Super Bowl LIX: Mahomes’ Legacy, Eagles’ Redemption, and Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show
Patrick Mahomes aims for history, Saquon Barkley leads the Eagles' charge, Kendrick Lamar headlines the halftime show, and Ledisi performs "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at Super Bowl LIX. We discuss it here!
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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Gervonta Davis Invests In Rebuilding of Former Baltimore Neighborhood
Gervonta "Tank" Davis is actively contributing to the revitalization of the West Baltimore neighborhood where he grew up, with an aim to build affordable housing. We discuss it here.
Gervonta Davis in the ring against Rolando Romero - Getty Images
By: Omar Cook
BALTIMORE — On Thursday, city officials revealed during a press conference that boxer Gervonta "Tank" Davis is actively contributing to the revitalization of the West Baltimore neighborhood where he grew up. Davis recently bought two buildings on Woodyear Street, which is just the beginning to building up his community.
“I definitely want to thank everybody that was included and helped us make this happen,” Davis said. “I feel as though when I was coming up, we didn’t have somebody to be hands-on with us.”
Aside from boxing, Davis has aspirations of investing into the youth in Baltimore and cites this as a major key to improving the city. The renovations will commence with the vacant building at 1542 North Woodyear Street. Nine other properties on the same block are set to be acquired and renovated by GTD Development, renovated, and eventually used to create affordable housing.
Davis also received a City Council of Baltimore Presidential Citation from City Council member Nick Mosby. Mosby praised Davis for his mentorship efforts to the youth and his contributions to his community.
Boxer Gervonta Davis rehabbing block he grew up on
“Tank, when he goes around the world, he literally carries the city of Baltimore on his back,” Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby said. “For you to come back, invest in your hometown, invest in your community, and invest in your block - is truly, truly special.”
This is just the beginning for Davis as he plans to build more homes and safe recreational spaces. Davis using his platform and resources to reach back and help those in need is what we need to see from other well known figures. It’s great to see Davis not only killing it in the ring, but being a leader in the community as well.
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Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson Return to Reebok as President and Vice President of Basketball
Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson are the new faces of Reebok Athletics, tasked with rebuilding the brand's reputation and re-launching Reebok Basketball in 2025, bridging the past and the future. We discuss it here.
Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson, both basketball hall of fame inductees, reunite with Reebok, as the shoe company recently revealed. They previously came together during the halftime of the 2016 NCAA Men's Final Four championship game. (Photo by Robert Deutsch/USA TODAY Sports)
By: Joshua Martin
Shaquille O’Neal, a four-time NBA champion and arguably one of the greatest big men to ever play the game, is teaming up with 2000s NBA legend Allen Iverson to become the new faces of Reebok Athletics. The two will serve as President and Vice President, respectively.
Reebok announced that the shoe company aims to rebuild its reputation in team sports after leaving Adidas and being acquired by Authentic Brand Group for $2.46 billion in 2022. Reebok executives said the company plans to fully re-launch Reebok Basketball in early 2025.
Today, Reebok is proud to officially report that longtime brand partner and legendary hall-of-famer, @SHAQ, as the President of Reebok Basketball. pic.twitter.com/nEw6aYnRv3
— Reebok (@Reebok) October 12, 2023
In his new role as President of Basketball, Shaq will lead strategy, partnerships, and relationships with athletes and organizations to expand the Reebok basketball brand. Additionally, O’Neal went on to praise “The Answer” for his impact on the game of basketball and his overall cultural impact.
“Al is a founding father of Reebok Basketball and has left a lasting impact on the game and its surrounding culture.”
O’Neal has a history with Reebok, having launched the brand's first signature shoe, the Shaq Attaq series in 1992. However, he parted ways with the shoe company after an incident leaving the Orlando Magic facility after a practice, which ultimately led to his decision to leave the brand.
