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Super Bowl LIV: Kansas City Chiefs end 50-year drought

Kansas City clinch title with a come-from-behind victory, but it was Shakira and Jennifer Lopez who stole the (halftime) show. | WATCH

Eric George and Adrian McMurray
Kansas City Chiefs have won Super Bowl LIV as Shakira and Jennifer Lopez put on a show at halftime. Picture: Getty Images
Kansas City Chiefs have won Super Bowl LIV as Shakira and Jennifer Lopez put on a show at halftime. Picture: Getty Images
19 min read
9:03AMFebruary 03, 2020.
Updated 5:25PMFebruary 03, 2020

The Kansas City Chiefs have won Super Bowl LIV, defeating the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, while J-Lo and Shakira stole the show at halftime. See how it all unfolded below.

3.00pm: Mahomes leads Chiefs to Super Bowl glory

Patrick Mahomes was struggling, and the Kansas City Chiefs were in huge trouble.

Until the young quarterback coolly brushed aside three quarters of frustration and came through in the clutch.

As he has already done so often in his young career.

Mahomes threw two touchdown passes on consecutive fourth-quarter drives to lead the Chiefs to a 31-20 victory and deliver the franchise its first Super Bowl title in 50 years.

“We have heart,” Mahomes said. “That’s just from day one. Coach pushes us to be the best people that we can be, and we never give up.”

The 24-year-old Mahomes was selected the game’s MVP after bouncing back from being intercepted on two straight possessions and seeing the Chiefs’ title hopes appear to be in serious jeopardy.

“We never lost faith,” Mahomes said. “That’s the biggest thing. Everybody on this team, no one had their head down. And we believed in each other. And that’s what we preached all year long - and we had this guy (coach Andy Reid) right here to get us there.

“And we found a way to get it in the end.”

Trailing 20-10, Mahomes and the Chiefs suddenly got going - and didn’t stop until they stood in a confetti shower with the Lombardi Trophy. And it was the late-game performance of Mahomes that got them where Len Dawson last delivered the Chiefs in 1970.

Mahomes capped a 10-play, 83-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown toss to Travis Kelce that made it 20-17 with 6:13 remaining.

On Kansas City’s next drive, Mahomes zipped the ball around - for 13 yards to Kelce and 3 to Tyreek Hill, before tossing a perfectly placed rainbow toss to Sammy Watkins down the right sideline for 38 yards to get the ball to the 49ers 10.

Patrick Mahomes. Picture: Getty Images
Patrick Mahomes. Picture: Getty Images

Three plays later, Mahomes threw a 5-yard pass to Damien Williams, who reached over the goal line - and it stood after a video review - to put Kansas City up 24-20 with 2:44 remaining.

Mahomes flexed both arms and shouted in celebration, letting loose of three quarters of frustration and sensing a Super Bowl title.

After Kansas City stopped Jimmy Garoppolo and the 49ers on fourth down, Williams ran for 4 yards - and then sealed the win by zipping 38 yards into the end zone for a 31-20 lead with 1:12 left.

It was reminiscent of the divisional round when Kansas City fell behind early against Houston before Mahomes led the Chiefs back from a 24-point deficit to tally the greatest comeback in franchise history.

Kansas City Chiefs players celebrate their Super Bowl success. Picture: Getty Images
Kansas City Chiefs players celebrate their Super Bowl success. Picture: Getty Images

The Chiefs weren’t in nearly as big a hole in this one, but the 49ers were making it tough all night for Mahomes to get in a rhythm.

Mahomes finished 26 of 42 for 286 yards and the two scores, and also had a 1-yard touchdown run against the 49ers.

“Coach Reid told me after both of them (interceptions) to keep firing,” Mahomes said. “Keep believing in your eyes, keep throwing it. He gives me the confidence to go out there no matter what I do, and it worked out well in the end.”

