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IT'S GAME TIME: THE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AND KANSAS CITY CHIEFS KICK OFF SUPER BOWL LIX (59) FEB. 9 AT 6:30 P.M. (ET/PT) ON FOX. |
By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
N2Entertainment.net
Here we go. Are you ready for some football?
The stage is set, and the adrenaline is building for Super Bowl LIX (59).
While my Los Angeles Rams came agonizingly thisclose to knocking off the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs and reaching the big game, they fell just short.
Meanwhile, my San Bernardino hometown hero Jayden Daniels, quarterback of the Washington Commanders, couldn't overcome the Eagles either and missed the chance to take it to the next level.
Now, Super Bowl LIX (59), has the Philadelphia Eagles (14-3), led by their fearless QB Jalen Hurts and dynamic running back Saquon Barkley, taking on the powerhouse Kansas City Chiefs (15-2), who earned their spot by defeating the Buffalo Bills. The Chiefs are once again driven by the magic of Patrick Mahomes and the unmatched talent of tight end Travis Kelce.
Super Bowl LIX (59) kicks off Feb. 9 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans at 6:30 p.m. (ET/PT), airing live on FOX. The broadcast, will also stream on Tubi and NFL+ and feature Kevin Burkhardt on play-by-play, with Tom Brady providing analysis, Mike Pereira offering insight, and Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi on the sidelines.
This is no ordinary game. It's a re-match of Super Bowl LVII, where the Chiefs narrowly defeated the Eagles 38-35 in a thrilling battle. Now, here are two of the NFL's most explosive teams again, each hungry for glory and aiming to carve their names into history.
Will Jalen Hurts continue his sensational season and lead the Eagles to their second Super Bowl win? Or will Patrick Mahomes and their brilliant coach Andy Reid propel the Chiefs to a historic third consecutive Super Bowl victory? The stakes have never been higher.
N2Entertainment.net recently chatted with former New York Giants star and two-time Super Bowl champion Mark Collins to get his thoughts on Super Bowl LIX (59).
Collins, who currently lives in Overland Park, Kan., grew up in San Bernardino, California and was a standout cornerback at Pacific High School. In 1986, he was a second-round draft pick out of Cal State-Fullerton and played eight seasons with the Giants. Collins started on both Super Bowl teams (XXI, 21) in 1987 and (XXV, 25) in 1991.
Throughout his stellar NFL career, which also included stints with the Kansas City Chiefs (1994-1996), the Green Bay Packers (1997) and the Seattle Seahawks (1998), Collins became known as a fearless, "Shut Down" cornerback thus cementing his legacy as a preeminent star of the NFL.
When asked which team holds the biggest advantage in Super Bowl LIX (59), Collins noted that both teams are evenly matched. "The Kansas City Chiefs are chasing history and are incredibly well-balanced," Collins explained. "They can strike quickly and gas you with big plays, and they're well coached by Andy Reid. The Eagles, are a well-balanced team too. Their big weapon and standout player is Saquon Barkley, who ran for over 2,000 yards this season. And if Jalen Hurts is healthy, he's an explosive quarterback who can change the game."
However, Collins pointed out that Philly had a "slightly easier path to the Super Bowl." He then turned his attention to the Chiefs' journey: "The Buffalo Bills were the better team than the Chiefs," Collins said. "Everyone knew it, but the Chiefs, as they often do, found a way to beat a very good Buffalo team. That's what matters, and that's why they're here and possibly poised to make NFL history."
Collins believes this will be an exciting matchup but refrained from predicting the score or a winner. He did, however, note that the Chiefs are 1 1/2-point favorites.
"I'm going to be at my vacation home in Huntington Beach, California enjoying some cigars, watching and rooting for a great game," Collins said with a laugh. "This Super Bowl should be a lot of fun."
As for yours truly, I am hoping that injuries and officiating will not play a role in determining the outcome of Super Bowl LIX (59). With no personal skin in the game, I am also looking for an action-packed showdown from start to finish. I'd love to see coach Andy Reid channel his inner innovator and pull out the San Francisco State University Vic Rowen coaching playbook for some dazzling trick plays--just like his mentor, the late "Papa Rowen," was known for.
And I am also hoping Saquon Barkley plays lights out and delivers a performance for the ages, making the New York Giants' front office deeply regret ever letting him go.
Here is my true story about Andy Reid: During my time attending San Francisco State University, I lived on campus in the dorms and worked part-time a few days a week in the library.
Every other Saturday, I'd work there too. One Friday afternoon, I happened to walk by the quad where Head Coach Vic Rowen, Offensive Line Coach Andy Reid, and some of the football players were grilling hotdogs to raise money for the team. Andy Reid was the grill master, and as I passed by on my way to the library, he called out, asking if I was coming to the game on Saturday. I mentioned that I had to work in the library, and to my surprise, he said, "Really? It's going to be a great game. Want me to write you a note so you can be excused?" He said it with a hint of seriousness. I laughed and politely declined, saying I'd catch the next one. With a smile, Reid responded, "Well, you'd better, because we need a good turnout for these games." It was that kind of playful banter with students that made Reid and Coach Rowen so admired.
A few years ago, I had the privilege of attending a ceremony for Vic Rowen at San Francisco State University. Andy Reid was also present. Afterward, we reminisced about our time on campus, sharing stories--one of which was, of course, about the hotdog days.
There is a part of me that would love to see Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs make history by winning Super Bowl LIX (59) and hoisting the coveted Lombardi Trophy. I guess there is that whole San Francisco State connection thing at play.
While I don't have any personal stories to share about the Philadelphia Eagles, I do admire Jalen Hurts and the team's exciting style of play. As for predicting the score of Super Bowl LIX (59), I'm kind of on the fence. I expect it to be a tight game, but if I had to make a call, I'd say Kansas City will edge out the victory maybe, 21-16. That said, I'm not putting a dime on it, which means I'll be able to enjoy the game without the stress of a bet hanging over me.
I just want to see a hard-hitting, exciting aerial display with some of Vic Rowen's trick plays thrown in for good measure. Then again, if the game turns out to be a dud, hopefully the commercials will be fun and memorable.
Of course there is always the half-time show to look forward to. This year Kendrick Lamar, who won five Grammys at the recent 67th Grammy Awards, including "Record of the Year" and "Song of the Year" ("Not Like Us") will deliver the halftime entertainment along with SZA.
The pregame festivities will include Post Malone headlining a YouTube sponsored tailgate party/concert outside the stadium. Jon Batiste will perform the national anthem. Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle will deliver "America the Beautiful", and Ledisi will grace us with "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
And since February is Black History Month, it's important to acknowledge that the logo for Super Bowl LIX (59) and its Theme Art were designed by New Orleans native Queen Tahj Williams. She is the first Black woman to work with the NFL and really the first time the NFL has collaborated with any outside artist. Williams' intricate beadwork designs are inspired by the Black Masking tradition, a centuries-old cultural practice. The artform blends African and Native American heritage and was created as a way for African Americans to honor Native Americans who provided them with shelter and protection during slavery.
Williams, who is a member of the Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Tribe, will have her artwork displayed all over New Orleans during Super Bowl Week. It is featured on game tickets, the official program cover, and murals throughout the city.
There will be a lot to take in during Super Bowl LIX (59). So, pile on the chicken wings, pizza, mimosas and more. Cheers to a great game. Enjoy!
Note: Some information used in this article provided by FOX and NFL publicity departments. Photo Illustration Courtesy of Alien Ink.
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