Super Bowl LIX: Mahomes’ Legacy, Eagles’ Redemption, and Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Super Bowl LIX for season 2024, NFL Final, American football championship game in Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana

Credit: kovop

By: Joshua Martin

The moment is finally here!! Super Bowl LIX is upon us and we are here to break down the top story lines and what's at stake for both franchises as the two time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs prepare to take on a feisty Philadelphia Eagles squad seeking revenge after their Super Bowl 57 defeat in 2023.  

Patrick Mahomes’ Greatness

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes enters the stage//Getty 

The Ceasers Superdome in New Orleans is the stage for Sunday night as Patrick Mahomes tries to become the first Quarterback to lead a team to three consecutive Superbowl victories. With a victory, Mahomes and Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid will be etched in history as arguably the greatest QB - Head coach duo of all time. At only 29 years of age, barring injury, the two time regular season MVP has the opportunity to become the most decorated player at the position ever. Entering Sunday, Mahomes already has 3 Superbowl victories with 3 Superbowl MVPS. We are witnessing the rise of a potential suitor for G.O.A.T. Brady who?

The Real Reason the Eagles Are Here

After a standout 2024 season, amassing 2,005 rushing yards, Barkley has been instrumental in leading the Eagles to the Super Bowl LIX. His postseason performances have been dominant. In only 3 games the former Penn St. standout gained 442 rushing yards in only 3 games. He is currently 30 yards shy of surpassing Terell Davis’s 1997 record. A strong performance could not only secure a championship for the Eagles but also position Barkley as a frontrunner for Super Bowl MVP, reaffirming the critical impact of running backs in the NFL.  

Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show - What should we expect?

2024 was a landmark year for Kendrick Lamar and it will culminate on the world's biggest stage with the help of his TDE labelmate SZA. Headlined by a critically acclaimed album release “GNX”, a high-profile industry feud with Drake, and a dominant showing at this year’s Grammys. This impressive run cemented his influence in the hip-hop industry and solidified his position as a prominent figure in American culture. This isn't the first time Kendrick has performed at the Superbowl, he made his first appearance back in 2022.  

Culture Spotlight: Artist Ledisi will perform“Lift Every Voice and Sing”

Local artist Ledisi will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the Black national anthem, marking its fifth consecutive appearance at the Super Bowl. This inclusion underscores the NFL’s ongoing recognition of African American cultural contributions.

Final thoughts and score prediction

To be honest at this stage of my football fandom, a suffering Cowboys fan, I truly just want to see a good game with no affinity for either team. It would be cool to see Patrick Mahomes make history plus I'd love to see a rival lose once again in the sport’s final game. I expect a physical low scoring game with each defense wreaking havoc on shaky offensive attacks. My final score? Chiefs 17 Eagles 10. 

Here’s How to Watch

Television Broadcast: The game will be broadcast live on FOX.

Streaming Options: The game will also be available for streaming on Tubi, FOX’s streaming service, and through various live TV streaming platforms such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV.   

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Kansas City Chiefs Secure Another Super Bowl Victory

After the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in Las Vegas, quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) of the Kansas City Chiefs proudly holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy, celebrating their 25-22 victory.

Photo Credit: John Locher/ AP

By: Joshua Martin

We are officially in a new era! A Kansas City Chiefs Dynasty! The Kansas City Chiefs have firmly planted themselves at the top of the NFL mountain with its third Super Bowl in as many as five seasons. Future Hall of Famers, Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Tight End Travis Kelce, and Head Coach Andy Reid secured another championship after what some may call a tumultuous regular season for the squad. 

The first half was a defensive struggle, with multiple turnovers and uncharacteristic mishaps by both teams. Certainly mirroring the issues that plagued the Chiefs during the regular season. Trailing 10-3 at the half, the second half was vastly different for Mahomes and company. They held the 49ers to zero points in the third while putting up ten of their own, eventually earning their way into overtime with two crucial Harrison Butker field goals in the fourth. 

Neither team fully took control of the opportunity at hand, failing to reach the end zone on their initial drives. The 49ers finally hit a field goal with a little over seven minutes on the clock and as time wound down, Mahomes guided Kansas City into the red zone and threw a three-yard game winning touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman with three seconds remaining in the extra period.  

Chiefs Kingdom, we just won back-to-back Super Bowls.