High-energy celebration of culture and abs

Jennifer Lopez and Shakira turned the Super Bowl halftime show into a giant Latin dance party Sunday, wowing the sold-out crowd with their greatest hits.

Super Bowl LIV: J-Lo and Shakira’s incredible half time show performances

The performance, at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, was a high-energy celebration of culture and abs, as both women showcased soaring vocals and thunderous dance routines.

Shakira opened in a glittering ensemble, getting the crowd of 65,000 on their feet with She Wolf and Wherever, Whenever.

Jennifer Lopez and Shakira performed their biggest hits during the halftime show. Picture: AFP
Jennifer Lopez and Shakira performed their biggest hits during the halftime show. Picture: AFP

She was then joined by Puerto Rican reggaeton singer Bad Bunny for a few lines of I Like It (originally sung by rap star Cardi B) before segueing into her iconic hit, Hips Don’t Lie.

The stage then cleared as Jennifer Lopez appeared atop a miniature Empire State Building, a nod to her New York roots, much like King Kong — or Queen Kong, as it were.

After a few bars of Jenny From the Block, Jenny herself took the crowd through a medley of Love Don’t Cost A Thing, Get Right and On the Floor, her transitions as fast and sharp as her dance moves.

Lopez started out wearing a black leather, heavily cutout jumpsuit. But she soon shed that for a revealing silver number as she performed a pole dance to Waiting For Tonight, alongside Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin.

The dance was in honor of her acclaimed performance as Ramona in Hustlers, a film Lopez also produced.

Lopez on a replica of the Empire State Building. Picture: Getty Images
Lopez on a replica of the Empire State Building. Picture: Getty Images
Lopez performed a song in a nod to her role in Hustlers. Picture: AFP
Lopez performed a song in a nod to her role in Hustlers. Picture: AFP

She earned a Golden Globe nomination for the role — and many thought she should have won an Oscar nod.

Her daughter Emme then took the stage for the show’s most political moment: small children in light-up “cages” surrounded the stage, a pointed reference to a President Donald Trump administration “zero tolerance” policy launched in 2018 that saw thousands of children separated from their parents at the border.

Lopez then returned wearing an American flag feather cape — that she then lifted to reveal the flag of Puerto Rico, the US territory struggling in the aftermath of earthquakes and a devastating hurricane.

Backed up by Shakira on the drums, the mother and daughter sang a few lines of Bruce Springsteen’s Born In the USA before transitioning into Let’s Get Loud.

Shakira, now in a fringed gold outfit, took center stage once more for Waka Waka, the song she wrote for the 2010 football World Cup.

Lopez and her daughter Emme perform while a Puerto Rican flag is displayed on stage. Picture: Getty Images
Lopez and her daughter Emme perform while a Puerto Rican flag is displayed on stage. Picture: Getty Images
Lopez and Shakira’s performance ended with the stars joining together. Picture: AFP
Lopez and Shakira’s performance ended with the stars joining together. Picture: AFP

The song quickly turned into a full-on Latin dance number, with Shakira and Lopez showcasing fierce, high-intensity footwork on a raised platform and ending the show back-to-back in a Charlie’s Angels-esque pose.

“Muchas gracias!” Shakira called out.

Twitter lit up after the performance, with many praising the women’s skills. The hashtags #Latinas and #Latinapower also began trending.

Lady Gaga, who performed at the Super Bowl halftime in 2017, called the performance “so incredible!!!” “I danced and smiled the whole time,” the singer tweeted. “Such powerful sexy women!!!!”

AP/AFP

Adrian McMurray 2.36pm: Mahomes named MVP

Patrick Mahomes is named Super Bowl MVP, meaning he’s the youngest quarterback to win MVP and a Super Bowl. Fair effort from the 24-year-old, who didn’t have the best game early on but pulled it out of the bag to guide his side to glory in the fourth.

