by Oliver Vlcek

This could be a big moment in NFL – and even United States – history. Coming up on February 9th is the 59th Super Bowl, but are people really excited for it? 

Nearly everybody has some sport that they follow, especially American football here in the United States. Historical events like this are quite rare, and many people want to see or experience one – especially for a sport they enjoy with a team they like. Why not take the opportunity to watch one happen at this Super Bowl game?

The 59th Super Bowl matchup is between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, which is the same matchup as Superbowl 57, which the Chiefs won 38-35. The Chiefs also won again against the 49ers 25-22 in last year’s Super Bowl. This is where history could be made; if the Chiefs win this game against the Eagles, that will make them the first ever 3-peat winners in NFL history. But despite this, it seems people are not rooting for their victory. . 

As 11th grade student Ben Strayer said, “I am upset that the Chiefs made it to the Super Bowl yet again. I think that Josh Allen deserved it more.”

Strayer was referring to Bills player Josh Allen, who was defeated by the Chiefs in the AFC championship game 32-29, which caused a lot of controversy around the  officiating of that game. One especially contentious moment was when the Chiefs were at 3rd and 5, Chiefs’ ball, and Patrick Mahomes threw a deep pass to Xavier Worthy which was ruled a catch even after a challenge flag by the Bills.

A questionable call is made determining this a catch by Xavier Worthy. Credit: Sports Illustrated

Many believe this to have been incomplete, as neither the defender nor Worthy had complete possession of the ball, and it ball had clearly hit the ground. This led to a Chiefs field goal before halftime. Another moment was when the Bills ran a “tush-push” play on 4th and 1 and did not get the first down, despite one of the officials giving the first down signal. After it was changed, the officials said there wasn’t enough conclusive evidence to review the play.

Regardless of these controversies, the matchup and the players themselves have changed quite a bit. One new key player for the Chiefs has been their rookie wide receiver, Xavier Worthy, who has racked up 638 receiving yards with 6 receiving touchdowns, and 104 yards and 3 touchdowns rushing. Considering the Chiefs had lacked a real WR threat before this, Worthy seems to have been an excellent pickup for them. 

One major change since 2023 happened with the Eagles. During this time they had a mixup at running back with DeAndre Swift, Kenneth Gainwell, and Miles Sanders all playing a mixed amount of snaps. But just this season they signed Saquon Barkley, who is one of the most dominant running backs in the NFL currently. 

His outstanding performances during the season have continued in the playoffs. As Frank Schwab from Yahoo Sports said, “Barkley continued his dominance in the postseason, rushing for 119 yards in the wild-card round against the Green Bay Packers, 205 yards against the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round and then setting the tone for the NFC championship game by taking his first carry 60 yards for a touchdown. Barkley needs 30 rushing yards in the Super Bowl to break Terrell Davis’ record for most rushing yards in a season, including the playoffs.”

With this kind of leadup to the Super Bowl, it’s almost certain that this game will be a thriller. Both of these teams have lots of talent and some of the best players in the NFL currently. Will history be made, or will the Eagles’ dominance in the NFC shine through and guide them to victory? Only time will tell.