Celebrate accordingly. GOOD NIGHT 🏆 pic.twitter.com/NxrsjEz0WL

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) February 12, 2024

 The victory cemented the team as one of the all time greats and they became the first team to be back-to-back champions since the New England Patriots in 2003-2004. Patrick Mahomes was named Super Bowl MVP for the third time in his career, firmly entrenching him as the second greatest quarterback ever behind Tom Brady. Mind you he has all of these accolades while only being a full time start for six seasons. We may be looking at the new G.O.A.T. and a potential three peat. Something that has never been done in NFL history.   

“Really just the whole game, just our whole entire season, it was the defense keeping us in there, and the offense making plays when it counted. Just know that the Kansas City Chiefs are never underdogs.”

— Patrick Mahomes

A bold statement from the leader of a team that were underdogs their entire road to the big game. The Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers were all favorites during this run and given this victory and their dominance since the beginning of the decade, Mahomes may be right.  

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Top 10 Pro Black QBs of the 21st Century

Doug Williams, Lamar Jackson, and C.J. Stroud are some of the best quarterbacks to play in the NFL in the 21st Century.

Photo Credit: Elise Amendola/ AP : Eric Canha/USA TODAY

By: Joshua Martin

What a time to be alive!! We are currently in the golden age of African American Quarterbacks. 14 of the league's 32 teams entered the season with a Black QB at the helm, the most in a single week in NFL History. Lamar Jackson is almost assuredly obtaining his second MVP trophy, Houston Texans Quarterback C.J. Stroud is a shoe-in for the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year and Patrick Mahommes has an opportunity to win his 3rd Super Bowl in his 7th season. Putting him on a pace to become the most decorated Quarterback of all time. 

While basking in such wonderful times, it’s important to acknowledge a 70-year history of Black quarterbacks in the NFL who never got their shot. It’s important to remember those who played a major role in the long, difficult journey to get to this point. 

From Doug Williams, the first Black QB to lead a team to a Super Bowl victory. To Warren Moon, who is currently the only African American QB to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Not to mention James “Shack” Harris, who in 1969 became the first Black QB to start an NFL season-opener. Those are just a few notable names that had their hands in what we are witnessing today.

As a sports fan, nothing gets my blood boiling more than a top ten list. Join in my misery as we list the top Black Pro QBs of the 21st Century. Carefully curated, this list will include number 1 overall draft picks, MVPs and current players who have a trajectory of great long term success. We will summarize the meaning behind each ranking while also highlighting notable achievements of said player. 

Patrick Mahommes - Patrick Mahommes is this generation's Tom Brady, greatest of all time. Since becoming the Chiefs starter in 2018, Mahommes has led the Kansas City Chiefs to six consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances and has won two league MVPs. His arm talent is literally out of this world. No one can deliver the ball with such accuracy and velocity on so many different platforms like the six time Pro Bowler. His most notable highlights are the no-look passes that leave defenders shook or the 50 plus yard bombs you see effortlessly flowing out of his hands on the move. In only his second year as the starter, he became only the third QB to win the Superbowl and the second to win Super Bowl MVP. Becoming the youngest in NFL history to do so. 

Career Highlights

Notable Achievements:

2× Super Bowl champion (LIV, LVII)

2× Super Bowl MVP (LIV, LVII)

2× NFL Most Valuable Player (2018, 2022)

NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2018)

2× First-team All-Pro (2018, 2022)

Second-team All-Pro (2020)

6× Pro Bowl (2018–2023)

2× NFL passing touchdowns leader (2018, 2022)

NFL passing yards leader (2022)

Lamar Jackson - Lamar Jackson is ridiculous. He simply plays at a different speed than everyone else and is often a  blur on your TV screens on Sundays. His combination of speed, agility, quickness, shiftiness, etc etc. Has never been seen before. Lamar is only the second player to unanimously win the MVP award and is probably receiving his 2nd pretty soon. Jackson followed up his impressive MVP campaign in 2020 by becoming the first quarterback ever to have multiple rushing seasons with 1,000 yards. This ranking may be a little premature because of his recent playoff struggles but I can see Lamar getting a ring, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest of his generation. 

Notable Achievements: Heisman Trophy Winner

NFL Most Valuable Player (2019)

2× First-team All-Pro (2019, 2023)

3× Pro Bowl (2019, 2021, 2023)

NFL passing touchdowns leader (2019)

Cam Newton - The former number one overall pick in 2011, Cam Newton led an imposing Panthers squad to a 15-1 record, a top ranked rushing attack and a game away from the organization's first Super Bowl victory in 2015. Polarizing off the field as he was on it, Cam birthed the era of Quarterback we see today. At his peak, no one had a stronger arm and was as dangerous in the open field. His size made him a constant red zone threat and defenders had to make business decisions when going in for a tackle. The end of his career lost a little steam due to injuries but Cam deserves this spot off of talent alone.  

