Super Bowl 2025 live updates: Eagles lead Chiefs 17-0 in second quarter

By far the loudest cheers of the night after that Cooper DeJean pick-six of Patrick Mahomes. It felt like the Superdome was going to start shaking as DeJean got closer to the end zone.

Chiefs fans haven’t had much to cheer about so far, and you can feel this pro-Eagles crowd starting to get more and more confident.

Cooper DeJean's interception return for a 38-yard touchdown has put the Eagles up 17-0.

Today also happens to be DeJean's 22nd birthday.

Looks like Adam Sandler and Paul Rudd are seated near Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, according to a post on X from Fox Sports. They appear to be near Paul McCartney. Meanwhile, Kevin Costner is hanging out with Pete Davidson.

A thoroughly dominant defensive effort from the Eagles and Kansas City's bend-but-don't-break unit have bets on the under of 48.5 points looking good early.

The Eagles lead 10-0 midway through the second quarter.

The Chiefs looked like they may have jumped offside on an Eagles field-goal attempt — which would have given Philly a first down — but instead the call was a false start on the Eagles. It was incredibly close, and the one replay shown in the stadium wasn’t the most conclusive.

Philadelphia kicker Jake Elliott connected from 48 yards out and the Eagles extended their lead to 10-0.

The Eagles had it fourth-and-3 from the 25 before they elected to not go for it. A false start pushed the play back another 5 yards.

Philadelphia has only seven points to show for it, but by most statistics it has dominated the first quarter-plus of Super Bowl 59.

With 9:30 to play before halftime, the Eagles have run 29 plays — 19 more than Kansas City.

The Eagles also have 151 yards, to the Chiefs' 26. Most surprising, perhaps, is that their running attack has accounted for relatively little of that total. Philadelphia has passed for 104 of its 151 yards. Saquon Barkley has only 20 yards on 10 carries.

Those of us not lucky to be in NOLA have not seen Swift on the Fox broadcast ... yet.

This live blogging team hasn't been so impressed with this year's slate of Super Bowl ads. Though star-studded, many of the spots haven't stood out in terms of creativity. Others were already released in the weeks before the big game, leaving little room for any surprises.

Maybe the entertainment will pick up as we head into the second quarter.

Kansas City defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is one of the NFL's best defensive coordinators at timing when to call a blitz — often in the fourth quarter. But his first pressure of Hurts did the trick in the second quarter, leading to an interception.

Mahomes is just 5-for-9 passing and averaging only 2.7 yards per pass so far. This includes two incomplete targets to star tight end Travis Kelce. For the Chiefs to stay in this, he's going to have to get going soon.

The rapper and the former NFL star faced off in an ad from Foundation to Combat Antisemitism. The nonprofit organization's ad against hate featured the two trading barbs about why they hate each other — citing reasons such as “you look different,” “talk different” or “’cause I don’t understand you.”

The Chiefs were forced into their third consecutive punt to start the game.

Philadelphia, up 7-0, will have good field position at its own 44.

The Eagles lead in first downs, 9-1, and total yards, 119-26. The Cook interception has kept this game as close as it is.

On that Jalen Hurts interception, the Chiefs sent multiple blitzers — a linebacker up the middle and a cornerback off the edge. Hurts rushed his throw a bit and was picked off.

That’s the second time Kansas City has blitzed big on third down — the previous time the Chiefs got a sack, but the play was wiped out by an offside penalty.

If the Eagles get into third-and-long, expect Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo — who blitzed Josh Allen with success in the AFC championship game — to send extra defenders at Hurts.

T-Mobile's Super Bowl ad was more than just entertaining. It was also a public test of "T-Mobile Starlink."

"We’re taking the next step on our mission to end dead zones with the launch of the public beta of @TMobile @Starlink, the first & ONLY space-based network from a mobile carrier in the U.S.," Mike Katz, president of marketing, strategy and products at T-Mobile, posted on X after the ad.

EVP and Chief Technology Officer John Saw said the mobile network is inviting users to register to try the "satellite-to-mobile service to send text messages in isolated locations."

Saw added that the company is using the technology to broadcast wireless emergency alerts to users who have capable devices that are within range and aren't connected to a network, no matter who their cellphone providers are.

The offering was created with Starlink, an internet service operated via Elon Musk's Starlink.

Bryan Cook intercepts Hurts and the Chiefs stave off a big chance for a Philadelphia score.

After Philadelphia's touchdown drive, Kansas City defensive lineman Chris Jones was shown on the broadcast getting his neck worked on by a member of the Chiefs' medical staff.