Eric George 2.15pm: Long wait over for Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs sure have a knack for heart-attack football. This team has now overcome 10 point deficits in each of their three playoff matches this year. This Super Bowl comeback was by far the most unlikely, but the Chiefs got just enough by throwing the keys to Mahomes after a pretty diminished performance through three quarters.

Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce, left, celebrates with head coach Andy Reid after defeating the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl 54. Picture: AP
Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce, left, celebrates with head coach Andy Reid after defeating the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl 54. Picture: AP

This is a long-overdue win for head coach Andy Reid, who was probably already a hall of fame coach but is now certain to be remembered as one of the NFL’s great modern minds having finally secured a Super Bowl ring.

It’s been a long wait for the Chiefs, whose founder Lamar Hunt came up with the Super Bowl concept, but never saw his team raise a trophy after their first win fifty years ago. The Chiefs are one of the NFL’s heartland franchises, and their fans made their presence felt in Miami today.

Adrian McMurray 2.11pm: Kansas City win Super Bowl LIV

That’s it! Kansas City have won Super Bowl LIV 31-20 ending their 50-year title drought.

The US President has weighed in to congratulate the Super Bowl champions. I guess California isn’t really part of his re-election plan, anyway.

Adrian McMurray 2.05pm: Chiefs on their way to victory

The answer to Eric’s Garoppolo question below? No. Damien Williams runs in a 38-yard TD and the Chiefs are well and truly on their way. They lead 31-20. The Niners have blown this big time! As Eric wrote earlier: “With apologies to Altanta Falcons fans, the 49ers’ inability to burn clock after Patrick Mahomes handed them the ball should bring back bad memories for San Francisco’s head coach, Kyle Shanahan. He was the offensive co-ordinator on the Atlanta team that surrendered a 28-3 lead to New England in the 2016 Super Bowl.”

Eric George 1.55pm: Can Garoppolo create history of his own?

San Francisco have steadily drifted away from a dominant game plan in this second half, but have more than enough time to make amends. They’ve put together quick scoring drives in this game, I don’t see a need to abandon the run with three time-outs and the two minute warning in hand. Garoppolo will need to answer the call when the time comes though, after two rough drives. He’s won two Super Bowls sitting on the bench in New England, can he make his own history in Miami?

Adrian McMurray 1.52pm: Chiefs snatch the lead

We have some late drama: touchdown Chiefs! Or is it? Mahomes goes short right to Williams, who’s sheparded out, but it looks as though he just broke the plane? The replay official deems the original decision stands, the point is duly added, and we’ve got a new leader. Kansas City lead 24-20 with 2.26 on the clock!

Eric George 1.43pm: This is what we wanted

Super Bowl 54 has ultimately delivered what we were all hoping for. The two most exciting units in this game will decide the outcome with Patrick Mahomes getting the ball down a field goal with five minutes to go.

The last touchdown drive really just boiled down Mahomes putting the team on his back, although even his big passes were far from convincing. He’s not driving the ball downfield as effectively as you’d expect. Can he do it again? Bosa and Buckner know that all the Niners need is one more fumble to seal this.

Adrian McMurray 1.37pm: Kansas City back in the contest

As the clock winds down, Kansas City have to chance their hand, and Mahomes does just that with a 41-yard pass to Hill on 3rd and 15. Wow!

After two incompletions Mahomes goes to Kelce in the end zone, and Niners cornerback Moore is pinged, giving Mahomes another crack. He goes to Kelce again, and TOUCHDOWN! Butker adds the point and we’ve got a three-point game, Niners lead 20-17. Here we go!

Eric George 1.26pm: Time for a Kansas City comeback?

With apologies to Altanta Falcons fans, the 49ers’ inability to burn clock after Patrick Mahomes handed them the ball should bring back bad memories for San Francisco’s head coach, Kyle Shanahan.

