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Kansas City Chiefs Overcome San Fransisco 49ers in Overtime to Win Super Bowl LVIII

Kansas City Chiefs Overcome San Fransisco 49ers in Overtime to Win Super Bowl LVIII

In a thrilling contest that went into overtime for only the second time in Super Bowl history, the Kansas City Chiefs emerged as victorious, defeating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22. This triumph not only solidified the Chiefs’ position as the reigning champions but also marked the first back-to-back Super Bowl win in two decades.

The game was a perfect blend of suspense, exhilaration, strategy, and skill. The Chiefs, previously crowned as Super Bowl champions, had an 11-6 record, primarily attributed to the exceptional performances of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. On the other hand, the 49ers, with a 12-5 record, relied heavily on the prowess of quarterback Brock Purdy and the agility of star running back Christian McCaffrey.

In this nail-biting face-off, the 49ers took an early lead. However, the game saw several turnovers during regulation play with both teams displaying exceptional skill and strategy. The first half concluded with the 49ers leading by 10-3.

The Chiefs made a remarkable comeback early in the third quarter. However, the 49ers were not far behind. They responded with a touchdown by wide receiver Jauan Jennings. The score was tied at 16-16 halfway through the fourth quarter.

The final quarter of the game was filled with unpredictability and suspense. San Francisco pulled ahead once again, making the score 19-16. However, in a dramatic turn of events, the Chiefs managed to level the score with just three seconds to spare. This set the stage for an adrenaline-filled overtime, the only other occurrence of which was in 2017 when the New England Patriots made an astonishing comeback to defeat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28.

“The whole game was just a microcosm of our entire season,” Mahomes said. “The defence kept us in there, with the offence making plays when it counted. I’m just so proud of the guys.

“I know we’re going to celebrate tonight, but we’re not done. We’ve got a young team and we’re going to keep this thing going.”

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said: “Our defence played out of their mind. Our offence just kept persevering – kept pushing and pushing. I am so proud of the whole crew.”

Key Performances

Patrick Mahomes

Mahomes demonstrated exceptional skill throughout the game, completing 34 of 46 passes for 333 yards. He was instrumental in leading the Chiefs on a game-tying drive at the end of regulation and then the game-winning drive in overtime. His ability to convert two first downs with his feet in the extra session, including a run on fourth-and-1, kept the Chiefs in the game.

Mecole Hardman

Kansas City Chiefs’ wide receiver Mecole Hardman emerged as the hero of the day by scoring a touchdown with just three seconds left in overtime. This decisive play was made possible by a 3-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

The Taylor Swift Factor

The presence of global pop sensation Taylor Swift added an extra layer of excitement to the event. Swift, who is dating the Chiefs’ star player Travis Kelce, has been the center of media attention and pop culture frenzy. The 14-time Grammy winner managed to fly back to the U.S. on a private jet after wrapping up the Japan leg of her Eras Tour to cheer on Kelce.

As the winning touchdown was scored, TV cameras panned to Swift, who was engulfed by a crowd at the viewing box she was sharing with Kelce’s family and her celebrity friends Blake Lively and Ice Spice.

A Look Back at Super Bowl History

This year’s Super Bowl marked the fourth appearance for the Chiefs in five seasons; it was the 49ers’ second in that time span. For the Chiefs, this was a sweet repeat of the 2020 contest where they had defeated the 49ers with a final score of 31-20. The Chiefs had also previously won in 2023 against the Philadelphia Eagles and lost to Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021.

Historically, the 49ers have more Super Bowl championships than the Chiefs, with five wins to the Chiefs’ three. The 49ers won in 1982, 1985, 1989, 1990, and 1995, while the Chiefs won their first Super Bowl back in 1970.

SEE ALSO: Tom Brady Announces NFL Return After Six Week Retirement

Rihanna to Headline 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show

Rihanna to Headline 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show

Singer Rihanna has been confirmed as the headline act for the halftime show at the 2023 Super Bowl.