Jones went back in the game, but if he is at all limited, it could be a significant setback for Kansas City's defense, which has relied on Jones' pass-rushing ability during its dynastic run of Super Bowl titles. Since 2016, the only defensive tackle in the NFL with more sacks than Jones (80.5) is Aaron Donald (91.0).

A big third-down sack by the Chiefs was wiped out by an offsides penalty called on Charles Omenihu.

The Eagles are still driving as the first quarter ends with a 7-0 Philadelphia lead.

Philly has it second-and-14 from the Kansas City 34 to start the second quarter.

WNBA star Ionescu is showing off her skills on a different court in a Michelob Ultra commercial — pickleball — proving that women can shine across multiple different sports. She said her presence in a Super Bowl commercial is something she didn’t see growing up.

“You didn’t see a lot of female athletes, no matter how good they were, and I had great role models and people to look up to when I was younger, playing in sports. You just didn’t see them in commercials and on TV, because women’s sports wasn’t where it is now,” she said.

Ionescu said it’s “exciting to just be a part of that and push the game forward and allowing a lot of young girls that are watching Super Bowl with their families to look up, watch the TV and know that they can be on there one day, too.”

The spot starred Willem Dafoe and Catherine O’Hara, playing pickleball opposite Ionescu and other pro athletes.

Philadelphia's league-leading defense is putting plenty of pressure on Mahomes as Kansas City was forced to punt for a second consecutive possession.

The punt goes for a touchback as the Eagles take over, ahead 7-0.

The Eagles scored the first touchdown of Super Bowl 59, and their fans celebrated accordingly by singing the team’s fight song.

When Philadelphia used its "Brotherly Love" shove for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead, it was the first touchdown Kansas City has allowed in the opening quarter this postseason.

It also was only the second time this postseason that Kansas City has trailed, the first being the third quarter of the AFC championship game, when Buffalo took a one-point lead.

Dotson was traded to Philadelphia earlier this season from the Washington Commanders. The Eagles sent a third-round pick and seventh-round pick in the 2025 draft for Dotson and and a 2025 fifth-rounder.

He has largely been quiet this season but made a huge 28-yard grab on this drive to set up the touchdown.

Hurts and the Eagles use their patented  "tush push" to get into the end zone from 1 yard out.

And with the PAT, Philadelphia jumps on top, 7-0.

The Eagles will have the ball first-and-goal from the 1 after Hurts hooks up with Jahan Dotson for 27 yards.

Officials called it a TD before spotting it at the 1.

The fourth-down penalty on A.J. Brown on the Eagles’ opening drive wasn’t notable only for taking a first down off the board. It was also the first flashpoint play in something that will be heavily scrutinized tonight: how the referees officiate the Chiefs.

There’s been a narrative all playoffs long that Kansas City is getting favorable calls from the refs — which Roger Goodell, the Chiefs, Tom Brady and even President Donald Trump have all denied.

If Kansas City gets the benefit of the doubt on another call or two, that narrative is going to reach a fever pitch.

The Eagles did just get an unnecessary roughness call after a high hit on Dallas Goedert.

Megastar Taylor Swift was shown on the jumbotron for the first time after the Chiefs’ first offensive possession — and she was booed by the Eagles-heavy crowd.

Moments later, tennis star Serena Williams posted her support for Swift on X, writing, "I love you @taylorswift13 dont listen to those booo!!"

The Chiefs got one first down before having to punt.

Eagles take over at their own 31 yard line after a 13-yard return by Cooper DeJean.

Philadelphia failed to score on its opening drive, a rare first-quarter drive this postseason that hasn't resulted in points for the Eagles. In their three postseason wins, the Eagles averaged 12.3 points per first quarter, by far the most of any playoff team.

It wouldn't be the Super Bowl without some movie spots. So far, we've seen teasers for these upcoming 2025 films:

• "Jurassic World: Rebirth"
• "Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning" (star Tom Cruise also appeared in a Super Bowl intro ahead of the game start time)
• "Lilo & Stitch" live-action film (which featured Stitch running on the field)

• "How to Train Your Dragon" live-action remake

The Eagles-heavy crowd were, uh, not fans of the pass interference call on that fourth down. The refs were still hearing it after the punt return.

The Eagles' first fourth-down conversion was called back by penalty.

Philadelphia punts and the Chiefs take over their own 11.

Jalen Hurts had a perfect deep pass up the right sideline to AJ Brown on fourth down but it was called back after an offensive pass interference.