He was the offensive co-ordinator on the Atlanta team that surrendered a 28-3 lead to New England in the 2016 Super Bowl. He drew a lot of criticism after that game for not chewing up more of the clock after his team jumped out to a big lead. Similarly, San Francisco’s decision to keep passing the ball here meant that they have given the Chiefs more time for a comeback than they otherwise may have had.`

Eric George 1.15pm: History against Kansas City

So much for this San Francisco defensive line running out of steam as this game wears on. Instead, Kansas City’s ability to slow down the likes of Nick Bosa and DeForest Buckner is just evaporating in this second half.

Patrick Mahomes is now running for his life more often than not. He can engineer a lot as a scrambling quarterback, but this is a big ask.

Recent history has told us that dominant defences tend to get the better of teams that rely on a star quarterback in Super Bowls. Only four teams have overcome a ten point deficit in the final quarter of these games, so Kansas City clearly face an uphill battle to swing this around.

Eric George 1.08pm: Time for Kansas City to get creative

It’s really hard to say what Patrick Mahomes saw on that interception. It was a hurried throw, but certainly nothing that should force a miss that bad. The key here for San Francisco is that they are regularly pressuring Mahomes, even forcing a fumble on that drive, without committing extra numbers. Every time the quarterback looks up he’s seeing extra defenders in front of him, and little in the way of open space to scramble towards.

And San Francisco is sticking with what’s working, allowing Garropolo to throw passes over the middle of the field where is most successful, and targeting the Chiefs’ tiring linebackers.

Kansas City have had a knack for putting games away in a single quarter all season, but it’s hard to see that happening with the Niners defence holding up this well. Head coach Andy Reid is famous for scheming up big passing plays, and apparently installed a series of new ideas for the Super Bowl. Now is the time to get creative.

Adrian McMurray 1.00pm: Niners improve their lead

Mahomes goes deep looking for Hill but it’s intercepted by Warner! The Niners defence are up and about and this could be a key moment for San Francisco.

Moments later a 26-yard gain from Ward has the Niners 11 out and after Garoppolo picks out Juszczyk for 10 yards, they keep it tight with Mostert who crashes over for the first touchdown on the quarter! Gould adds the extra point and the Niners hold a 20-10 lead with 2.48 on the clock this quarter.

Eric George 12.49pm: Business as usual for 49ers

San Francisco have picked up right where they left off with their expansive and explosive running game. It’s clear that they like their chances against Kansas City’s larger defenders on plays with a lot of lateral movement, so even when they don’t run the ball towards the sidelines they are running a player wide just to give the Chiefs a lot to watch and think about.

Settling for a field goal on a fourth and two was a curious call. It’s a situation where the analytics suggest that you’re better off hanging onto the ball, as Kansas City have done. The Niners clearly don’t see this as a high-scoring game.

Adrian McMurray 12.43pm: Niners hit the front

Back to the football, then. Gould kicks the Niners in front with first points of the third quarter, a 42-yard field goal moving San Francisco ahead 13-10.

Adrian McMurray 12.30pm: Shakira, J-Lo put on a show

Shakira and Jennifer Lopez put on quite the halftime show.

Super Bowl LIV: J-Lo and Shakira’s incredible half time show performances

There were fireworks, more dancers in one place than you’ve ever seen in your life, and unsurprisingly given who was involved, plenty of hip-shaking.

Super Bowl LIV: J-Lo's insane pole dancing performance

J-Lo’s daughter Emme even joined in on the action. It was at times bizarre, but a lot of fun.

Eric George 12.04pm: Momentum with Niners at halftime

Kansas City had the ball at the 50 yard line with 2 minutes to go, but couldn’t get a single clean play off and were forced to punt. This has handed San Francisco a golden opportunity to bookend the halftime break with big drives as they’re set to receive the second half kick-off.

Strangely, San Francisco opted against stopping the clock, seemingly satisfied to head back to the sheds having played the game to a draw so far. They almost engineered a late field goal with two quick strikes down the field, but the margin of error at that point was perilously fine with so little time left on the clock.