Reebok Shaq Attack
Upon leaving Reebok in 1998, Shaq partnered with Walmart to start his affordable show, “The Dunk Man”. The shoe brand ultimately sold 400 million pairs of sneakers. The shoes were priced between $19 and $29 and were sold in almost every Walmart in the country.
Shaq reconnected with Reebok in 2012 to relaunch his signature shoe in retro fashion. In a recent statement, Reebok said it aims to honor and incorporate the legacy of basketball legends beyond their playing days and that is reflected in bringing Shaq and Iverson on board in big roles.
Reebok Question
“As a president, I know what my role is. I’m gonna be focusing on player development and partnerships.”
Like Shaq, Iverson’s main focus will be to help drive player recruitment while simultaneously building grassroots and community-based initiatives, and athlete activations.
“It’s all about product, players, and the community and having the confidence to do things our own way. We need to capitalize on Reebok’s heritage and product expertise in the sport for today’s youth, but also focus on getting involved in the community from a grassroots level. We’re going to bring in a new generation of players who have strong authenticity and passion, or what I like to refer to as the it factor, who can put their own mark on this brand and make it relevant to a whole new generation.”
Nike continues to completely dominate the basketball shoe market, particularly with the Air Jordan brand. Reebok has underperformed in that market in recent decades but Shaq and Iverson may be the best way for the company to bridge the past and the future.
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Olympian Sharrieffa Barksdale’s One Step Closer Gala: Build That Track
Olympian Sharrieffa Barksdale's One Step Closer Gala in Harriman, Tennessee, raised funds for high school track renovations, uniting top athletes and artists, inspiring students, and receiving generous community contributions. We discuss it here.
Sharrieffa Barksdale poses outside of her One Step Closer Gala held in Harriman, Tennessee. (Photo by Gentel Sharrie)
By: Gentel Sharrie
The One Step Closer Gala was a success. Held in Harriman, Tennessee, this event was organized by Olympian Sharrieffa Barksdale to raise funds for track renovations at her high school's track, which was named after her in 1984. Sharrieffa's Gala brought together top Olympic track athletes, coaches, Olympic staff, and artists from around the world. Before the Gala kicked off, Sharrieffa visited Roane County High School to deliver a motivational speech to the students, emphasizing the importance of pursuing their dreams and working hard to achieve their goals. Following her speech at Roane County High School, the City of Harriman, Tennessee, including the fire department, police department, and Mayor Wayne Best, presented Sharrieffa Barksdale with a $5,000 check to support her track renovation project.
Sharrieffa Barksdale Foundation
Photo Cred: Gentel Sharrie
This is Sharrieffa’s second year having her Gala, and the town of Harriman, Tennessee came out and supported. From the food to the music, everyone really enjoyed themselves. Sharrieffa’s Sorority was also in attendance, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. and they were able to make a gracious contribution and donation to the cause. Right now Sharrieffa has raised over $60,000 to go towards the Sharrieffa Barksdale Track and is continuing to raise more money until she reaches the goal. The track right now is a concrete track and the renovation will consist of an asphalt bound surface. The track will be a great tool for Harriman High School. They can build a great track team or have the next Olympic athlete.
Sharrieffa Barksdale was born in Harriman, Tennessee. She went to college at University of Tennessee where she received her track scholarship and ended up turning into an Olympic athlete. Sharrieffa is a 12 X All American, 4 NCAA Titles, 11 SEC Titles, University of Tennessee NCCA Champion, 1981 Women’s AIAW Outdoor National Champion, Silver Medalist at the 1983 Pan American Games, American Record Holder in the 400 Meter Hurdles, 1984 Olympian, served as the staff multiple times for the United States Olympic Team, and is the USATF Alumni Association Manager.
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Damian Lillard Trade Shakes Up NBA Landscape
Portland Trail Blazers trade Damian Lillard in a surprising move, shaking up the NBA and sparking anticipation for the upcoming season. We discuss it here!
