Super Bowl LIX - page 49

Former Rams in Super Bowl?

The Super Bowl is always filled with intriguing storylines, and this year is no different. While the battle between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles takes center stage, an interesting subplot has emergedseveral former Los Angeles Rams are playing key roles for both teams. Some helped the Rams win a Super Bowl, while others left before reaching the sport’s pinnacle. Now, they have the chance to add another championship ring to their résumés. Let’s take a closer look at the former Rams who will be suiting up for the biggest game of the year.

Familiar Faces on Both Sides

Whether it’s a former player, a coach, or even a front-office member, the Rams’ fingerprints are all over this Super Bowl. From key starters to depth pieces, Los Angeles fans will see some familiar names taking the field on Sunday.

Former Rams with the Chiefs

The defending champions have a few ex-Rams in their ranks, some of whom have made an impact this season. · Ronald Jones (RB) – Though his role has been limited with Kansas City, Jones spent part of his career with the Rams’ NFC West rivals, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, before making a short stop in LA. He now has a shot at winning his second Super Bowl ring. · Blake Bell (TE) – A versatile tight end, Bell had a brief stint with the Rams before finding a home in Kansas City. The Chiefs love utilizing multiple tight ends, making Bell a valuable depth piece behind Travis Kelce. · Chris Conley (WR) – The veteran wideout was with the Rams earlier in his career and has since bounced around the league. While he isn’t a primary target for Patrick Mahomes, his experience is always useful in a high-pressure game like the Super Bowl.

Former Rams with the Eagles

The NFC champions also feature some notable former Rams players who are now crucial pieces for Philadelphia. · Robert Quinn (EDGE) – One of the most recognizable former Rams in this game, Quinn spent the early part of his career in St. Louis before the franchise relocated to Los Angeles. A star pass rusher in his prime, he now serves as a veteran presence on a deep Eagles defensive front. · Johnny Mundt (TE) – Known mostly as a blocking tight end, Mundt was a reliable option during his time with the Rams. Philadelphia values depth at the position, especially in its run-heavy offense. · Sua Opeta (OL) – Though not a household name, Opeta spent a brief period with the Rams before earning a more consistent role in Philadelphia. Offensive line depth is crucial in the Super Bowl, and Opeta provides that for the Eagles.

Coaching Connections

Beyond the players, several coaches and front-office personnel have ties to Los Angeles. The Rams have been a coaching factory under Sean McVay, with many of his former assistants and coordinators moving on to bigger roles elsewhere. That trend continues in this Super Bowl. · Andy Reid (Chiefs Head Coach) – While Reid is more associated with the Eagles and Chiefs, it’s easy to forget he spent time as an offensive assistant with the Green Bay Packers when they faced the Rams multiple times in the 1990s. His coaching tree stretches far and wide. · Jonathan Gannon (Eagles Defensive Coordinator) – Gannon never coached with the Rams directly, but he has connections to some of the same coaching circles that helped build Los Angeles’ powerhouse defense in recent years.

Rams’ Legacy on Football’s Biggest Stage

It’s no surprise to see former Rams making an impact in the Super Bowl. Over the years, the franchise has developed and nurtured top-tier talent in both players and coaches. While the Rams aren’t in this year’s big game, their influence remains undeniable. For LA fans, watching former favorites like Robert Quinn chase another ring or seeing depth pieces from past rosters get a shot on the sport’s biggest stage adds a fun dynamic to an already exciting matchup. So, while Rams supporters may not have their team to cheer for this season, seeing familiar faces still playing deep into February might ease the stingjust a little. Who knows? Next year, maybe the Rams will be back in the big game, with a fresh batch of talent ready to make their mark. Until then, enjoy the Super Bowl and keep an eye on those former Rams as they compete for the Lombardi Trophy.

Super Bowl 2025 Halftime Show

The Super Bowl is not just about footballit’s a spectacle, an annual cultural phenomenon where sports and entertainment collide on the grandest stage. And at the heart of it all? The Super Bowl halftime show. Fans wait all year for that electrifying 12 to 15 minutes of pure entertainment, often delivered by the biggest names in music. Now, with Super Bowl LIX approaching in 2025, speculation over the halftime show has reached fever pitch. So, who’s taking center stage this time? While the NFL and Apple Music are yet to make an official announcement, the internet is already buzzing with rumors and dream picks. Will it be an icon from classic rock? A pop megastar? A rap legend? Let’s take a deep dive into the Super Bowl halftime show anticipation.

Who Could Headline the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show?

