Written by Garrett Ruggieri
In the NFL’s centennial year, the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers took to the gridiron to battle for the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LIV. This marked exactly 50 years since the Chiefs first and last Super Bowl victory, when they hoisted the trophy in Super Bowl IV. It is safe to safe that the Chiefs were on a mission. Falling just short in a heartbreaking AFC Championship game the previous year, this was the finally the year veteran head coach, Andy Reid, and his high-powered offense would get over the hump.
On the other side, a young 49ers team, vaunted for their destructive defense but led by their young offensive minded head coach, Kyle Shanahan. This matchup was as good as any fan could ask for. Two teams, one goal, and 60 minutes to prove what you’ve been working towards for months now. Jimmy Garoppolo versus Patrick Mahomes was the talk of the town leading up to the big game. Could Jimmy G play a clean game and do just enough to keep the 49ers in the game? Could Patty Mahomes overcome the relentless pressure dialed up by Mo Salah’s defense?
Surprisingly, after a 10-10 tie at halftime, the 49ers exploded out of the gate and took a commanding double-digit lead…or so they thought. No one is safe when #15 is on the other side and that is exactly what the Chiefs believed and used as motivation throughout the fourth quarter. On a critical 3rd and 15, Patrick Mahomes completed a deep ball to a wide-open Tyreek Hill to keep the drive and at this point, the game, alive. Shortly after, the chiefs brought the game within three by completing a touchdown pass to star tight end, Travis Kelce. The momentum has swung, and the 49ers were suddenly on their heels, hoping something, anything would happen to keep the Chiefs offense off the field. After a quick three and out, the Chiefs got the ball back and did exactly what they’ve done all year. They went right down the field in heroic fashion to take the lead and ultimately win the game. Eventually, after a 49er’s meltdown, the Chiefs would pile on and score again to make the final score 31-20.
Head coach Andy Reid solidified himself a place in coaching lore, Patrick Mahomes added a Super Bowl MVP to his already loaded resume, and the Chiefs ended a 50-year drought by securing the title of world champs. Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers were sent home with a sour taste in their mouth but plan to come back to the big dance with vengeance in 2021. All in all, another chapter of professional football is closed and it is officially draft season and the start of free agency which marks the beginning of the new league year on March 18th. Till next year, folks.
