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Words: Alex Woodhall
What is often billed as one of sport’s biggest global events certainly lived up to its reputation this year. Over 110 million people from at least 25 different countries tuned in to watch the New England Patriots beat the Seattle Seahawks to Super Bowl XLIX – that’s 49 by the way if roman numerals aren’t your strong suit – and few were left feeling disappointed.
Between the celebrity performances and the action on the field, the NFL’s premier showcase was one of the most exciting and exhilarating in recent memory. These are the best moments that stole last night’s show…
THE PRE-GAME PERFORMANCES
Aside from the always hotly anticipated half time show, the pre-game performances are a major talking point that has a habit of dominating social media for days after the fact. The smallest details and nuances are agonised over, particularly the delivery of The Star Spangled Banner.
This year’s national anthem duty fell to Idina Menzel who gave a hair tingling a cappella rendition that was well received all round. Grammy winner John Legend also gave a stand out, soulful performance of America The Beautiful on grand piano to kick the event off on the right note.
TOM BRADY’S RECORD BREAKING MVP GAME
Patriot quarterback Tom Brady cemented his place as one of the very great quarterbacks in NFL history in last night’s game. Throwing 4 touchdown passes, taking his Super Bowl total to a record 13, Brady deservedly won his third MVP award to match that of his idol Joe Montana – no player has more.
With a Hall of Fame career and marriage to Gisele Bündchen, it’s safe to say, the 37 year old hasn’t done bad in life.
KATY PERRY’S HALF TIME SHOW
If there’s one thing that overshadows the plays on the field, it’s the half time show and Katy Perry, in no uncertain terms, nailed it. With four costume changes, an animatronic lion, guest performances from Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliot, and a climax involving her being lifted 50ft of the ground as she sang ‘Firework’, the pop star’s 13 minute performance will go down as one of the great pieces of half time entertainment.
JERMAINE KEARSE’S MIRACLE CATCH
Not all the action was confined to the intervals, however. Super Bowl XLIX was one of the better finals in recent memory, and it provided one of the best catches in the game’s history. With minutes left on the clock Seattle’s Jermaine Kearse caught a Hail Mary pass on his back at the second time of asking, after it had bounced off both of his legs, yes it’s as impressive as it sounds.
The miracle catch put the Seahawks within a yard of victory with a minute or so left to play but…
MALCOLM BUTLER’S LAST MINUTE INTERCEPTION
The Patriots managed to hold the line of scrimmage as the Seahawks opted to throw the ball rather than hand, arguably the NFL’s best running back, Marshawn Lynch the opportunity to do what he does best.
The subsequent pass was cut out on the goal line by Malcolm Butler to give New England the win in one of the most exciting finishes to a Super Bowl ever.