Former Portland Trail Blazers Damian Lillard looks on during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Moda Center on April 09, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
By: Joshua Martin
The moment sports fans have begrudgingly been waiting for has finally happened but not to the destination many of us thought. In a surprising move the Portland Trail Blazers finally parted ways with the organization's brightest star, in a 3 team deal that had the entertainment world buzzing.
Camron and Snoop Dogg offered their thoughts as soon as word of the trade began to circulate.
“Going to the East, nephew. Ball out. You got Giannis on your squad now. Ugh! The East just got nasty. Lakers, we know what we gon’ do. But congrats to my nephew, Dame Lillard. Dame Time. Go get yours, nephew.”
The trade officially went down on Wednesday between the Bucks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Phoenix Suns. In exchange for Dame D.O.L.L.A., the Blazers received Jrue Holiday, DeAndre Ayton, Toumani Camara along with future draft picks with many believing Holiday will soon be traded. The Suns received Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little, and Keon Johnson, all of whom will join a squad that bolsters a roster featuring Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and their latest addition Bradley Beal. In my opinion all three teams made out well, with Milwaukee instantly becoming title favorites.
Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo
Photo Cred: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images; Megan Briggs/Getty Images
Lillard joining focus with Giannis Antetokounmpo will mark the first time that two players have joined forces after both averaging 30 points per game the previous season. With arguably the second greatest range shooter of all time paired with the Greek Freak, the upcoming season just got a lot more interesting. It’s very likely the Bucks will snag their second championship in four years.
Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo's points per game last season for the Trail Blazers and Bucks respectively:
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 28, 2023
Dame 👉 32.2 PPG
Greek Freak 👉 31.1 PPG
They are the only players in NBA history to each average 30+ PPG in the previous season & become teammates the next… pic.twitter.com/xAE2sLnc5x
Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers waves goodbye to the Oklahoma City Thunder after hitting a last second 37 foot game winner to end Game 5 of the Western Conference quarterfinals during the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center on April 23, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. The Blazers defeated the Thunder 118-115. (Dykes/Getty Images)
Damian Lillard leaves Portland after spending his entire NBA career with the organization. Over the past 11 seasons, he powered his squad to eight playoff appearances and one Western Conference Finals appearance during the 2018-2019 season. Dame throughout the years often spoke against jumping ship to join a superteam, opting to remain committed to the Trail Blazers despite not having a real shot at a title.
The athlete/rapper took the on brand approach and addressed the trade in his latest track “Farwell” which dropped immediately after news broke of the trade.
Dame D.O.L.L.A. - Farewell
Dame left it all on the court. Carving out a unique role for himself as an unstoppable efficient range shooter with the ability to facilitate and attack the basket with ease.
In summation, the NBA does an excellent job at remaining in the news cycle year round. This recent deal only intensifies the anticipation for the upcoming season. With the biggest domino finally on the move, even the casual fan can’t help but wonder who’s next? James Harden? Joel Embid? Trae Young? Karl-Anthony Towns? We’ll just have to wait and see.
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What's Next For USA Basketball?
The USA basketball team has left the World Cup Games for the second consecutive time without a medal as they lost the Bronze Medal game in overtime to Canada. We discuss it here!
Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
By: Vince Wilson
The USA basketball team has left the World Cup Games for the second consecutive time without a medal as they lost the Bronze Medal game in overtime to Canada. This is only Canada's second medal in international basketball competition since 1936, behind a dominant performance from Shai Gileous Alexander who had 31 points and 12 assists. After starting 4-0, the USA team stumbled to the finish line losing 3 of their last 4 including close losses to Lithuania and Germany finishing 4th Place with a 5-3 record.