Jimmy Garoppolo hands the ball off to Raheem Mostert. Picture: Getty Images
Jimmy Garoppolo hands the ball off to Raheem Mostert. Picture: Getty Images

Restricting this Chiefs offence to only one third down conversion from seven attempts is a real testament to what this Niners defence has done this half. This Super Bowl felt like it could have come unstuck for San Francisco after Garoppolo’s interception, but they’ve steadied the ship well and feel like the more dominant team at this point. Kansas City need to find a way to buy Mahomes more time to make some big plays, and clean up the little errors on both sides of the ball that have cost them in big situations.

Adrian McMurray 11.42am: All tied up

Wowee, fullback touchdown in the Super Bowl! Garoppolo goes short right to Juszczyk who busts a tackle and dives into the end zone. Gould adds the point and we’re all locked up at 10-all. The Niners are well and truly back in this.

Eric George 11.33am: San Francisco on the ropes?

Play action passes from both teams have had a massive impact in this second quarter. The Niners have been so reliant on the scheme to give Jimmy Garoppolo easier looks that the Chiefs have started to pin their ears back and go after the quarterback. When Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones beat his man off the line and forced Garoppolo to throw the ball up in a hurry, it generated an easy interception for Kansas City.

Then, on the following play, the Chiefs cashed in on all their run plays with a fake out that gave them an easy completion to Sammy Watkins that immediately got the team into field goal range.

It feels like San Francisco did well to escape that drive having only conceded a field goal. They have been close to hitting Mahomes on a number of plays, and have totally restricted Kansas City’s deep passing plays so far.

11.32am: Field goal for Kansas City

Butker improves Kansas City’s lead with a 31-year field goal. Chiefs lead 10-3.

11.30am: Tom Brady: I’m not going anywhere

Once again, Tom Brady is starring in the Super Bowl — this time, without playing in the actual game.

Hulu enlisted the veteran New England Patriots quarterback for a commercial it hopes will generate buzz and help distinguish it in a crowded streaming-video marketplace where Netflix Inc., Amazon.com Inc. and a raft of new entrants are also competing for subscribers.

The sombre black-and-white spot shows Brady, who at 42 years old has been the subject of speculation about whether he will retire or even move on to another team, walking onto an empty field at his home stadium. “They say all good things must come to an end,” the quarterback intones, seemingly about to announce he is hanging it up after nearly two decades in the league.

In a classic misdirect, Brady then pivots and launches into a pitch about Hulu + Live TV, listing its offerings including live sports, cable channels and originals. At the end of the spot, Brady talks about how it is time to say goodbye to TV as we know it. His final words: “But me? I’m not going anywhere.”

Brady, a six-time Super Bowl champion who has been in the National Football League for two decades, officially becomes a free agent in March for the first time in his career. His line in the commercial was intentionally ambiguous and created specifically to help Hulu generate buzz, said Ryan Crosby, Hulu’s vice president of brand marketing.

The Wall Street Journal

Adrian McMurray 11.15am: Kansas strike back

The Chiefs go on the march, before we get our first sack of the game: DeForest Buckner and Earl Mitchell combining to level Mahomes.

Mahomes runs on the third near the right touchline, but in a collision with Jimmie Ward, fumbles and it’s out of bounds. Ward was injured during the play. It’s ruled short, it’s 4th and 1 and time for the Chiefs to show some of that attack that’s got them here.

And a rushing Mahomes goes for it, getting the first touchdown of Super Bowl LIV! Kansas City lead 7-3.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) celebrates his touchdown. Picture: AP
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) celebrates his touchdown. Picture: AP

Eric George 11.14am: Kansas City’s running chaos

These running calls from Kansas City in big situations are certainly a surprise. Kansas City are far from one-dimensional, but all of the focus heading into the game was on their explosive passing ability. It looks like the Chiefs are punishing San Francisco’s aggressive pass-rushing with some direct, interior runs, which could be in service of dragging defenders closer to the ball and creating space for a deep shot later in the game.