It's now 4th and 12 and the Eagles are punting.

The score bug on Fox got a little facelift since we last saw it.

It features clean-cut squares for each team and a translucent background to give us a better view of the field.

Touchback.

The Eagles will take over at their own 30-yard line.

Chris Simms and Ahmed Fareed discuss the top non-QBs in the game, including Saquon Barkley, Chris Jones, Trent McDuffie, Jalen Carter and A.J. Brown.

Before the coin toss, the Super Bowl honored victims of tragedies in the U.S. recently, including Hurricane Helene, the L.A.-area wildfires and the New Orleans New Year's Day attack.

The Kansas Chiefs won the coin flip, calling tails.

The Chiefs deferred the option until the second half, meaning Philadelphia will get the ball first to start the game, while K.C. will have possession to start the second half.

In 59 Super Bowl coin flips, it has come up tails 31 times and heads 28 times.

Batiste, a seven-time Grammy winner from New Orleans, is giving the crowd a piano performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" just minutes before the Super Bowl begins.

Trump was shown on the screen during the performance. It lasted just seconds, but while they were showed him on the big screen during the anthem, the crowd was mostly cheering. There was maybe one boo as the sound died down, but it was overall a very supportive moment.

The anthem performance was a little over 2 minutes long.

Lauren Daigle and Trombone Shorty performed a jazzy, NOLA-style rendition of "American the Beautiful" on the field ahead of kickoff, accompanied by sign language from Stephanie Nogueras.

According to the Fox announcer, Daigle and Shorty are both from Louisiana.

Jon Hamm took the field to hype up the Chiefs before they took the field. He was followed by Bradley Cooper (and his son), who introduced the Eagles.

When the Eagles came up on the video board, the stadium turned to cheers, with the crowd popping as Cooper took the mic.

Roseman has led the Eagles to three Super Bowl appearances — a win in 2017, the first in franchise history — and four NFC East titles. Philadelphia faces the Kansas City Chiefs today for another league championship. 

“His career is at an absolute apex right now,” Michael Barkann said on NBC Sports Philadelphia’s postgame show after the Eagles defeated the Washington Commanders in the NFC championship game. “He’s won general manager of the year, he might win it again, and he might win it many, many, more times the way he’s constructed this Eagles team.”

NBC Sports’ Reuben Frank said, “He’s one win away from the Hall of Fame, most likely.”

Read the full article here

Harry Connick Jr. welcomed the Super Bowl crowd and introduced a handful of performers who took the field before kickoff.

A choir of local high school students in gold robes joined R&B singer Ledisi, who performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing."

Several brassy marching bands also showed off what the city is made of as dancers in sparkly bodysuits offered choreography to go with it. The performance appeared to be inspired by New Orleans' most famous holiday: Mardi Gras.

Veteran sports business analyst Darren Rovell said on X that ticket prices are declining — and fast.

He said that a ticket with a face value of $5,500 is now going for $3,000.

Even in the heat of Super Bowl battle, NBC Sports found a handful of Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs fans willing to say nice things about the other guys.

Sort of.

"So if I had to say a ice thing about the Chiefs I would say that I think they are really good losers and I can't wait to see it," one Birds supporter said.

Then, with a heavy dose of sarcasm, one Chiefs fan said of Eagles supporters: "Yeah, they're nothing but classy. Classy people. They handle themselves with the utmost self-respect and dignity."

Stars from the two most Philadelphia TV shows are at the Super Bowl to root for the Birds.

Rob McElhenney and Kaitlin Olson from "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" and Quinta Brunson and Tyler James Williams from "Abbott Elementary" suited up in Eagles green yesterday after touching down in New Orleans.

Lady Gaga graced the Super Bowl crowd in New Orleans with a performance of "Hold My Hand" on the piano.

“Tonight we come together because that’s who we are and that’s what we do," Michael Strahan said after the performance, which appeared to be dedicated to victims of the numerous tragedies that have taken place across the country in 2025. "Welcome to Super Bowl 59 on Fox."

According to the AP, Lady Gaga's performance that was taped at 4 a.m. on Thursday.

With kickoff approaching, a look at the current odds at DraftKings' sportsbook shows the Chiefs as a slight, 1.5-point favorite.

The sportsbook is also expecting right around 50 points, which would be a relatively high-scoring affair.

Tony Dungy and Rodney Harrison highlight intriguing Super Bowl matchups and the keys to victory for both sides offensively and defensively.