Notable Achievements: Heisman Trophy Winner The league's first rookie quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards in a season and the first to throw for 400 yards in his NFL debut, he also set the single-season record for quarterback rushing touchdowns.

One of only four Black Qbs to win the MVP award

NFL Most Valuable Player (2015)

NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2015)

NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2011)

First-team All-Pro (2015)

3× Pro Bowl (2011, 2013, 2015)

Steve McNair - McNair was a legend before entering the league in ‘95 as a 3rd overall pick by the Houston Oilers. The former Alcorn St. standout, took that same skill set that made him a prized prospect straight into the NFL. Becoming the full time starter by ‘97 “Air McNair” would hold on to that position through 2005. Guiding the Oilers/Titans to 4 playoff appearances including one dramatic run to the Superbowl. The first Black QB to win the MVP, was as tough as they come. Often playing with numerous injuries. His rocket arm and solid mobility made him a constant headache for defenders. 

Notable Achievements: NFL co-Most Valuable Player (2003)

Second-team All-Pro (2003)

3× Pro Bowl (2000, 2003, 2005)

NFL passer rating leader (2003)

Russell Wilson - Before the memes and rap references, Russell was on a trajectory to becoming one of the all time greats. Belleyhoo’d by a stout Seattle Seahawks defense early on in his career featuring the Legion of Boom, Wilson led the Seahawks to two Super Bowls. Winning one and one Beastmode carry away from a second. His recent benching in Denver does leave a bad taste in your mouth but his resume speaks for itself. The 2017 NFL passing touchdown leader is arguably known as one of the greatest dual-threat Quarterbacks of all time.

Notable Achievements: Super Bowl champion (XLVIII)

Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2020)

Second-team All-Pro (2019)

9× Pro Bowl (2012–2015, 2017–2021)

Donavan McNabb - Infamously known for what he did not accomplish as an Eagle, the former 1st round pick out of Syracuse enjoyed an 13 year career that saw him rack up over 37,000 career passing yards, 98 career wins, 9 postseason wins with three consecutive trips to the NFC championship game. McNabb was a gamer with the propensity to make timely plays. He currently sits as the Eagles all time leader in almost every major passing category.

Notable Achievements: eighth quarterback in NFL history with more than 3,000 career rushing yards; the fourth quarterback to amass over 30,000 passing yards, 200 touchdown passes, 3,000 rushing yards, and 20 rushing touchdowns in the regular season; and the third quarterback with over 3,000 passing yards, 400 rushing yards, and 25 total touchdowns in the playoffs.

Michael Vick - No one played the game more aesthetically pleasing than Vick, as he routinely made defenders look silly with his jukes and cuts during his time as a Atlanta Falcon. The 4 time Pro Bowler revolutionized how the game is played becoming the first quarterback to have a thousand yards rushing in a single season. After his career took an abrupt halt in 2007 due to a dogfighting controversy, Vick displayed his resilience by becoming the 2010 Comeback Player of the year with the Eagles. 

Notable Achievements: Led the Falcons to two playoff runs, a division title and a Championship game appearance

Career yards per carry: 7.0

Career rushing yards by a quarterback: 6,109

First black qb to be selected first overall 2001

Vince Young - The 2006 Offensive Rookie of the Year amassed a 30-17 record as the starter for the Tennessee Titans. One of the greatest college Qbs of all time gets this spot because of his undeniable impact on how the game is played today. Young was ahead of his time, with his superb running skills and lightning quick release. The 2 time Pro Bowler and the 2009’s Sporting News Comeback Player of the year, finished his career as a backup but the highs were astronomical. 

Notable Achievements: 3rd overall pick in the 2006 draft - 2008 Madden cover athlete

Jalen Hurts - Leading your team the Superbowl is no easy feat, just ask the next QB on this list. Doing so in your 2nd season is even more difficult. Especially with his inexperience and obvious passing limitations at that point in his career. The two time Pro Bowler gets this spot because of his upward trajectory and his track record of sustained success and excellence. I wouldn't be surprised if we see the Eagles in the big game as soon as next season. 