The emergence of Anthony Edwards and Austin Reeves were the only bright spots for the USA team as the team looked overwhelmed and incohesive. The USA team can still redeem themselves in the upcoming Olympic Games as they won gold both times. They missed a medal in 2006 and 2019, although many are feeling a need to revamp the team, and maybe the coaching, as the team lacks the star power and roster balance to compete. Coach Kerr’s small ball five guard rotations were continuously outplayed by bigger teams and seemingly unable to stop anyone defensively. Germany’s big man and NBA journeyman Daniel Theis scored 21 points after only scoring 21 or more six times in his entire NBA career. Canada’s Dillon Brook’s 39 points were more points than he’s ever scored in any NBA game.
Dillon Brooks scored 39 points against Team USA, making 7 of his 8 attempts from 3-point range while drawing "MVP" chants from the crowd.
Photo Credit: Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images
With USA’s ‘C’ team failing to medal, the question is, what’s next for USA Basketball?
LeBron James has entered the chat with a tweet. LBJ posts a cryptic ‘eyes emoji’ over an NBA CENTRAL tweet that has sent the sports world into a frenzy. LeBron James was a part of the disappointing 2004 Bronze team before joining forces with the late great Kobe Bryant for the Redeem team in 2008 and bringing back gold to the States. LeBron hasn’t played in international competitions since 2016 and it looks like he may be eyeing a comeback and last dance for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Many are hoping the recruiters can get Durant, Curry, Tatum, and the NBA’s elite to join him and bring back the Gold to the USA. Throw in the God of USA Basketball, Carmelo Anthony, and we may see the medal again.
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Damar Hamlin Documentary To Be Released Sharing His Road To Recovery
Damar Hamlin is releasing his documentary entitled Did We Win, which follows the Buffalo Bills' safety and his miraculous recovery after nearly dying on the football field.
Photo Credit: Damar Hamlin MICHAEL REAVES/GETTY IMAGES
By: Joshua Martin
Damar Hamlin is releasing his documentary entitled Did We Win, which will follow the Buffalo Bills' safety and his miraculous recovery after almost dying on the football field. The title of the film references a question Hamlin asked from the hospital after waking from a medically induced sedation. According to reports, Damar’s team has been recording his journey since arriving at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. The film will document how he fought to regain his strength and handle life after his terrifying injury against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football.
He was discharged from the hospital on January 9th, 2023, and was briefly monitored at his Buffalo, N.Y. home. After his release, the professional athlete opened up about suffering from commotio cordis, a rare form of cardiac arrest.
“Not to sound cliché, man, but the ‘wow moment’ is every day just being able to wake up and just take deep breaths and live a peaceful life. To have a family, to have people around me that love me, that care about me, and for those people to still have me in their lives. They almost lost me. I died on national TV in front of the whole world. That right there is just the biggest blessing of it all. For me to still have my people and for my people to still have me.”
Clay Tweel directed the documentary with Beau Flynn handling production duties through FlynnPictureCo company. Skydance Sports and NFL Films will serve as the sports doc’s executive producers.
“Damar is a real-life superhero. His impact and recovery in such a short period of time has been extraordinary to witness. I am honored that he and his family have entrusted us. Damar’s incredible story needed to be shared with audiences and look forward to taking this step into nonfiction with him.”
The 25-year-old made the Bills 53-man active roster last month. He will serve as the Bills' backup safety this season.
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USA basketball falls to Lithuania
USA basketball falls to Lithuania with 104-110 points making it their first loss of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Games. We discuss it here!
By: Vince Wilson
USA basketball falls to Lithuania with 104-110 points making it their first loss of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Games. The final score appears a lot closer than it was as Lithuania got out to a twenty-point lead in the first half. Ending the first quarter with a 31-12 lead they killed the US from behind the stripe, eventually finishing shooting a scorching 14 of 25 from three-point land.
The US team made a valiant late-game comeback behind Anthony Edwards' efficient 35 points but Lithuanian led a balanced attack. They had seven players with double-digit production even with their best player, All-NBA Center Domantus Sabonis sitting out.