Now that Taylor Swift is officially inside the Superdome for her 23rd Kansas City Chiefs game (counting regular season and playoffs), it raises the question: Is "Tayvoodoo" real?

Swifties are convinced their favorite pop star has supernatural powers, with no better evidence than Kansas City's 19-3 mark in the games she has attended to see the Chiefs and her boyfriend, tight end Travis Kelce.

That 22-game résumé includes a 6-0 postseason mark, with Swift in attendance for Kansas City's recent playoff wins against Houston and Buffalo and last season's knockout-round triumphs over Miami, the Bills, Baltimore and San Francisco in the Super Bowl.

The Fox Sports pregame panel, in a split 3-2 verdict, picked the Eagles to win tonight's big game.

Jimmy Johnson, Michael Strahan and Howie Long all went with the Eagles to pull the mild upset, while Rob Gronkowski and Terry Bradshaw picked the two-time defending champs.

Johnson said he couldn't pick against Philadelphia because the Eagles had pro football's No. 1 defense (allowing 277.8 yards per game) and a strong rushing attack (179.3 yards per game, No. 2 in NFL).

Some of the New Orleans-themed food at the Superdome today includes a shrimp po'boy, a red beans and rice sausage topped with étoufée, and a creamy crawfish-stuffed baked potato.

And for those who can afford it, you can wash down the food with a specialty cocktail:

In a blink-and-you-miss-it moment, Fox showed Super Bowl pop princess Taylor Swift situated in her spot: a box in the Superdome.

She appears to be wearing a light cream blazer, something different for the biggest night of the NFL.

Trump made a brief appearance on the field at the Caesars Superdome.

The crowd reacted with some scattered boos and mostly cheers, though it was hard to tell whether everyone in the stadium was aware of his presence.

We ran into Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas in the run-up to the game, and he's feeling pretty confident about his team's chances.

Mike Florio and Chris Simms map out how the Chiefs should approach the Super Bowl defensively to contain Barkley and the Eagles’ strong offensive line.

Saquon Barkley’s transformation from expendable in New York to invaluable during Philadelphia’s run to today’s Super Bowl did not happen over the course of just one offseason. 

It started four and a half years earlier.

The No. 2 overall draft pick out of Penn State in 2018, Barkley entered 2020 having rushed for at least 1,000 yards in each of his first two NFL seasons. But only 19 attempts into this third, he injured the meniscus and tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, and his 2020 season over after two games. 

Physically, Barkley was healthy enough to start 13 games for the Giants the very next season. Yet players who have suffered ACL injuries often describe the rehab as a multi-year process because mental confidence in the injury often takes far longer to return than physical strength.

Read the full article here

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, President Donald Trump was asked whether he believed theories that referees have been throwing games in favor of the Chiefs all season.

“I don’t believe that, no,” Trump said.

Famed Philadelphia Eagles fan Bradley Cooper spent the week serving cheesesteaks in New Orleans.

Video shared to social media from the Associated Press showed Cooper cheffing up the Philly delicacy for hungry fans in the city who are there to cheer on the Birds.

Cooper just opened his own cheesesteak shop in New York with the owner of Angelo's Pizzeria, a pizza and cheesesteak spot in South Philly.

A little under 90 minutes from kickoff and both teams have come onto the field for pregame warmups.

There were loud cheers for the Eagles as Jalen Hurts led them out of the tunnel.

A few minutes later the Chiefs followed, and with the stands half-full, there were much more boos than cheers.

Based on that and an unofficial count of jerseys around New Orleans this week, expect the crowd to favor Philly today.

When Hopkins' dad died in 1992, he left his son a mink jacket.

At a media day ahead of the Super Bowl, Hopkins told reporters that he always said he'd wear that jacket "to my wedding or to the Super Bowl. Whichever one happened first."

The Super Bowl happened first, and sure enough, Hopkins walked into the Ceasers Superdome this afternoon looking fresh in the mink jacket.

Positioned on balconies catercorner from each other, Tom Brady completed a pass across Bourbon Street to Rob Gronkowski, proving they've still got it. Gronk promptly spiked the football on the fan-filled street below.

Former first lady Jill Biden will be at today's game, alongside her grandson Hunter.

Biden, a vocal Eagles fan, made a similar trip to Arizona in 2023, when the Eagles lost to the Chiefs.

Former President Joe Biden, who is not expected to attend, loved to joke to crowds and at fundraisers about supporting Philadelphia sports teams, saying at one fundraiser, “If I didn’t support the Eagles, I’d be sleeping alone.”