Notable Achievements: Most rushing touchdowns in a season by a quarterback: 15 (tied)

Most rushing yards in a Super Bowl by a quarterback: 70

Most rushing touchdowns in a Super Bowl by a quarterback: 3

Dak Prescott - Say what you want about Dak Prescott, but when it comes to this list the three time Pro Bowler is definitely top ten. Bursting onto the scene with fellow rookie Ezekiel Elliot in 2016, the Dallas Cowboys QB has amassed nearly 30,000 career passing yards, 28 career rushing touchdowns, and for a time was on the short list for MVP during the 2023 season, leading the league in touchdown passes. A deep playoff run will boost his resume on this list and others. 

Notable Achievements:  Highest passer rating by a rookie quarterback (104.9)

Highest completion percentage by a rookie quarterback: (67.8%)

Most wins in a season by a rookie quarterback: 13 (tied)

Outside Looking In:

Deshawn Watson - Pure talent lands him ahead of the others in this group. I wouldn't be surprised if Watson’s resume improves after a potential drama free, healthy offseason. 2023 was the exception not the rule.

Kyler Murray - 2019’s offensive rookie of the year has a lot to prove but i honestly like what i've seen so far. The Cardinals aren’t known for winning and it isn't a surprise that he may be the greatest QB in the team's history despite only being a pro for 5 seasons. Elite dual skills has him edging out a lot of our early 2000s favorites.

Daunte Culppepper - His heyday was with the Minnesota Vikings where he spearheaded a daunting aerial attack led by stand out wide receivers Randy Moss and Chris Carter. After being hit with the injury bug around 2005 his career never was the same afterwards. But no one can deny his 3 Pro Bowl appearances and his magical 2004 campaign where he set the NFL record for most total yardage produced by an NFL QB.

Colin Capernick - Mired in controversy because of his stance on Police brutality, “Cap” had a solid start to his career that saw him minutes away from a Super Bowl victory. He currently holds the records for most rushing yards in a game by a Quarterback  and the record for most rushing yards by a QB in a single postseason. 

A few names you have probably forgotten:

Aaron Brooks - Played 6 seasons for the New Orleans Saints. Retired in 2007 as the Saints' leader in season and career touchdown passes.

Quincy Carter - More famously known for his impressive college career at the University of Georgia, the former second round pick enjoyed a decent Pro career, leading the ‘03 Cowboys to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth. 

Byron Leftwich - Another college standout, Byron was the face of the Jacksonville Jaguars for a time. After injuries forced him to a backup role, he finally captured a Super Bowl ring with the Steelers in 2009. 

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Recap of the 2023 ESPYS

Angel Reese at the 2023 ESPYS

By: Joshua Martin

The ESPYS are a time where some of the most famous athletes from around the world come together to celebrate the past year in sports. The 31st edition of the annual celebration of the sports world’s elite was once again held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California. 

Some of the more popular awards are Best male athlete, Best female athlete, the prestigious Jimmy V award for Perseverance, the Pat Tillman award for Service and the Arthur Ashe award for Courage.

Alongside the celebration of the championship players, there were musical performances by Lil Wayne and H.E.R.

WEEZY HAS THE #ESPYS JUMPING 👏 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/9qcekwQYIb

— ESPN (@espn) July 13, 2023

The Kansas City Chiefs took home the award for best team thanks to their Super Bowl LVII winning effort earlier this year and the team’s quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, once again took home the award for best NFL Player (he won in 2019 after his first MVP season). 

LSU’s superstar forward Angel Reese won Best Breakthrough Athlete. Reese made headlines during the NCAA tournament where her “you cant see me” and “ring me” celebrations took the world by storm. Despite the backlash, her talents propelled her to the top of the list of the best breakthrough athletes.

"Another natty is coming, period." 💅

You heard it at the ESPYS first❗️ pic.twitter.com/A7VxH0Eq41

— ESPN (@espn) July 13, 2023

Carmelo Anthony, alongside the famed ‘Banana Boat Crew’ , was honored for his accomplishments on and off the court. 

Shortly after LeBron James  let the world know that he doesn't plan on retiring anytime soon and that he has more to give to the game of basketball.

"Lucky for you guys, that day is not today."

Go off, Bron 😂 pic.twitter.com/4X1Fqs0PqX

— ESPN (@espn) July 13, 2023

Last but not least, The Buffalo Bills training staff was honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service due to their actions that saved the life of safety Damar Hamlin. An emotional Hamlin introduced the staff that was responsible for saving his life.