The 34-year-old Barbadian singer, who has won nine Grammies and sold over 250 million records worldwide in her illustrious career, shared an image of her hand holding an American football on social media. The image was then re-posted the NFL and Roc Nation, her record label who are an executive producer of the half-time show.

“Rihanna is a generational talent, a woman of humble beginnings who has surpassed expectations at every turn,” said rapper Jay-Z, founder of Roc Nation. “A person born on the small island of Barbados who became one of the most prominent artists ever. Self-made in business and entertainment.”

Seth Dudowsky, NFL’s head of Music, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rihanna to the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show stage.

“Rihanna is a once in a generation artist who has been a cultural force throughout her career. We look forward to collaborating with Rihanna, Roc Nation and Apple Music to bring fans another historic Halftime Show performance.”

The NFL halftime show is one of the biggest spectacles of the year with the world biggest artists invited to perform. Over the years, the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Dr Dre, 50 Cent and Mary J Blige have all headlined the show with millions of people tuning in from across the world.

She had been offered to perform in the Super Bowl halftime show in 2019 but turned the opportunity down as a means of showing solidarity with the NFL star Colin Kaepernick following his decision to kneel during the national anthem before the game.

Earlier in the year, she welcomed her first child with her boyfriend, fellow musician ASAP Rocky.

The 2023 Super Bowl will take place at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on 12th February.

SEE ALSO: Who Were the Big Winners at This Years Emmys?

Tom Brady Announces NFL Return After Six Week Retirement

Tom Brady Announces NFL Return After Six Week Retirement

NFL great, Tom Brady has revealed that he will be returning to the sport for a 23rd season just 40 days after announcing his retirement.

The 44-year-old is one of the greatest players the sport of NFL has ever seen, and he has won the Super Bowl seven time, six of which were with the New England Patriots and his latest win with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. But Brady declared there was “unfinished business” when he released the news to the world on Twitter on Sunday.

“These past two months I’ve realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands,” he said. “That time will come. But it’s not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I’m coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa.”

As well as the multiple Super Bowl victories, Brady also tops the all-time NFL charts for passing yards and passing touchdowns and has been awarded with five Super Bowl MVP awards and three league MVP awards.

However, his final game of the 2021 season did not go to plan after the Bucs couldn’t pull off magnificent comeback against the eventual winners, the LA Rams, after they came back from 27-3 down but in the end lost 30-27.

Brady was recently seen in attendance in Manchester, England at Old Trafford, the home of soccer team Manchester United to witness the Red Devils beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 in a classic which saw Cristiano Ronaldo score a hat-trick. At the end of the game, the two sporting legends were seen having a chat with each other.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Arians was delighted to learn that Brady would be making his return.

“Tom Brady loves to play football as much as anyone I have ever been around,” said Arians. “As Tom said, his place right now is on the football field.

“He is still playing at a championship level and was as productive as anyone in the league last season. We are ecstatic that he decided to continue playing and working toward winning another championship.”

Brady will look to bounce back from the disappointment of last season and return to the pitch to once again lead the Bucs to more NFL glory.

SEE ALSO: LA Rams Come From Behind to Clinch Dramatic Super Bowl LVI

LA Rams Come From Behind to Clinch Dramatic Super Bowl LVI

LA Rams Come From Behind to Clinch Dramatic Super Bowl LVI

The Los Angeles Rams scored secured their second Super Bowl title after coming from behind to beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 becoming only the second team to ever lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy at their home ground.

The Bengals were minutes away from claiming their first ever Super Bowl triumph but the Rams’ stellar lineup led by Matthew Stafford showed their quality after the quarterback led a match-winning 15-play drive followed by wide receiver Cooper Kupp who provided the touchdown that all but secured their second Super Bowl title after the Rams were piling on the Bengals with just under two minutes to go in the game.

The victory also justified their decision to return to Los Angeles from St Louis six years ago, a decision made by owner Stan Kroenke. Talking after the game he said: “I’m really proud of this group, all the guys, I’m so happy for them. These players unbelievable and they just hung in there. It was a tough game and I’m so proud of them executing it like they did.