Biden posted to Instagram upon her arrival in New Orleans this afternoon.

NFL Network's Ian Rapaport is reporting that Brandom Graham, an Eagles pass rusher who hasn't played since November, is active — meaning he'll be suited up and available for today's game.

Seeking counsel for those last-minute bets? NBC Sports’ Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) likes these three best:

Patrick Mahomes OVER 29.5 Rush Yards

Mahomes has gone over this number in four of his last seven playoff games and he’s rushed for at least 33 yards in each of his last three Super Bowl appearances. When the game is on the line, he’s more than willing to use his legs to make a big play. The Chiefs’ offensive line has been shaky at times, and we know Philly can bring pressure, so I expect at least a few plays where Mahomes is under duress and has to tuck it and run.

Patrick Mahomes UNDER 0.5 Interceptions

Another thing Patrick Mahomes does really well in the playoffs is take care of the football. Over his last nine playoff games, Mahomes has thrown only one interception. And the last interception he threw this season came all the way back in Week 11. He’s doing a great job protecting the football right now and I think that continues against the Eagles.

Dallas Goedert OVER 52.5 Receiving Yards

The logic on this one is simple — Goedert is the Eagles’ leading receiver this postseason and the Chiefs really struggle against tight ends. During the regular season, no team in the NFL allowed more receiving yards to opposing tight ends than the Kansas City Chiefs and they gave up 63 yards to Dalton Schultz in the Divisional Round. Goedert went over this number against the Commanders and Rams each of the past two weeks and I like him to have another big game in the Super Bowl.

Trump has arrived in New Orleans, with Air Force One touching down moments ago.

The president exited the plane holding an umbrella and immediately entered the motorcade. He was accompanied by his daughter Ivanka Trump and one of her sons.

The Chiefs' star tight end said last week he has multiple seasons remaining. But according to NFL Network, sources say he's still mulling over his future.

Mike Florio and Chris Simms unpack Patrick Mahomes’ read on being called “villains” and how the fact of the matter is the Chiefs will not back down and will continue to win.

Patrick Mahomes 25+ rushing yards (-171)

It is not surprising this is one of the most bet player props and parlay pieces. Kansas City’s offense isn’t as impressive as the past two seasons, so Mahomes has had to improvise. Mahomes carried the ball 18 times for 57 yards in two playoff games (43, 14) and while he is 1-1 on this prop, it’s the attempts (11, 7) that matter.

Mahomes was 11-5 to the Under 24.5 yards this season, but you should throw most regular season trends or hit rates out the window when it comes to the Super Bowl. For example, Mahomes has at least 29 rushing yards in four Super Bowls even though he has had nine or fewer rushing attempts in each of the four Super Bowls.

Harrison Butker 2+ Made FGs (-140)

This is a sharp play and fun angle, but let’s play devil’s advocate. Butker has made at least two field goals in two of four Super Bowls with a 10-of-11 mark and it’s no secret that this Chiefs offense isn’t as dynamic or high-scoring as the past two seasons. The only problem with this prop is, it may take touchdowns to beat the Eagles, especially if Saquon Barkley finds success.

First TD Saquon Barkley (+450)

Saquon Barkley has scored the first touchdown in six games all season, including the playoffs. He’s not only a reliable back in the red zone; he has a home-run-hitting ability. His first touchdown frequency is higher than anyone else on the field.

Dallas Goedert 40+ receiving yards (-237)

This makes sense at 40+ yards and even to 50+ yards. He’s gone over this number in all three playoff games. The Kansas City Chiefs do a great job of taking away the primary and outside options of the passing attack. However, since they do that, the middle of the field is usually open to exploit them with your tight end. The Kansas City Chiefs give up the most receiving yards (70) per game to tight ends.

This will be Andy Reid's 45th career postseason game as a head coach. He surpasses Bill Belichick (44 games) for the most by a head coach.

If the Chiefs win on Sunday, Reid will join Belichick and Chuck Noll as the only head coaches with at least four Super Bowl wins.

Reid's 28 career postseason victories trails Belichick (31) for the most postseason wins by a head coach in history.

In an interview with Apple Music ahead of the show, artist Kendrick Lamar told audiences to expect to see some “storytelling” in his performance tonight.

“I like to always carry on that sense of, you know, make people listen, but also see and think a little,” he said.

Lamar, the first solo hip-hop artist to headline the show, also praised his chosen guest, SZA, who is featured on two tracks of his latest album, “GNX.” He spoke about how he’s seen her grow as an artist, from when she was starting out to the star she is now.

