Patrick Mahomes is a two-time champion after leading the Kansas City Chief to a thrilling Super Bowl LVII over the Philadelphia Eagles.
In a match that went down to the wire as kicker Harrison Butker converting the winning field goal with just eight seconds remaining, Mahomes and Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts - two leading MVP contenders on the 2022 season - put on a show for the thousands packed into State Farm Stadium and the millions watching around the world. Ultimately, Mahomes did just enough to win his second championship in four seasons with the 38-35 win.
However, there were other moments that perhaps those watching on television may have missed - but don't worry, Mirror Sport has it covered. Here are five things you may have missed from the Chiefs' win over the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII:
Mahomes’ reaction to ankle injury shows his strength
When Mahomes was tackled by Eagles linebacker T.J. Edwards late in the second quarter, the quarterback writhed in pain on the turf. Chiefs fans from Arizona to Kansas City and beyond held their breath. This was it, the moment they dreaded. Backup quarterback Chad Henne even began warming up.
Mahomes limped to the sidelines where he was treated, but he didn’t stay sat for long. Whether it was adrenaline, inner strength or both, the 24-year-old immediately leapt back to his feet and strutted up and down the sideline in a bid to prove he wasn’t hurt.
Frankly, it worked. Mahomes inspired the Chiefs to a dramatic, historic and exciting win - his second Super Bowl title in four years.
AJ Brown and L’Jarius Sneed separated during review
Midway through the third quarter, Dallas Goedert made a spectacular grab down the sideline that was initially ruled as a catch. While it was being reviewed, both Eagles receiver AJ Brown and Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed removed their helmets as they talked trash to each other.
Brown repeatedly pointed to his chest while Sneed approached the star wideout, only for Chiefs players to quickly run over and de-escalate the situation. Eagles coaches went over to Sneed and the Chiefs to discuss the problem - perhaps the corner was rattled as Brown had 78 yards and a touchdown at the time. Sneed would ultimately have the last laugh, though.
Nobody knew if Nick Bolton had scored an improbable second TD
Even when Miles Sanders was crunched by L’Jarius Sneed and the fumble was returned for a touchdown by Nick Bolton, there was little commotion. Fans were desperately trying to figure out what was going on before the Chiefs meekly began celebrating. There was finally a cheer when the referees uttered the call, but even then, it felt subdued.
There was no announcement that the call was under review. Once it was confirmed to be overturned as an incomplete pass, many in the arena were surprised. It was a pretty surreal moment, with Eagles and Chiefs fans both celebrating and complaining respectively in equal measure despite not entirely knowing what was going on.
Soccer-style crowd divide gives Super Bowl unique soccer feeling
Whether the NFL intended it or not, Super Bowl LVII had a unique soccer-style feel in terms of the fan support in the stadium. Sure, the tradition continued where fans from either team were mixed and interspersed around State Farm Stadium, but there was a real divide.
The east side of the stadium was filled with predominantly Chiefs fans, with a deafening roar whenever Mahomes connected with Travis Kelce or an Eagles player was crunched by a monster tackle. However, the west side belonged to Philadelphia with their iconic green clearly dominating the Chiefs red.
Traffic in State Farm Stadium
With just under an hour until kick-off in Arizona, carnage ensued around the stadium concourse as security guards held crowds up with no movement from either direction on a part of the stadium that is usually open for fans to move freely. Fans aimed jeers and boos at attendants and officials, with fans chanting: “Let us through!”
The carnage lasted for around 35 minutes with both Chiefs and Eagles fans waiting. The opposing fans even began to butt heads as their patience waned and tension grew. Thankfully, it finally got cleared - but it will be interesting to see how the NFL address this going forwards. People around me were worried given the precarious situation that could have occurred as people jostled for space simply to stand.
Officials added dividers to simply ensure traffic flowed smoothly after once again blocking the concourse - the only method of traversing the stadium - during the first quarter.