“As far as building this stadium, it’s turned out alright. Thanks to the great fans of Los Angeles – their first Super Bowl trophy in Rams house.”

The Rams were behind for the majority of the game despite coming out of the blocks with lightning speed, flying into a 10-point lead in the early stages of second quarter. The Bengals then showed their resilience pulling into within three points just before half time when wide receiver Tee Higgins caught a pass from Joe Mixon. The momentum remained with the Bengals as they took the lead after the break when Burrow found Higgins with a long ball down the left sideline for a 75-yard touchdown making it 20-13 during the third quarter.

However, as the match looked like it was fading away from the Rams, Stafford and co stepped up to the plate after he linked up with Kupp with a simple one-yard touchdown to triumph in Super Bowl LVI.

“I’m so proud of this team,” said Rams quarterback Stafford. “There are so many guys on our team who deserve this – so many great players, guys who have given their heart and soul to this team.

“That game today is the story of our season. It is up and down, but we showed up late and got it done. I’m excited!

“We care for each other, and that starts from the top down. Sean does an unbelievable job, connecting with us as players. We follow his lead and we’re here now.”

Rams’ head coach, Seam McVay, said: “It feels outstanding, you talk about a resilient team, coaches, players, I’m so proud of this group, proud to be associated with it.

“We talk about competitive greatness all the time, being the best required, on offense we had to find a way and then for Aaron [Donald] to be able to finish it off, it’s poetic.”

To watch highlights of the game, click here.

SEE ALSO: Trump Spread a ‘web of lies’: One Year on From Capitol Riots

Domestic Violence Charge

San Francisco 49ers Release Star Reuben Foster Following Domestic Violence Charge

San Francisco 49ers’ linebacker Reuben Foster was reportedly released from the team on Sunday 25 November after being arrested on a domestic violence charge in Florida on November 24.

The 24-year-old, who is a former first-round NFL draft pick, was charged with one count of first-degree misdemeanour domestic violence after attacking his 28-year-old female companion. He was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail in Florida.

The victim said that Foster “slapped her phone out of her hand, pushed her in the chest area, and slapped her with an open hand on the right side of her face.”

Appearing in Hillsborough County Court via a video link, Foster’s attorney argued in his defence. He said that he was employed, that he does not reside with, or have children with, the alleged victim, and that a past domestic violence charge involving the same alleged victim had been dismissed previously. Foster was released from custody on Sunday on a $2,000 bond.

In a controversial turn of events, major NFL team The Redskins signed Foster just days following the arrest and release from the San Francisco 49ers.

In a statement, Doug Williams, The Redskins’ senior vice president of player personnel, said: “The Redskins fully understand the severity of the recent allegations made against Reuben. If true, you can be sure these allegations are nothing our organization would ever condone.

“Let me be clear, Reuben will have to go through numerous steps including the full legal process, an investigation and potential discipline from the NFL, as well as meetings with counsellors associated with the team before he will ever have the opportunity to wear the Burgundy and Gold as a player.

“That being said, we decided to investigate the situation with Reuben further by claiming his rights after candid conversations with a number of his ex-Alabama teammates and current Redskins players who were overwhelmingly supportive of us taking this chance.

“Nothing is promised to Reuben, but we are hopeful being around so many of his former teammates and friends will eventually provide him with the best possible environment to succeed both personally and professionally,” he added.

Foster has a known history of domestic violence charges and arrests. In April 2018, the former San Francisco 49ers linebacker was charged with felony domestic violence for allegedly attacking his girlfriend. The victim was left with a ruptured eardrum and bruising, but the arrest was redacted after she recounted her statement.

Further reading: New York Jets Make Sam Darold Quarterback

New York Jets, Sam Darnold

New York Jets Make Sam Darnold Quarterback

The news that everyone was expecting has been revealed: NFL team New York Jets make 21-year-old Sam Darnold their newest quarterback. The young player will be starting in his new position in the New York Jets’ season-opening game in Detroit, Monday 10 September.