San Francisco’s star-studded defensive line will carry a heavy load today as they try to stifle Mahomes. They got their first sack at the 12 minute mark by bottling the quarterback up and forcing him backwards. Two plays later, Mahomes demonstrated why it’s so important that the Niners defenders rush together in a line, as he escaped the pocket for a big run. You often see defences tire as Super Bowls drag along. Keep an eye on San Francisco’s defensive discipline as we tick into the second half.

This next possession now looms as a critical one for San Francisco in a stadium that sounds stocked with Chiefs fans.

Eric George 10.56am: Hot start for San Francisco

San Francisco’s first completion of the day came on a play action pass, which was followed up with a big sweeping run to Deebo Samuel. That kind of misdirection, combined with a really physical offensive line, will be key to the Niners’ attack. This team lead the league in pre-snap motion (moving players around before the play begins) this year, and relies on keeping defences guessing.

This looks like a really terrific start for San Francisco, who want to be able to play with a lead and use their running game to control the pace. Niners quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is no slouch, but if this game turns into a shootout, the advantage should swing in Kansas City’s direction. You don’t often see touchdowns early in a Super Bowl, so any points on the board are a good result.

Adrian McMurray 10.50am: First points for 49ers

Fair old start for Deebo Samuel and the 49ers. The wide receiver makes a huge 32-yard gain, and San Francisco set up in Kansas City territory. The sequence ends with first points to the 49ers, Robbie Gould adding the points from 38 yards out. San Francisco lead 3-0.

Adrian McMurray 10.37pm: Wishnowsky to get us going

San Francisco have won the toss but defer, which means Kansas City will have first use. That also means Australian punter Mitch Wishnowsky will begin proceedings.

Adrian McMurray 10.30am: And for those who had money on the anthem time …

Adrian McMurray 10.24am: Tickets cost … how much?

Fans who made their way to Miami forked out just under $US8000 for a ticket an hour before kick-off: and that’s just where prices began. That, according to Darren Rovell, makes it the second highest average ticket price in Super Bowl history.

How times have changed …

Adrian McMurray 10.15am: Tribute to Kobe

Kobe Bryant’s death transcended basketball, and both he, his daughter Gianna and the other seven victims of the Calabasas helicopter crash were honoured by both sides.

Meanwhile, there were a couple of familiar faces who posed for a selfie in the bowels of Hard Rock Stadium … some serious star power there!

US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has told Americans to “enjoy the game”.

Adrian McMurray 9.50am: Where is the money?

Kansas City are the $1.77 head-to-head favourites with TAB, San Francisco $2.05 with the line at 1.5. You can get $3.50 for 350+ pass/rush yards for Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, or $3.00 for 49ers running back Raheem Mostert to claim the first, second or third touchdown.

And don’t forget, you can watch a live stream of 2020 Super Bowl with ESPN on KAYO. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly.

8.50am: From Perth to the Super Bowl

Australian punter Mitch Wishnowsky’s journey to Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium for the Super Bowl has been long, winding and full of obstacles.

The 27-year-old from Perth could argue no player in Sunday’s (10.30am Monday AEDT) clash between his San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs or the previous 53 Super Bowls, has travelled so far.

If you Google “What city is farthest from Miami?” Perth, at 18,316km, is number one followed by Bandung, Indonesia.

“It all started about seven years ago,” said Wishnowsky, looking back at how chance meetings, random phone calls, a short video and a willingness to make a life gamble landed him at the 49ers.

Wishnowsky quit Perth’s Lumen Christi College at 16, became an apprentice glazier and hoped for a professional soccer or AFL career but injuries took their toll on his 188cm tall body.

Mitch Wishnowsky. Picture: AP
Mitch Wishnowsky. Picture: AP

In 2013, he signed up to a recreational American flag football league. It’s where Craig Wilson, one of American football’s leading figures in Australia, saw him punt a football.