Damar Hamlin presenting the Pat Tillman Award for Service to the Bills' training staff at the @ESPYS is pretty awesome. pic.twitter.com/Lbt5B6yTYF

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 13, 2023

Below is the list of complete winners.

Best Athlete, Men’s Sports: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Best Athlete, Women’s Sports: Mikaela Shiffrin, Ski
Best Breakthrough Athlete: Angel Reese, LSU Women’s Basketball
Best Record-Breaking Performance: LeBron James surpasses Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for NBA career scoring record
Best Championship Performance: Lionel Messi, Argentina – World Cup Final
Best Comeback Athlete: Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
Best Play: Justin Jefferson with the Catch of the Century
Best Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Best College Athlete, Men’s Sports: Caleb Williams, USC Football
Best College Athlete, Women’s Sports: Caitlin Clark, Iowa Women’s Basketball
Best Athlete with a Disability: Zach Miller, Snowboarding

Best NFL Player: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Best MLB Player: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels
Best NHL Player: Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
Best NBA Player: Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
Best WNBA Player: A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
Best Driver: Max Verstappen, F1
Best UFC Fighter: Jon Jones
Best Boxer: Claressa Shields
Best Soccer Player: Lionel Messi, Argentina/PSG
Best Golfer: Scottie Scheffler
Best Tennis Player: Novak Djokovic

SPECIAL AWARDS

Jimmy V Award for Perseverance: Liam Hendriks
Arthur Ashe Award for Courage: U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team
Pat Tillman Award for Service: Buffalo Bills Training Staff

SPORTS HUMANITARIAN AWARDS

Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award: Jrue Holiday (Milwaukee Bucks) and Lauren Holiday (retired U.S. Women’s National Team)

Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award: Jordan Adeyemi, Ashley Badis, Rishan Patel

Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year: San Antonio Spurs

Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award Honorees: Dr. Richard Lapchick

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Mahomes leads Chiefs to Second Super Bowl Victory in Four Years Despite Injury

By: Joshua Martin

What a game!!

The Kansas City Chiefs locked up their second Super Bowl victory in 4 years in front of an electric crowd at State Farm Arena in Glendale, Arizona for Super Bowl 57 Sunday night. Albeit in unfamiliar territory, the Chiefs entered the game as 1.5 point underdogs, the victory was sealed after an impressive 26-yard run, all on a balky ankle I might add, by the eventual 2 time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes. 

Patrick Mahomes | Kevin Sabitus via Getty Images

Mahomes re-injured the ankle right before halftime after landing awkwardly on a tackle made by Eagles linebacker T.J. Edwards. The Chiefs appeared to be heading towards another disappointing showing in the Super Bowl after trailing by 10 entering the half with a visibly injured quarterback. 

The second half was the polar opposite as the Chiefs scored 4 touchdowns on all 4 of their possessions in the 2nd half, eventually taking a 28-27 lead midway through the 4th quarter against the feisty Eagles. 

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts tied it up ( 35 - 35) after a 2 yard score and 2 point conversion with 5:15 remaining.

The aforementioned run by Mahomes, followed by strategically killing the clock with a series of kneel downs, set up a 27 yard field goal attempt by Harrison Butker that eventually gave the Chiefs the victory. 

I'll admit the late game kneeling was a lackluster way to end an otherwise entertaining matchup, but it didn't, however, spoil a night full of memorable firsts.

Both squads started Black quarterbacks for the first time in Superbowl history.

Jalen Hurts | Charlie Riedel via Ap Photo

Hurts told reporters about the significance of the game, according to NFL.com.

“I think it’s history. I think it’s something that’s worthy of being noted and it is history. It’s come a long way. I think it’s only been seven African-American quarterbacks to play in the Super Bowl, so to be the first for something is pretty cool. I know it will be a good one.”

— Jalen Hurts

Rihanna even debuted to the world her new baby bump during a strong showing during the halftime show. 

Rihanna | Gregory Shamas via Getty Images

We use terms like “G.O.A.T.” and “dynasty” a tad bit too loosely these days but 3 AFC Championships and 2 Super Bowl victories in a 4 year span looks pretty Goatish to me as Patrick Mahomes leaves no doubt that he is the best Quarterback in the league and the Chiefs are indeed a dynasty with a Hall of Famer at Head coach.  

In Summation, it was refreshing to get a competitive game featuring two teams who were honestly the best squads from their respective conferences all year. Now the long wait begins as the 22-23 season concludes.  

*sighs 

There’s always next year Cowboys fans… 

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