NEW ORLEANS — As the Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, prepare to go head-to-head with Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl, they first face the whirlwind of media obligations.
This chaotic week kicks off with the Super Bowl opening night on Monday, an eccentric event that can be overwhelming for teams not accustomed to such a festive environment.
However, the Chiefs are veterans of this atmosphere, having made five Super Bowl appearances in six years, and the Eagles are returning after nearly besting Kansas City last year.
Both teams have acquired new players, yet neither squad is likely to be rattled by the peculiar questions or quirky requests typical of this media frenzy. Players might be asked to show off their dance moves, act out skits, or engage in other antics. Mahomes might hear comments about his physique, while Kelce is expected to field questions about his girlfriend, Taylor Swift, and his older brother Jason, who played for the Eagles during their previous encounter two years ago.
This event is known for its unusual moments—a female reporter once appeared in a wedding dress to propose to Tom Brady during the Arizona Super Bowl in 2008, a proposal he politely declined.
The focus on football plays and strategies will take a backseat on the opening night.
Media day has shifted over the years from a daytime occurrence to a live, ticketed prime-time event broadcast on national television. Last year’s Super Bowl in Las Vegas saw over 6,000 media representatives from 26 countries accredited to cover the event.
The Big Easy is hosting its 11th Super Bowl, the first since 2012 when the Baltimore Ravens triumphed over the San Francisco 49ers in a matchup of coach siblings.
The Chiefs are on the brink of making history by becoming the first team to secure three consecutive Super Bowl victories in the era, while the Eagles strive to claim their second Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Both teams arrived in New Orleans on Sunday, and an hour of media availability with players and coaches is planned for Monday night. Select players, including head coaches and quarterbacks, will also hold media sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Given the hectic schedule, much of the groundwork for this week was laid last week. Game plans were put in place, and both teams conducted regular practices in preparation for what promises to be an unusual week.
“Most of the work gets done ahead of time,” remarked Chiefs coach Andy Reid last week. “While it may seem like a two-week stretch leading to the game, arriving in New Orleans tends to be chaotic, so we aim to be prepared.”
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni acknowledged that he plans to make adjustments after his initial Super Bowl experience, though he remained tight-lipped about the specifics.
“We have compiled notes that we are reviewing,” he shared. “There will be some tweaks compared to last time, while certain aspects will remain unchanged. With any experience like this, it’s prudent to take notes and strive for improvement.”
A key figure to watch this week is Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who is a leading candidate for the head coach position of the Saints. Although he cannot formally accept the role until after the Super Bowl, he must balance his preparation for the game with the need to assemble a coaching staff.
Maintaining focus will be crucial for all players on both teams, as minimizing distractions—especially on the first night—could lay the groundwork for success come Sunday.
Chiefs and Eagles can remain unfazed by the wild spectacle of Super Bowl opening night.