Anthony Edwards
Photo Credit: USA Basketball (via Twitter)
Lithuania's big men Valincuinas and Sedekerskis carved up the US defense as they dominated the glass combining for 18 rebounds between them. The USA’s starting center and reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Jaren Jackson managed just 1 rebound, 3 points, and 5 fouls in the loss. Being the lone bright after being relegated to a 6th man spot early on in the tournament, Edwards was the main scoring option and playmaker. Often bringing up the ball and controlling the possession with a pick-and-roll situation. USA basketball just didn’t have enough to throw at Lithuania as many possessions were last-ditch efforts to Edwards, hoping he would make something happen, which he did more often than not.
Lithuania remained undefeated at 5-0 and stood at the top of Group J as the USA fell to 4-1 in the tournament, although still qualifying for the quarterfinals and Olympic Games. Lithuania has always been a European powerhouse, delivering the US one of the most devastating losses in our international history in 2004. The US team would never recover and stumble to a disappointing Bronze medal. Hopefully, history will not repeat itself.
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Coach Prime Leads Colorado Buffaloes to Stunning Upset Victory in Coaching Debut
Coach Prime's coaching debut with the newly restructured Colorado Buffaloes defied all odds as they secured a remarkable 45-42 comeback win over No. 17 TCU. We discuss it here!
Coach Prime coaching his first game at Colorado against TCU on Saturday September 2, 2023.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
By: Adonis Armstrong
Coach Prime and his newly restructured Colorado Buffaloes made a powerful statement. Despite being massive 21-point underdogs following a dismal 1-11 season, the Buffaloes shocked the defending national runner-up, staging a remarkable comeback for a 45-42 victory that left the Amon G. Carter Stadium crowd in disbelief. This win marked Colorado's first road victory since 2021 and broke a streak of 24 consecutive losses when considered underdogs by 21 points or more.
“We told you we comin’ we told you we comin’. You thought we were joking but guess what? We keep receipts.”
Following three impressive seasons at Jackson State, Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders embarked on his debut with Colorado, leading a team comprising 86 fresh faces, among them his sons Shedeur and Shilo, along with Hunter.
During the first half on Saturday, Shedeur Sanders (Colorado quarterback #2) evaded TCU linebacker Jamoi Hodge (#6) in a run. (AP Photo)
While the spotlight was initially on Deion Sanders, his son Shedeur Sanders, the versatile Travis Hunter, and other newcomers from Colorado grabbed the attention with their exceptional performances during Saturday's game. Shedeur Sanders, who served as the team's starting quarterback, established a new single-game passing record for the Buffaloes by amassing 510 yards, becoming the first-ever Colorado QB to surpass the 500-yard milestone. His remarkable performance included 38 completions out of 47 attempts, resulting in four touchdowns and zero interceptions, with four different Colorado players accumulating over 100 receiving yards.
Travis Hunter (12) catches a pass against TCU Saturday September 2, 2023. (Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports)
Hunter, ranked as ESPN's second-best recruit in the 2022 class, chose to join Deion Sanders at Jackson State over Florida State and demonstrated his talents on both offense and defense during his Colorado debut. He intercepted a pass by Chandler Morris on third-and-1 from the Colorado 4-yard line, showcasing his defensive skills. Additionally, Hunter contributed significantly to the offense with 11 receptions for 119 yards, narrowly missing additional catches with two impressive diving attempts.
Prior to Saturday, Colorado had endured a streak of 26 consecutive games with fewer than 400 yards, ranking as the longest active streak in the FBS, as per research by ESPN Stats & Information. Also, the Buffs had been among the three FBS teams that hadn't seen a 300-yard passer in the previous two seasons.
Coach Prime and his team have kicked off the season impressively. It'll be intriguing to witness their ongoing development throughout the season, particularly on the defensive end. If they can make some improvements, they could become a force in the PAC-12.
Meet Joshua Martin, Senior Video Editor for 247 Live Culture!
Email: Joshua@247LCTV.com