Every year, football fans and music lovers alike pit their favorites against each other, making predictions about who will grace the coveted halftime stage. With Super Bowl LIX set to take place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9, 2025, the excitement is only growing. So far, no official confirmation has been made, but insiders and fans have been throwing around several key names:

• Taylor Swift: The global superstar has been a popular choice for years, especially following her record-breaking Eras Tour. However, given her busy schedule, could this be the year she finally says yes?
• Dua Lipa: With back-to-back dance hits and a soaring international reputation, the British sensation could bring the spectacle and energy needed for a Super Bowl performance.
• Harry Styles: Coming off his hugely successful “Love on Tour,” Styles could be in line for a career-defining moment.
• Drake: The rap powerhouse and hit-making machine has never graced the Super Bowl stage, but his undeniable catalog would make for an explosive setlist.
• Bruno Mars (again?): Having already stunned in 2014 and returned in 2016 alongside Beyoncé and Coldplay, could Mars take yet another lap?

Of course, the speculation continues. With the Super Bowl jumping from city to city each year, location matters, too. Given that New Orleans is a hub for jazz, blues, and soul, could the NFL surprise us with a genre-spanning tribute to the city’s rich musical roots?

What Fans Expect from the 2025 Halftime Show

The halftime show has evolved into one of the most-watched musical events of the year, and expectations are higher than ever. Fans are looking for:

• Big Productions: The days of simple stage setups are long gone. Think aerial stunts, dazzling pyrotechnics, and gravity-defying choreography.
• Superstar Collaborations: The best halftime shows often bring unexpected guest appearanceswill we get an iconic duet or surprise artist this time?
• Hits, Hits, and More Hits: With roughly 13 minutes on the clock, the artist must pack in their biggest songs without a dull moment.
• A Viral Moment: From Beyoncé’s “Formation” reveal to Shakira and J.Lo’s electrifying 2020 show, every halftime performance needs that one moment that keeps fans talking.

With Apple Music continuing as the official sponsor, production quality will be at an all-time high. If the 2023 and 2024 performances were any indication, we’re in for another visually stunning, musically unforgettable experience.

When Will the Super Bowl 2025 Halftime Performer Be Announced?

If history tells us anything, the official announcement usually drops around September or October. For reference:

• Rihanna’s 2023 Super Bowl announcement came in September 2022.
• Usher’s Super Bowl LVIII (2024) halftime show was confirmed in late September.

That means fans still have a few months to speculate, debate, and dream up their perfect setlists.

The Legacy of the Super Bowl Halftime Show

Despite all the hype, one thing is certainthis year’s performer will be under massive pressure to deliver. The Super Bowl halftime show isn’t just another concert; it’s a career-defining moment that can elevate an artist’s legacy. From Michael Jackson’s era-defining 1993 performance to Prince’s legendary 2007 rain-soaked set, every halftime show has brought something unique. Recent years have seen groundbreaking performances from artists like Shakira, J.Lo, The Weeknd, and Dr. Dre’s epic hip-hop ensemble. Whoever secures the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show spot will have the opportunity to create another unforgettable moment in history. Until then, fans will continue debating, speculating, and counting down the days. One thing’s for sure: when the lights go down and the music starts, the world will be watching.

Super Bowl Food Prices

The Super Bowl isn’t just the biggest sporting event of the yearit’s also an all-out spectacle of excess, from the halftime show to the outrageous ticket prices. But nothing hits harder than the food and beverage costs once you’re inside the stadium. If you thought beer was expensive at an NFL game, wait until you see what it’ll cost you to eat something remotely healthy.

A Pricey Experience from Start to Finish

Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans promises to be an unforgettable event, and that includes the unforgettable prices at concession stands. Everyone expects to pay a premium for their favorite game-day snacks, but some of these numbers might make even the most dedicated fans do a double take.

The Beer Tax

Let’s start with the usual suspect: beer. A cold one at the Super Bowl always comes at a premium, and this year is no different. Reports indicate that a domestic beer will set fans back around **$17 per cup**, with premium or craft options climbing even higher. It’s enough to make you consider savoring a single beer for all four quarters. But beer prices are almost expected at this point. What’s really making headlines this year? The cost of a *salad.*

The Shocking Salad Cost

It’s rare to see fans opting for greens in a stadium, but if you’re one of those looking for a lighter option, prepare for some major sticker shock. A basic **chopped salad is reportedly priced at a staggering $24**. That’s righta bowl of lettuce, a few toppings, and dressing costs more than an entrée at most restaurants. To put that into perspective:

So why does a simple salad carry such a premium price tag? It’s anyone’s guess, but fans on social media have been quick to joke that maybe lettuce is harder to import than beer in New Orleans.