“She always had it, man, she always had it, and I’m just honored to be next to a talent,” he said.

President Donald Trump predicted that the Chiefs will win the Super Bowl today, shouting out quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

“I guess you have to say that when a quarterback wins as much as he’s won, I have to go with Kansas City. I have to go with Kansas City,” Trump said during a pretaped interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier. 

Trump also shouted out Mahomes’ wife, Brittany Mahomes, who has liked content on social media seemingly supporting Trump.

“This great quarterback who has, by the way, a phenomenal wife, OK, she’s a Trump fan, she’s a MAGA fan, so I happen to love her,” Trump said. Trump has previously praised Brittany Mahomes.

The NFL has hired a fashion editor who will host the first ever Super Bowl red carpet.

Kyle Smith told NBC News that he never imagined he'd work for the NFL, and offered his takes on some of football's biggest stars' senses of style.

NBC’s Steve Kornacki joins "TODAY" and takes to the big board to look at what the odds are looking like, past wins, star quarterbacks and more.

This is the fifth time in the last six years and the sixth time in franchise history that the Chiefs are playing in the Super Bowl. With wins in the last two years, the Chiefs’ record is 4-2 in the Super Bowl.

Other teams who have won back-to-back Super Bowls:

Green Bay Packers 1966-67

Miami Dolphins 1972-73

Pittsburgh Steelers 1974-75

Pittsburgh Steelers 1978-79

San Francisco 49ers 1988-89

Dallas Cowboys 1992-93

Denver Broncos 1997-98

New England Patriots 2003-04

This is Philadelphia’s fifth trip to the Super Bowl. The Eagles are 1-3 in their history, winning 41-33 in 2018 against Tom Brady and the Patriots. Eagles quarterback Nick Foles was the MVP of the game, throwing for 373 yards and 3 TDs as well as catching a pass for a touchdown. In addition to losing to Kansas City (38-35) in Super Bowl 57, the Eagles also lost to the Oakland Raiders (27-10) in Super Bowl 15 and to the New England Patriots (24-21) in Super Bowl 39.

Animals at zoos across the U.S. are getting in on the Super Bowl fun.

On social media, accounts for various zoos are posting some of the animals' predictions for who will win.

At the Memphis Zoo, wolves Atlas, Blaze, Cash and Dottie are "howling for the Eagles to take the win."

Fiona the hippo at the Cincinnati Zoo seemed to agree, with the zoo account sharing that "last time she picked the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018, they won!"

Meanwhile, at Blank Zoo Park in Des Moines, Iowa, "Misha, the Amur tiger, ultimately sided with the Kansas City Chiefs as her Big Game winner," the zoo said in a Facebook post.

A hippo named Bubbles at the Fort Worth Zoo is also rooting for the Chiefs, "swimming swiftly past the Eagles and going all-in on the Chiefs for the #threepeat," the zoo said on Instagram.

Mike Florio and Chris Simms unpack what Jalen Hurts learned from the Eagles’ last Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs and how there’s a psychological element at play given their history.

Days before the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, Philadelphia’s mayor sought to dissuade celebrating fans from climbing light poles or onto other equipment.

The request by Mayor Cherelle Parker came more than a week after an 18-year-old Temple University student fell from a light pole after the Eagles won the NFC championship and later died.

“Please, Philadelphia, I implore you as your mayor: Do not climb light poles or anything else,” Parker said Thursday at a news conference about celebration preparations.

Read the full story here.

Trump has departed West Palm Beach on Air Force One and is heading to New Orleans.

According to a White House official, several GOP senators, including Sens. Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, John Barrasso of Wyoming, Tim Scott of South Carolina, Katie Britt of Alabama, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, Roger Marshall of Kansas and Eric Schmitt of Missouri are flying with Trump.

Also joining them on the plane are the president's daughter Ivanka Trump and one of her sons, plus Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and his wife, and Rep. Tom Emmer and his wife.

A White House official also said Trump plans to do a meet-and-greet in New Orleans when he arrives that will include the game’s honorary coin toss participants, family members of the victims of the New Year’s terror attack on Bourbon Street, members of the New Orleans Police Department and emergency personnel.

It's also the second time that two teams have met in the Super Bowl twice in a three-season span (Buffalo vs. Dallas in the 1993 and 1994 Super Bowls).