What’s even more exciting about this announcement, is that Darnold will be making NFL history this year, too. He will be the youngest quarterback to play in Week one since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter took to Twitter to praise the achievement, saying: “With Sam Darnold starting next Monday on Monday Night Football at Detroit, he will become the youngest ever opening-day starting NFL QB and he will extend the streak of having at least one rooking QB start on opening weekend to 11 straight seasons.”

Darnold made waves playing for the New York Jets’ second and third preseason games.

The team’s football coach Todd Bowles said at a press conference that Darnold, “kept his head down and he earned it” throughout the course of the summer. When asked about the growing pains expected with the new player, Bowes said, “The pains he gets that he needs to see, it will be an experience probably the first couple of years.

“We’re not starting him because he’s a rooking and he’s not ready, we’re starting him because he gives us a chance to win the game.”

“We’re starting him because he gives us a chance to win the game”—Todd Bowles

CBS Sports reported, “Darnold is very highly thought of around the league, and he might just be the answer the Jets have been searching for.”

Is this decision made by the New York Jets the right one? We think so.

Further reading: Former Pittsburgh Steelers Linebacker James Harrison Announces Retirement

Philadelphia Eagles

Trump Cancels Philadelphia Eagles’ Visit to the White House

President Donald Trump withdrew his invitation to welcome Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles to the White House Monday evening.

Several prominent team players—including safety Malcolm Jenkins and defensive end Chris Long—had announced they would not attend the meeting as a protest against Trump.

The news comes amid controversy over players standing for the National Anthem at NFL games.

“The Philadelphia Eagles are unable to come to the White House with their full team to be celebrated tomorrow,” Trump wrote in a statement.

“They disagree with their President because he insists that they proudly stand for the National Anthem, hand on heart, in honor of the great men and women of our military and the people of our country. The Eagles wanted to send a smaller delegation, but the 1,000 fans planning to attend the event deserve better.”

The President explained fans were “still invited to the White House to be part of a different type of ceremony”.

The ceremony, Trump wrote, would honor the USA, pay tribute to the heroes who fought to protect it, and loudly and proudly play the National Anthem.

“I will be there at 3 p.m. with the United States Marine Band and the United States Army Chorus to celebrate America,” he said.

It’s an unprecedented move by the President—the NBA champion, Golden State Warriors, declined an invitation from Trump to visit the White House after their 2017 championship win, but presidents usually honor their invitations to championship teams.

The debate centers on Long and Jenkins’ outspoken support of San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, who knelt during the National Anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality.

The NFL owners adopted a new policy on May 23 that will allow players who do not wish to stand for the National Anthem to remain in the tunnel. The NFL can also fine teams whose players do not stand and “show respect” during the anthem. Trump also said players who chose not to stand “shouldn’t be in the country”.

According to several reports, fewer than 10 players were intending to attend the White House event.

Wide receiver Torrey Smith wrote in a tweet: “There are a lot of people on the team that have plenty of different views. The men and women that wanted to go should’ve been able to go.

“It’s a cowardly act to cancel the celebration because the majority of the people don’t want to see you. To make it about the anthem is foolish.”

 

Sen. Bob Casey, a Pennsylvania Democrat, said he’s skipping the White House event, and instead invited the team to take a tour of the US Capitol.

“I’m proud of what the @Eagles accomplished this year. I’m skipping this political stunt at the White House and just invited the Eagles to Congress. @Eagles How about a tour of the Capitol?” he wrote on Twitter.

 

The team’s statement, released late Monday night, did not address Trump’s action directly:

“It has been incredibly thrilling to celebrate our first Super Bowl Championship. Watching the entire Eagles community come together has been an inspiration. We are truly grateful for all the support we have received and we are looking forward to continuing our preparations for the 2018 season.”

Further reading: Former Pittsburgh Linebacker James Harrison Announces Retirement

Pittsburgh Steelers

Former Pittsburgh Steelers Linebacker James Harrison Announces Retirement

Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison has announced his retirement from the NFL for the second time after a strong 15-year career.

