Super Bowl LIX saw the Eagles establish an early and commanding lead, while Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show, featuring Samuel L. Jackson, sparked widespread discussion and record viewership.
The Chiefs came into the Super Bowl looking for an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl victory. Three years ago, the Chiefs faced off against the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII, and won in dramatic fashion 38-35. However, they would not be able to secure that same victory against the Eagles this time around. Both teams have undergone significant roster changes, with the Chiefs’ defense continuing to age without signing new players, and the Eagles have improved significantly since then due to the likes of superstar running back, Saquon Barkley, signing from the New York Giants.
Jalen Hurts, the Super Bowl MVP, led the Philadelphia Eagles to a commanding early lead against the Chiefs, who were playing from behind the entire game. The Chiefs had a hard time getting the ball moving on offense, and they also had just as much trouble stopping the Eagles while on defense. By the middle of the third quarter, sports companies such as ESPN were reporting that the Eagles had a 99.8% chance of winning, and those predictions turned out correct as the Eagles won 40-22.
Kendrick Lamar performed at the highly anticipated halftime show, giving a stunning performance with hidden messages about the “American Game”. Throughout the show, actor Samuel L. Jackson appeared as Uncle Sam which served as a commentary on the state of American society. Throughout the show Samuel L. Jackson pauses the music and calls the show “Too loud, too reckless, too ghetto.” The theme of the “American Game” was portrayed during the show by lights flashing in the crowd spelling out phrases such as “Start Here” and “Game Over.” During the performance of “Humble” Kendrick’s backup dancers choreographed a split American flag which furthered Kendrick’s point that Americans are living in a split society divided by oppression and inequality.
Coming into 2025 and Super Bowl LIX, America was in a politically divided moment. Lamar’s habit of voicing political opinions helped the viewership of Super Bowl LIX to go beyond all past Super Bowls, making it the most viewed in history. As Paideia history teacher Mashadi Matabane said, “You know I really do think [Kendrick Lamar] was perfect for this moment given the re-entrenched polarization of the country…because he is a musical artist that does two things very well he shows the people what they want and gives the people what they need.”
