Background:
The Super Bowl is an annual league championship game of the National Football League (NFL) in the U.S. It began in 1967, and since 2022 the Super Bowl has been played on the second Sunday in February. In the years prior, games were played on Sundays in early to mid-January. The Super Bowl is one of the most-watched single sporting events with one of the largest audiences of American broadcasting. Among the 32 teams in the NFL, the 2025 game put two of the most competitive teams to the test.
On Sunday, February 9, this year’s Super Bowl took place at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The clash between two powerhouse teams—the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs—was a captivating game with viewers from across the globe. The game was not only extremely intense and left everyone on their toes, but it explored something deeper at play; games like these bring people together and allow for connection. Many were surprised, and others disappointed; the game had much in store for viewers worldwide.
The First Half & Second Half:
While the first half of the game was not explosive, it set the tone for what was to come next. The game picked up quickly with a fast-paced start, both teams exchanging scoring dives. The first quarter saw early touchdowns, with both quarterbacks navigating their offenses efficiently. However, the defensive units also stepped up, limiting their opposing offences in critical moments.
Many people at Hastings High School were not rooting for the Eagles, but were still happy about their big win. Sara Dehgan, a sophomore at HHS, explained her thoughts on the two teams going head to head: “I thought it was beautiful because I didn’t like the Super Bowl last year and I was scared it was gonna be a repeat, but it wasn’t. I’m not an Eagles fan, I hate the Eagles, but I was an Eagles fan that day.” Many people are not surprised by the Chiefs’ big wins in the past, and want to see something new and exciting on the field.
The Super Bowl can allow people to connect and foster bonds. Sara recalls “having people over [to her house]” and having a great time overall. By halftime, the game was tied, reflecting the evenly matched nature of the Chiefs and the Eagles.
After halftime, the second half picked up intensely, with the Eagles beginning to assert their dominance with a series of explosive plays as well as a well-executed game plan. Strategic decisions, such as key fourth down conversions and clock management, played a crucial role in the outcome.
Maya Sanzel, a sophomore at HHS, elaborated on her thoughts on the game. She “was really happy that the Chiefs lost, especially because the Chiefs beat the Bills out to be in the Super Bowl in the first place. I like the Eagles, I like Jalen Hurts, I like Saquon Barkley and I really enjoyed the halftime show.”
The Chiefs were striving to win their third Super Bowl in a row and break world records. However, as the clock was ticking down, it was clear that the game was to end with a definitive winner.
Beyond the Game: A Cultural Moment
The halftime show featuring Kendrick Lamar and SZA was not just a musical performance but also a platform for political expression, reflecting current social and cultural issues.
HHS senior Ben Emtage was surprised by the way the song was portrayed: “The halftime show was absolutely amazing. I’m a big Kendrick fan and first off, considering the political economic state of the world, playing “Not Like Us” was crazy to me.”
The show challenged the cultural and economic state of America, portrayed with the clothing choices and subtle nods to ongoing movements, such as quick jolts in response to powerful lyrics. One of the song lyrics included: “The revolution is about to be televised, you picked the right time but the wrong guy” implying that people are calling for change regarding the current political climate.
One such symbol included the formation of an American flag featuring Uncle Sam played by actor Samuel L. Jackson. The performance sparked widespread conversation, as the intersection of entertainment and politics became the focal point, inviting both praise and criticism to be open to the public for debate. President Trump left early, sending a message of ignorance about issues like reparations and other forms of racial injustice in America.
This year’s Super Bowl, filled with mixed emotions, boasted record breaking viewership in the stands and at home. We can only wait to see what’s in store for next year’s game.