The 39-year-old made the announcement on Instagram on Monday. Beneath an image of his children, he said, “I’ve missed way too much for way too long… and I’m done. Many thanks to my family, coaches, the fans, and everyone who played a role in my football life.”

Harrison, who will turn 40 in May, spent most of his career as the linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers before signing with the New England Patriots on 26 December, 2017.

Despite an illustrious career with the revered Pittsburgh Steelers, Harrison and the team parted on negative terms. With reduced playing time during the 2017 season, Harrison requested that the team release him from his contract.

The long-time NFL player had previously announced his retirement in 2014 following a one-year stint with the Cincinnati Bengals, but returned to the game with the Steelers for the next season.

Harrison, who began his career playing college football for Kent State University, won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2008. The football star also won two Super Bowls, he XL and XLIII with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The linebacker finishes his career with 84.5 sacks.

Further reading: Robert Griffin Joins Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens

Robert Griffin Joins Baltimore Ravens

NFL team the Baltimore Ravens announced on Wednesday 4 that they have agreed to a one-year contract with quarterback Robert Griffin III. The contract will place Griffin in a back-up position to starter Joe Flacco.

The 28-year-old veteran player sat out the entire 2017 campaign, after being cut from Cleveland Browns’ slate in March 2017.

General manager of the Baltimore Ravens, Ozzie Newsome, said of the deal, “He came in last week, worked out. Had a real good workout and we were able to come to an agreement late yesterday. He will probably be here early next week to sign the deal.”

Ian Rapoport, an NFL Network Insider, has reported that Griffin’s base salary will sit at $1 million plus a small bonus upon signing of the contract.

Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh said, “He’s a very talented quarterback who’s had a lot of success in this league early on.

“So we’re excited about it. We felt like we needed a No. 2 quarterback. You look at the veteran quarterbacks out there… I mean, where we’re at right now, I’m pretty excited about this player. I’m really feeling like we got a steal.”

In 2017, Griffin had rejected contract offers from both the Baltimore Ravens and the Arizona Cardinals during his search for a new team. He reportedly felt that both teams were not the right fit, but has seemingly changed his mind.

Joining the Baltimore Ravens presents Griffin with a shining opportunity to resurrect a once massive career in the game—one that has been almost-lost since 2014.

The player took to Twitter shortly after the offer, tweeting a rather celebratory “#PlayLikeARaven”.

NFL

NFL Teams Ask Prospect About his Sexuality

Prospect Derrius Guice claims that team officials at the NFL draft combine in Indianapolis asked him about his sexuality and whether his mother was a prostitute.

In an interview with SiriusXM Radio on Wednesday, Guice said that the team interviews were “pretty crazy… some people are really trying to get in your head and test your reaction.”

He continued, “I go in one room, and a team will ask me do I like men, just to see my reaction… I go in another room, they’ll try to bring up one of my family members or something and tell me, ‘Hey, I heard your mom sells herself. How do you feel about that?’”

In response, executive director of the NFL Players Association DeMaurice Smith told PFT Live: “Find out what team did it and ban them from the combine.

“The question is inappropriate. Questions along these lines are always inappropriate.”

In a statement to the Washington Post, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said, “A question such as that is completely inappropriate and wholly contrary to league workplace policies. The NFL and its clubs are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees in a manner that is consistent with our commitment to diversity and inclusion, state and federal laws.

“The league annually reminds clubs of these workplace policies that prohibit personnel from seeking information concerning a player’s sexual orientation.”

The Human Rights Campaign’s director of public education and research, Ashland Johnson responded to the question as “absurd and inappropriate”. In reference to similar incidents in the past, he added “it’s clear that the NFL did not do enough to prevent it from happening again.”

The NFL seems likely to investigate the claims that team officials asked Guice about his sexual preferences. Jim Buzinski said that NFL officials “definitely have to identify the team and the coach… and they need some sort of punishment, at least a strong fine.”