Fans React to the High Prices

Once the menu prices hit the internet, reactions poured in. Social media naturally erupted with disbelief, sarcasm, and plenty of humor at the idea of stadium greens being priced like luxury dining. “Imagine paying $24 for a salad just to watch your team lose,” one fan posted, summing up the general sentiment. Another pointed out, “At that price, I assume they’re flying the lettuce in from space.” The truth is, Super Bowl prices have always been high, but every year, something manages to top expectations. This year, it’s a saladbut it could just as easily be a $30 pretzel at next year’s event.

The Reality of Super Bowl Spending

Food and drink are part of the stadium experience, and people expect to pay extra when attending one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Still, there’s a fine line between pricey and outrageous. For many fans, the solution is simpleeat well before entering the stadium, budget for a single splurge item, or just embrace the madness and go all in. After all, how many times do you get to say you “paid $24 for a salad at the Super Bowl” in your lifetime? Would it be nice if food and drink were a little more affordable? Absolutely. But in a world where tickets sell for thousands and parking runs in the hundreds, a $17 beer might just be part of the price of admission.

Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl Ban?

Will “Not Like Us” Be Silenced at Super Bowl LIX?

Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” dominated 2024, becoming not just a viral anthem but a cultural movement. It was played in locker rooms, blasted in arenas, and celebrated as the ultimate statement track. As the Super Bowl LIX halftime show approaches, fans are wonderingwill the NFL allow Lamar to perform his biggest hit on the game’s grandest stage? With all eyes on the league’s entertainment choices, the question isn’t just about musicit’s about control, controversy, and how much influence the NFL wants to wield over what artists can say.

The Song That Took Over

Released as part of Lamar’s ongoing feud with fellow rap legend Drake, “Not Like Us” instantly became an anthem beyond hip-hop beef. It transcended rap drama, finding a life in sports culture, from NBA players vibing to it pregame to entire stadiums erupting in cheers when the beat dropped. The song’s bouncing West Coast energy and razor-sharp lyrics made it a crowd favorite, but its underlying message could be the very thing that keeps it off the NFL stage.

Why the NFL Might Block It

The NFL is notoriously careful about its Super Bowl halftime show. This isn’t just about putting on entertainmentit’s about branding, corporate sponsorships, and maintaining an image that appeals to everyone from die-hard football fans to casual viewers. Here are a few reasons why “Not Like Us” might not make the cut:

The Hypocrisy of Hype Songs

What’s interesting is that “Not Like Us” has already been embraced by sports culture. Athletes have used it to hype themselves up, stadiums have played it to energize crowds, and it’s become a victory anthem for many teams. If the song is good enough for game day, why wouldn’t it be good enough for the Super Bowl? The NFL allows aggressive, high-energy tracks during broadcasts, yet when it comes time for the halftime showthe part of the game that caters to the largest audiencethey crack down on anything even remotely controversial.

What This Could Mean for Kendrick Lamar’s Performance

Lamar, who previously performed in the Super Bowl LVI halftime show alongside Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and others, knows how to navigate the league’s restrictions. But this time, it’s different. This would be his show, not a guest appearance, meaning full creative controlor at least as much as the NFL lets him have. If Lamar wants to bring “Not Like Us” to the Super Bowl, he may find himself negotiating with the league. Could he tweak the lyrics? Could he go the symbolic route and let the beat play while avoiding specific lines? Or will he avoid the battle entirely, opting to perform only safer, universally accepted hits?

The Bigger Picture

This debate goes beyond just one song. It’s about the NFL’s gatekeeping of culture. Hip-hop has become an inseparable part of sports, yet when it reaches its most powerful moments, the league often pumps the brakes. Fans want authenticity. They want the moments that feel real, not sanitized versions made to appease corporate sponsors. If the NFL bars Lamar from performing “Not Like Us,” it may face significant backlashnot just from hip-hop fans but from athletes and entertainers who see it as an unnecessary step in controlling what gets played.

Final Play: Will It Happen?

The NFL hasn’t officially commented on whether Kendrick Lamar will be allowed to perform “Not Like Us” at Super Bowl LIX. But if history tells us anything, the league will play it safe unless Lamar and his team push to make it happen. Whether the song gets performed or not, the fact that it’s even up for debate says something about the power of music and how it shapes culture. One thing’s certainif the NFL blocks it, plenty of fans will be blasting it in protest, proving that no ban can silence a song that has already taken over the world.