Super Bowl LVIII makes history in overtime

by NAHOM WENDWESON

Staff Writer

On Sunday, Feb. 12 the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev. The Kansas City Chiefs took home victory during a historic overtime that ended in a final score of 25–22. 

With this triumph, the Chiefs established themselves as a contemporary NFL dynasty with their second Super Bowl win in two years and third in five seasons.  

Some students, such as senior business administration major Rushil Irfan, predicted the Chiefs to win.

“As much as I want to say the 49ers, I think the Chiefs are gonna take it. I think big man Mahomes got something up his sleeve,” he said.

This is not the first time the Chiefs and the 49ers have faced off in the Super Bowl, as the two teams went head-to-head in Super Bowl LIV and the Chiefs were victorious with a score of 31–20.

The 49ers, led by head coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brock Purdy, entered the playoffs as the NFC’s No. 1 seed, showcasing a season of stellar performance.

“The coach for the 49ers, his father won a Super Bowl several years earlier, and some of the players that used to play for his dad are on the coaching staff, so I just thought it was gonna be a full circle moment,” said Roman Robles, a senior majoring in business administration. 

On the other side, the Chiefs—under the guidance of head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes—made their fourth Super Bowl appearance in five years, demonstrating their excellence in the league. 

The Chiefs, overcoming a 10-point deficit, showcased their never-say-die attitude—a characteristic that has defined their recent playoff runs.

Mahomes, with his ability to perform under pressure, connected with wide receiver Mecole Hardman for the game-winning touchdown in overtime with only 13 seconds left on the clock. This victory not only underscored Mahomes’ legacy as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks but also highlighted Andy Reid’s strategic brilliance.  

“It’s like Tom Brady 2.0—the guy just keeps coming back,” said Alex Rokow, a senior business administration major. “Mahomes never stops.” 

The 49ers, despite their loss, proved why they were regarded as one of the top teams in the NFL. Their journey to the Super Bowl, led by Purdy, was a showcase of skill and determination. 

Shanahan’s innovative coaching and the team’s overall performance throughout the season have set a high standard for future campaigns. 

Sunday’s game was only the second in Super Bowl history to go into overtime, and viewers were shocked. The only other time an instance like this occurred was in 2017 during Super Bowl LI when the New England Patriots beat the Atlanta Falcons 34–28 in an overtime comeback victory. 

“I really think it was history in the making,” said Robles. “I don’t know how many overtime Super Bowls there have been, but I guess it was special to see an overtime Super Bowl for the first time.” 

The game also had its share of moments for those who may not care as much about sports, with celebrities like Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Lady Gaga and other notable stars in attendance. 

Similarly, this year’s Super Bowl halftime show was headlined by Usher. During his performance, the R&B singer brought out several talents such as Alicia Keys, Lil’ Jon, Ludacris, will.i.am and H.E.R. 

Leading up to the performance, UMW students anticipated an entertaining halftime show. 

“It’s Usher, right? Yeah, yeah, I think he’ll put on a good show,” said Rokow.

The Chiefs’ victory further cements their legacy as a dynasty in the making, but the 49ers’ quest for glory is far from over. As the dust settles on this epic showdown, both teams look forward to the future, ready to write the next chapter in their storied histories.