Patrick Mahomes has been criticized for a lot of things this season. For underperformance, for not allowing the Kansas City Chiefs, the reigning champions, to become a great team, for not being magical at the end of the match, the secret he had. But Sunday in Las Vegas, during the Super Bowl, the 58th legendary quarterback in history made everyone agree. Making a great comeback, in overtime, he finally allowed the Chiefs to defeat the San Francisco 49ers (25–22) and recapture the crown.
At 28, he won the Super Final for the third time in his career (started in 2017) and in just five years (plus a loss in 2021). With three titles, Patrick Mahomes has tied Troy Aikman of the Dallas Cowboys (winner in the 1990s), and continues to chase Pittsburgh and San Francisco legends, four-time champions Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana. Seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady is still out of reach. On Sunday, in addition to helping Kansas City win, Mahomes also found solutions to get his team out of sticky situations.
49ers advantage in the first period
Because, similar to their torrid season, the Chiefs have long succumbed to the pressure exerted by the 49ers. The latter, in search of a new title since 1995, returned to the final four years after their last appearance (…defeated by Kansas City). This season, the keys to the team were given to a young quarterback: Brock Purdy (24 years old), a pro for only two years, after being selected as the third QB in the depth draft.
After surviving a turnover early in the game, San Francisco opened the scoring with a 55-yard field goal (a Super Bowl record) by Jake Moody. Relying on its running back Christian McCaffrey in the first period, the California franchise scored its first touchdown in the second quarter. McCaffrey escaped the Chiefs defense, which has been excellent this season, and ran into the end zone (10-0).
Longest field goal in a Super Bowl
Before the break, Kansas City finally scored with a field goal by Harrison Butker. Then did it again in the second half, after an incongruous block on Patrick Mahomes, not yet in his match. Butker hit this time from 57 yards, obliterating Moody’s previous receiving record. The Super Bowl was then in the balance, and on a Marquez Valdes-Scrantling touchdown, the outgoing champions finally took the lead (13-10).
Then the rhythm of the super final started. From now on every possession, points were scored. Thanks to a TD from receiver Jouan Jennings (16-13), the 49ers got back on target. In a thrilling finale, Moody and Butker made field goals, allowing the Kansas City Chiefs to go into overtime. That’s where San Francisco struck first, again on a kick by its kicker.
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift: Love and the Super Bowl
Then the Patrick Mahomes magic finally happened. The incredible Chiefs quarterback orchestrated a three-quarter field comeback. He went over the coals himself, notably running for 19 yards. Minutes later, Mahomes found freshman Rashee Rice in the end zone, who caught the ball, which equated to the winning touchdown.
The Kansas City Chiefs dynasty has once again written a beautiful page in its history. A third Super Bowl for him, for Patrick Mahomes, but also for coach Andy Reid and receiver-blocker Travis Kelce, a happy man in both sports and love. He won the title under the watchful eye of his partner, world-famous singer Taylor Swift, who arrived in time from Tokyo (where he had given a concert the day before) to witness his lover’s victory. France’s Lucas Niang wins his second Super Bowl.
Purdy does not join Joe Montana and Steve Young
The San Francisco 49ers fell with the honor. Young Brock Purdy will have a chance to play for the title again. But Californians may have some regrets. One of their touchdown conversions was missed (with one more point, overtime would have been avoided). On a Chiefs punt, they also foolishly lost the ball, and Kansas City scored in the process.
Almost 30 years since the 49ers last won the Super Bowl. A successor to the legendary Joe Montana and Steve Young, who guided San Francisco to its five championship titles, has yet to be found.