Word and a small video got back to John Smith and Nathan Chapman, who run the phenomenally-successful Melbourne-based Prokick Australia punting academy. The video showed Wishnowsky was raw but loaded with NFL punting potential.

“It was like watching a horse trying to kick its way out of a horse box,” Smith told AAP.

“The power was immense.”

Wishnowsky was fishing and getting over dengue fever from a Bali trip when Smith called and invited him to join them in Melbourne.

“He had a pretty aggressive sales pitch,” Wishnowsky said.

“He told me then he was going to change my life.”

Wishnowsky, despite working at a pub to eat and pay off a mortgage in Perth, impressed at Prokick in Melbourne.

“It was pretty apparent a few weeks in we had something really special,” Smith said.

It still was not an easy path to an elite US university.

Wishnowsky’s early high school exit meant he had to enrol in California’s Santa Barbara City junior college for two years to build up his grades. He punted at the college for a year and sat out the second to ensure he was academically qualified to accept a scholarship at the University of Utah. Wishnowsky was an instant success in Utah.

Mitch Wishnowsky in 2016 standing next to the Ray Guy Award after being named the top punter in college football. Picture: AP
Mitch Wishnowsky in 2016 standing next to the Ray Guy Award after being named the top punter in college football. Picture: AP

He won the Ray Guy Award for college football’s best punter in 2016 and last year, after impressing scouts at the NFL combine with his punting and 40-yard dash time of 4.63 seconds, was snapped up by the 49ers in the fourth round of the draft.

The time was the fastest by a punter since 2003 and quicker than elite wide receiver Jarvis Landry, cornerback Josh Norman and running back Mark Ingram. The Chiefs, led by 2019 NFL MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes, are the slight Super Bowl favourites.

The match pits the Chiefs’ dynamic offence against the 49ers’ crushing defence, featuring newly-minted NFL Rookie of the Year winner Nick Bosa. The 193cm tall, 121kg Bosa is a human wrecking ball whose goal will be to catch and batter the elusive Mahomes.

If the 49ers win Wishnowsky will become the second Australian to win a Super Bowl ring after Queensland defensive tackle Jesse Williams (Seattle Seahawks’ 2014).

AAP

Jim Chairusmi 8.20am: The injury that helped 49ers to the Super Bowl

One year ago, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was doing something that most elite athletes never have to think about.

“I was learning to run again,” Garoppolo said.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Picture: Getty Images
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Picture: Getty Images

Garoppolo was in the midst of rehab after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the third week of the 2018 season. The team he got hurt against? The Kansas City Chiefs.

As fate would have it, what happened on September 23, 2018, would change the direction of both the 49ers and Chiefs, and in part explain why both franchises advanced to Super Bowl LIV, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, on Monday morning.

Read more here

The Wall Street Journal

8.00am: 49ers have come a long way since Hayne

Australian Mitch Wishnowsky’s Super Bowl-bound San Francisco 49ers are not Jarryd Hayne’s dismal 2015 49ers.

Jarryd Hayne during his stint with the 49ers. Picture: Getty Images
Jarryd Hayne during his stint with the 49ers. Picture: Getty Images

The NFL is nicknamed the Not For Long league for the rapid turnover of players, and proof of that is trying to find former Hayne teammates on the 49ers’ team that will face off against the Kansas City Chiefs in Miami at 10.30am on Monday (AEDT) for the Super Bowl.

Only a handful remain on a 49ers roster that has risen from the ashes after several tumultuous losing seasons.

“There were definitely some years where I didn’t really see the vision and where the future of the franchise was going,” the longest-tenured 49ers player and former Hayne teammate, offensive tackle Joe Staley, told reporters in Miami this week.

Read more here

AAP

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/us-sports/super-bowl-liv-san-francisco-49ers-v-kansas-city-chiefs-live-coverage-updates-from-hard-rock-stadium/news-story/aabf52cc6584464703374a0a7f798137