Kansas City overcame a 10-point halftime deficit to defeat Philadelphia, 38-35, in Super Bowl LVII following the 2022 season, the only Super Bowl ever in which both teams scored at least 35 points.

In a message from the White House ahead of the Super Bowl, President Donald Trump congratulated the players, coaches and staff on the Eagles and Chiefs, saying that they "represent the best of the best in professional football, but they also embody the best of the American Dream."

"Their hard work, dedication, and tenacity is admirable, and their individual journeys are as inspiring as the drive and determination that has led them to this extraordinary moment," he added.

In the message, Trump also offered condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the terror attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day.

"While thousands of fans from across our Nation gather in New Orleans to cheer on their favorite team, we remember that 14 families will be missing a loved one who was tragically murdered during a senseless terrorist attack while celebrating the New Year on Bourbon Street," the president wrote. "Our thoughts are also with the 35 individuals injured during the attack whose lives were changed forever that fateful night, and our prayers will remain with them for continued strength, comfort, and healing."

Matt Abdoo, the executive chef and partner of Pig Beach in New York City, joins "TODAY" to share some recipes for Super Bowl party snacks, including everything bagel Buffalo wings, gooey mozzarella sticks, crispy mac and cheese bites and more.

Not long before kickoff, and just "steps away" from the Caesars Superdome, Post Malone is expected to perform at the YouTube Tailgate Concert.

The performance mark the singer's return to game day celebrations. Last year, he performed an acoustic rendition of “America the Beautiful."

"The tailgate event began at Super Bowl LIV with a virtual concert from Miley Cyrus during the pandemic," the NFL said in its announcement. "Since then, it has become a staple of the pregame festivities, with past headliners like The Chainsmokers, The Black Keys, Jason Derulo and Gwen Stefani. This year, YouTube’s global community of artists, creators and fans will be at the heart of the celebration."

Mike Florio and Chris Simms discuss how rosters stack up between the Eagles and the Chiefs and why Philadelphia would need to hit Kansas City hard in order to beat them in Super Bowl LIX.

The 49ers have granted wide receiver Deebo Samuel and his agent, Tory Dandy, permission to find a trade partner, Samuel told ESPN.

Samuel asked the 49ers to trade him during the players’ exit meetings after the season.

“It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle [Shanahan] because of the relationship that we have,” Samuel told Adam Schefter. “But I have to do what’s best. I’m more than thankful for the Niners giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, but now I think it’s best that we find another team.”

Samuel is scheduled to make $17.55 million in 2025, the final year of a three-year, $71.55 million contract extension.

Read the full article here

We are hours from kickoff and finding out if Jalen Hurts is prepared to do what only one other quarterback has done in the Super Bowl against Patrick Mahomes. Earlier this week, Tom Brady talked about how he did it:

Among the slew of Super Bowl weekend events was an NFL and YouTube-hosted "Creator Flag Football Game" yesterday.

A mix of YouTubers, music stars, pro football legends and other athletes took the field, including: IShowSpeed (aka Darren Jason Watkins Jr.), who has 35.9 million YouTube subscribers; Kai Cenat, who has 7 million subscribers; and retired NFL stars Michael Vick (Team Speed) and Cam Newton (Team Kai), who were quarterbacks.

The Google-owned video giant has touted itself as "the ultimate destination for football culture all year long," stating in a recent post on its news blog that "fans come to YouTube all season long to watch analysis and commentary on the games, behind the scenes moments and the newest favorite: podcasts from former and current players."

Last year's creator flag-football game generated over 100 million video views across platforms, according to YouTube. Numbers for this year's game have yet to be announced.

When Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes takes the field for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, he’ll have an opportunity to do what no quarterback has done in NFL history: win three Super Bowls in a row.

The Chiefs drafted Mahomes in 2017 and made him their starting quarterback the next year. In that season, Mahomes threw 50 touchdowns and won MVP. Since he entered the league, Mahomes has won two MVPs, three Super Bowl MVPs and has made at least the AFC championship game in every season as a starter.

Mahomes has lost only three times in 20 playoff games, and two of those have been at the hands of the consensus Greatest of All Time: New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady.

NBC News looked at Mahomes’ stats through his first eight seasons compared with Brady’s.

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Before the big game, there's an even ruffer matchup expected to take place.

Team Fluff and Team Ruff will once again face off during Animal Planet's annual Puppy Bowl.

The event, which serves as the longest-running call-to-adoption televised event, is now in its 21st year. Dan Schachner returns as the rufferee, a role he's had for 14 years (and one we're definitely not jealous of).

