NEW ORLEANS — The excitement for Super Bowl 2025 is building, with the opening night festivities taking place in New Orleans, setting the tone for the highly anticipated game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Coaches and players from both teams will engage with reporters, sharing their thoughts ahead of Sunday’s matchup.
In the spotlight, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce indicated that he hasn’t prepared a celebratory dance for a potential touchdown in the big game. When asked about a popular dance, the Griddy, he dismissed it with a smile, suggesting, “I’m not a Griddy kind of guy. Maybe the skedaddle,” showcasing his lightheartedness.
In an interesting personal narrative intertwined with team loyalties, pop superstar Taylor Swift, who grew up in Pennsylvania—Eagles territory—might have a father caught between his allegiance to the Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs due to his daughter’s relationship with Kelce. When Kelce was asked what colors Swift’s dad might wear on game day, he humorously noted, “I’ll have to ask Scott himself. We haven’t had that convo yet,” but indicated that Scott Swift was likely to support the Chiefs.
Carson Wentz, who has experienced quite the evolution in his NFL trajectory, expressed gratitude for returning to a Super Bowl, despite being a backup once again. He reflected on watching from the sidelines when Nick Foles led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl win seven years ago and now finds himself in a similar spot behind Patrick Mahomes.
Travis Kelce had a memorable exchange with the media when he questioned the narrative surrounding officiating favoritism towards the Chiefs, highlighting a common perception that certain calls favor Mahomes, an opinion he finds puzzling.
Amid the Super Bowl festivities, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes revealed his mixed feelings as a Dallas Mavericks fan witnessing the recent trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, saying, “It’s tough,” but wishing Doncic well in pursuit of a championship.
Mahomes also expressed his excitement about having Tom Brady, with his impressive playoff record, as part of the Fox broadcast team, acknowledging Brady’s influence in his own career and the anticipation of a thrilling game for fans.
In a lighter moment, former NFL quarterback Jameis Winston, now working in media, jokingly asked Eagles star Saquon Barkley which team should sign him in free agency, to which Barkley suggested the New York Giants would benefit from a new quarterback—a statement that might raise some eyebrows among Giants fans.
Kelce, ever the showman, rallied the Chiefs’ fan base during the opening night, declaring, “The loudest fan base in the world, baby,” as he acknowledged their undying support.
Reflecting on the Chiefs’ remarkable consistency in reaching three straight Super Bowls, Mahomes attributed much of their success to head coach Andy Reid. Reid, in turn, praised his players as not just skilled athletes but also good human beings, highlighting the team’s strong culture.
Amusingly, Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert admitted his lack of knowledge about Taylor Swift, revealing he thought her hit was from another artist, illustrating a disconnect amidst the fame surrounding the singer.
During a media session, Barkley made an amusing choice when asked about his favorite color, pausing before realizing his preference for red aligned with the Chiefs, adding a humorous twist to the day’s events. He also mentioned his love for quesadillas when asked about his favorite Mexican dish.
Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith participated in a whimsical exchange when a young reporter playfully inquired about superpowers he would like during the game, to which he whimsically replied that he wished to teleport.
On the Philadelphia sideline, Big Dom, the Eagles’ beloved security chief, was acknowledged for his irreplaceable role, even if he doesn’t contribute to the team’s stats.
Looking back on a past Super Bowl memory, Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio recalled a power outage that left him concerned for safety, representing the unpredictable nature of the sport.
In an entertaining interaction, former player Chad Johnson cheekily kissed Eagles coach Nick Sirianni on the cheek while trying to pose a question during media night, leaving the audience amused.
Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts gave a nod to the infamous goal-line play known as the “tush push,” opting to refer to it simply as the quarterback sneak, demonstrating his desire to keep things straightforward.
Brandon Graham, the Eagles’ defensive end who triumphed in Super Bowl 52, confirmed he is ready to play in the upcoming Super Bowl after recovering from injury, revealing his first practice sessions went smoothly.
Barkley also reflected on his journey, noting how he always imagined himself on the Super Bowl stage and attributing his success to the support of his family and teammates.
With the Eagles taking the field for opening night in fresh white sweatsuits, players captured the moment on their phones, fully embracing the excitement and camaraderie of the event.
Cooper Kupp, a recent Super Bowl MVP, expressed his disappointment over news of an impending trade from the Los Angeles Rams, alluding to his desire to continue his career in LA despite the decision.
The atmosphere was electrified by a live performance from a local brass band that had attendees dancing, underscoring the vibrant celebration that is Super Bowl opening night.
As teams prepare for the big game, select players and coaches will be featured for media interviews. Notable personalities from both the Eagles and Chiefs will make appearances to share insights and expectations as they gear up for the ultimate showdown.
The tradition of combined media days began decades ago at the Superdome, and this year’s event concludes with the anticipation of two fierce competitors meeting once again in the battle for the championship.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed claims of referee bias in favor of the Chiefs, labeling them as unfounded and insisting on the commitment to improving officiating standards to ensure fairness in the game.
Saquon Barkley steps into the spotlight at the Super Bowl, with the opportunity to further enhance his impressive stats and cement his legacy as one of the greats in Eagles history.
The Chiefs, under the leadership of Mahomes, pursue a rare opportunity to achieve a three-peat, a feat not seen in the NFL in decades, aiming to continue their dominance atop the league.
For his part, Jalen Hurts aims to enter exclusive company with a Super Bowl victory after losing his first start, looking to rewrite the narrative and solidify his place among the legends of the game.
Goodell confirmed that the NFL will investigate serious allegations against Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, stating that the league takes such matters seriously and will investigate further.
Furthermore, Goodell discussed the possibility of future Super Bowls being held outside the United States, particularly if the league expands its reach internationally, with a growing interest in establishing the NFL’s global presence.
As the Chiefs and Eagles prepare to clash once more, both teams are determined to etch their name in Super Bowl history with the desire to overcome past trends in rematches and emerge victorious on Sunday.
Finally, Goodell took note of potential changes in the NFL’s scheduling format, acknowledging that while discussions about an 18-game season are informal, there is considerable work to be done before any adjustments occur. He also mentioned evaluating the rules surrounding Tom Brady’s dual role in the organization.
