Bowl also attempted to entertain viewers during commercial breaks and the halftime show. While a few ads brought a fleeting smile, most were about as forgettable as last week’s soggy leftovers. The Nike ads aimed to stir faux outrage over gender inequality in sports—an issue more outdated than bell-bottom jeans. These ads illustrated perfectly that splashing millions on uninspired propaganda is not exclusive to politics; sports marketing is knee-deep in it too.
The halftime show was another gem of confusion, featuring rapper Kendrick Lamar. This choice seemed guaranteed to strike a nerve with many viewers, particularly those who might prefer listening to a cat choir over modern rap. While Lamar might resonate with a niche audience, the decision to cater to that specific demographic left a sizable chunk of the Super Bowl audience scratching their heads. The opportunity for a more universal appeal was lost, as the show reinforced the divide in musical preferences rather than inviting everyone to join the revelry.
A more inclusive halftime performer could have been a refreshing option, like country artist Chris Stapleton, whose sound appeals across genres and generations. Alternatively, an upbeat pop singer could have united fans rather than alienate them. The Super Bowl is supposed to be a celebration, yet the entertainment choices reflected a puzzling disconnect from the values most viewers cherish.
Philadelphia’s triumph deserves recognition, though the city now has the pleasure of enduring post-game shenanigans from overzealous fans. Cheers to the Eagles for their well-earned victory, but some might argue it’s time for the NFL to reconsider their approach to marketing and entertainment. A little common sense and inclusivity could go a long way in restoring the Super Bowl’s super status.