There are 142 rescue dogs from 80 shelters in 40 states and two countries available for adoption, according to a release from Animal Planet. A full gallery of the players is on Animal Planet's website.

The matchup, which airs at 2 p.m. ET, will simulcast across Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, TBS, truTV, Max and Discovery+.

Mike Florio and Chris Simms evaluate how long Patrick Mahomes will ride out his NFL career and if there could come a point where he puts his family first and has “his glass full” with success.

Snapchat is Super Bowl bound.

The social platform announced the launch of its NFL Creator Program, which it hopes will give Snapchat users who are passionate about sports a more behind-the-scenes look at the big game day.

"Creators including Katie Austin, Ross Smith, Jack Mancuso, and Treasure Wilson will capture and share their unique perspectives through content posted to Stories and Spotlight, giving Snapchatters a behind-the-scenes look at all the action," Snap wrote in a news release. "They’ll also bring the magic of augmented reality to life by using innovative AR Lenses created in partnership with the NFL, giving fans an exciting new way to experience the game across their channels."

Mike Florio and Chris Simms explain how the mix of veteran leadership and coaching continuity have been key to keeping the Chiefs hungry.

President Donald Trump is headed to New Orleans to watch the Chiefs and Eagles face off, marking the first time a sitting U.S. president will attend a Super Bowl.

“Extensive planning and coordination have been in place to ensure the safety of all attendees, players, and staff,” Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi told The Associated Press. “Security measures have been further enhanced this year, given that this will be the first time a sitting President of the United States will attend the event.”

He is also expected to sit down with Fox News’ Bret Baier in a pretaped interview that will air in the 3 p.m. ET hour of Fox’s pregame coverage.

NBC’s Joe Fryer runs through the Highs and Lows of the week on "TODAY" Sunday, including the Philadelphia Eagles surprising a fan who was injured in the New Orleans terror attack with 2025 Super Bowl tickets.

The halftime show is looking like a Grammy-winners-only affair.

Kendrick Lamar, who won five Grammys at last weekend's ceremony, will be joined by fellow Grammy-winning singer SZA during tonight's performance.

SZA appeared on Lamar's recent album “GNX." Viewers can likely expect to hear a few of the songs she was featured on, including “Gloria” and “Luther." The two also collaborated on the Oscar-nominated “All the Stars” and “Doves in the Wind.”

The performance is somewhat of an unofficial kickoff to a 19-city North American tour that the two will co-headline this spring and summer.

Super Bowl 59 will broadcast nationally on Fox.

It will also be streamed on Tubi, the network's free streaming service, and Fubo. Both are offering a free trial to new subscribers.

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After the biggest year of his professional career — which resulted in five Grammy Awards for his iconic Drake diss “Not Like Us” — rapper Kendrick Lamar will take the biggest stage in America when he performs at the Super Bowl on Sunday.

Lamar’s performance, which will also include singer SZA, is highly anticipated after he dominated both culture and music charts for much of 2024. And the people who helped put him onstage aren’t shying away from the hype.

“Everyone will agree this is a halftime show like none other in Super Bowl halftime history,” Jesse Collins, the executive producer of the show, told NBC News. “The creative concept is really something brilliant, spectacular and special. In all of our years of doing this — and I think every show that we’ve done has been amazing — but I have never seen an artist take this creative approach to it.”

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Kickoff between the two teams is at 6:30 p.m. ET.

A tailgate concert at the Superdome is scheduled for just before the game begins at 4 p.m. ET.

NBC News' digital team will be providing live updates all day, so follow along here.

Caesars Superdome in New Orleans is gearing up to welcome thousands of football fans for today's game.

The official account for the space shared a throwback post on Instagram of Super Bowl XX, which took place at the “Louisiana Superdome” in 1986.

That year, "guest attendance was 73,818" for a game between the AFC’s New England Patriots and the NFC’s Chicago Bears, according to the post.

This year, NOLA is ready to play host once more.

The NFL said it's removing the words “End Racism” from the end zones at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans ahead of today's Super Bowl.

Instead, the field will have stencils of the phrase “Choose Love” as the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement on Tuesday.

Throughout the 2024-25 season, NFL teams have advertised pro-diversity slogans at their stadiums and on their uniforms. The field stencils have been a part of the league since 2020, McCarthy said.

The NFL said Tuesday that it would only have stenciling of the phrase “Choose Love.” Sunday’s game will now be the first Super Bowl since February 2021 that “End Racism” will not be included in an end zone stencil.

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