Kansas City Chiefs fight back to narrowly beat Philadelphia Eagles in classic Super Bowl
The Kansas City Chiefs fought back to beat the Philadelphia Eagles in a classic Super Bowl that will be remembered as one of the greatest of all time.
The Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes shrugged off an ankle injury to lead his side to a dramatic 38 to 35 victory and claim their second Super Bowl in four years.
The contest at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, was the first Super Bowl to feature two black quarterbacks, with Mahomes making history alongside Jalen Hurts for the Eagles.
It was also the first to feature two brothers on opposing teams, with the Eagles centre Jason Kelce playing against his Chiefs tight end younger brother, Travis.
The game also featured the season’s best two teams and, in Mahomes and Hurts, the two best players.
Patrick Mahomes was the hero of the night for the Kansas City Chiefs. Pic: AP
Jalen Hurts put on a strong performance for the Philadelphia Eagles
Kansas City, who were seen as slight underdogs ahead of the Super Bowl and trailed for much of the game, were 27 to 21 down heading into the final quarter.
Things had been looking bleak for the Chiefs after Mahomes appeared to re-injure the right ankle that had been a major worry coming into the game.
Grimacing in pain after a tackle, Mahomes hobbled off the field and slammed his helmet to the turf as the Chiefs headed into halftime trailing 24 to 14.
However, when the teams returned after the break a resilient Mahomes produced a heroic effort and threw for two fourth-quarter touchdowns.
He also set up Harrison Butker’s 27-yard game-winning field goal with eight seconds to play in front of 67,827 fans at the stadium in Arizona.
‘Nothing was going to keep me off the field’
Mahomes was handed the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player (MVP) award after the game to go along with the NFL MVP honour he received on Thursday.
The 27-year-old said after the encounter: “I told you all this week there was nothing going to keep me off this football field.
“It’s the Super Bowl, you can worry about getting healthy in the off-season.
“I fought through, and we were able to win.”
Kansas City Chiefs players celebrate after winning the Super Bowl. Pic: AP
Kansas City coach Andy Reid said: “Well he’s the MVP. That’s all the needs to be said, right? MVP. And you saw it tonight.”
Reid also said in post-match comments: “He wants to be the greatest player ever and that’s the way he goes about his business. And he does it humbly, there’s no bragging.
“The great quarterbacks make everybody around him better, including the head coach. So he’s done a heck of a job.”
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid gets drenched with water after the game
Hurts, who was a leading candidate for the NFL MVP award, turned in an almost equally dazzling performance, running for three touchdowns and a Super Bowl record 70 yards. He also threw for a touchdown.
Sibling rivalry swept aside after Super Bowl drama
Meanwhile, the Kelce brothers embraced after the game as confetti flew for the Chiefs.
Travis, who had 81 receiving yards and a touchdown, told reporters he was left with a strange feeling after getting the win over his brother’s team.
“There’s nothing I can say to him other than I love him and he played a hell of a year, a hell of a season,” Travis told reporters.
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Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce, left, with his brother Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Jason Kelce. Pic: AP
Kansas City Chiefs place kicker Harrison Butker kicks the game-winning field goal against the Philadelphia Eagles. Pic: AP
Their mother, Donna Kelce, had become a fan favourite and was sitting next to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during the game.
Both brothers had previously earned a Super Bowl ring – Jason with the Eagles in 2018 and Travis with the Chiefs three years ago – but with bragging rights on the line there was no lack of motivation.
“It’s hard to get here,” Jason told reporters. “Obviously would have liked to win but (I’m) happy for Trav.”
The event attracted an array of famous faces to suburban Phoenix from entertainment and sports, with Elon Musk, Paul McCartney and LeBron James among the capacity crowd of 67,827.
Meanwhile, Rihanna revealed her pregnancy as she showed off a bump during her half-time show.
The King has written to former US president Joe Biden after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, Buckingham Palace said
The monarch, who is undergoing his own treatment for an undisclosed cancer, hosted the 82-year-old for tea and talks at Windsor in July 2023.
Mr Biden was diagnosed on Friday, with tests revealing the cancer had spread to his bones.
The former president posted an image of himself and his wife Jill on X on Monday and wrote: “Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”
The King and Joe Biden at Windsor Castle in July 2023. Pic: Reuters
The King’s letter comes after British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “very sorry to hear President Biden has prostate cancer”.
“All the very best to Joe, his wife Jill and their family, and wishing the President swift and successful treatment,” he added.
Meanwhile US President Donald Trump said he was “saddened” by the news, adding: “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Former US president Barack Obama said: “Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family.
“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.”
Read more: Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ form of prostate cancer
Barack Obama (right) with Joe Biden at a campaign event in 2022. File pic: Reuters
After a poor debate performance against Mr Trump and amid escalating concerns around his age and fitness to serve, Mr Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential election race and endorsed his vice president Kamala Harris.
Ms Harris wrote on X after his diagnosis: “We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time.
“Joe is a fighter – and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.”
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Mr Biden’s diagnosis: What we know
Former US president Bill Clinton wrote on social media: “My friend Joe Biden’s always been a fighter. Hillary and I are rooting for him and are keeping him, Jill, and the entire family in our thoughts.”
Hillary Clinton, who unsuccessfully ran for president in 2016, said she was “thinking of the Bidens as they take on cancer, a disease they’ve done so much to try to spare other families from”.
Speaker of the US House of Representatives Mike Johnson said it was “sad news” and his family “will be joining the countless others who are praying” for Mr Biden.
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Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi described Mr Biden as a “great American patriot” and said she was “praying for him to have strength and a swift recovery”.
Mr Trump’s secretary of state, Marco Rubio, wrote on social media that he and his wife were “united in prayer for the Biden Family during this difficult time”.
Politicians have sent messages of support to Joe Biden, who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The 82-year-old, who is the oldest person to ever serve as US president, was described as a “fighter” with people wishing him a “fast and full recovery”.
US President Donald Trump said he was “saddened” by the news, adding: “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Former US president Barack Obama said: “Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family.
“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.”
Read more: Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ form of prostate cancer
Barack Obama (right) with Joe Biden at a campaign event in 2022. File pic: Reuters
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “very sorry to hear President Biden has prostate cancer”.
“All the very best to Joe, his wife Jill and their family, and wishing the President swift and successful treatment,” he added.
After a poor debate performance against Mr Trump and amid escalating concerns for his health, Mr Biden withdrew from the 2024 election and endorsed his vice president Kamala Harris.
Ms Harris wrote on X: “We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time.
“Joe is a fighter – and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Mr Biden’s diagnosis: What we know
Former US president Bill Clinton wrote on social media: “My friend Joe Biden’s always been a fighter. Hillary and I are rooting for him and are keeping him, Jill, and the entire family in our thoughts.”
Hillary Clinton, who unsuccessfully ran for president in 2016, said she was “thinking of the Bidens as they take on cancer, a disease they’ve done so much to try to spare other families from”.
Speaker of the US House Of Representatives Mike Johnson said it was “sad news” and his family “will be joining the countless others who are praying” for Mr Biden.
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Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi described Mr Biden as a “great American patriot” and said she was “praying for him to have strength and a swift recovery”.
Mr Trump’s secretary of state, Marco Rubio, wrote on social media he and his wife were “united in prayer for the Biden Family during this difficult time”.
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