Lived Up To The Hype
Everything you need to know about the Super Bowl (plus a little tennis and SNL) and nothing you don’t.
Whether you cheered for the commercials, a good game, halftime or the snacks, the Super Bowl continued its dynasty as the ultimate Sunday Funday.
The legend lives on,
The Last Night’s Game Team
PS - Don't forget to set your Bachelor bracket picks for tonight's rose ceremony. Want to join? Everyone's doing it.
NFL (National Football League)
The drought is over for the Kansas City Chiefs. In a great battle between two stellar teams, the Chiefs won the Super Bowl for the first time in 50 years. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes announced he’s going to Disney World to celebrate being named the youngest player, 24, in NFL history to win an MVP award (2018), Super Bowl MVP and a Super Bowl trophy. His head coach, Andy Reid, finally claimed his first Super Bowl title after 20 years as a head coach. Surely the Chiefs “flu” is decimating office attendance this morning. DANCING IN THE STREETS
Overtime
One duo you could bet on? Jennifer Lopez and Shakira. The two killed it in their halftime show in outfits that made us question our choice to consume so many snacks. Their secret special guest performer? Emme – JLo’s daughter, who proved that she has pipes.
Then there were the commercials. The experts all loved Bill Murray, his Jeep co-pilot Punxsutaweney Phil and the commercial that took fate to make it happen. Tom Brady teased us earlier in the week, but showed us how smart he is to get paid to tell us he’s not going anywhere. Let’s not forget Sam Elliott facing off with Lil Nas X and Post Malone. FORGET WORKING, WATCH THEM AGAIN
Sideline stat
Meanwhile, down under we have two new Australian Open champions (tennis). The 21-year-old American Sofia Kenin won her first Grand Slam title (i.e winning one of the four major tournaments in tennis) but her proud dad and lifetime coach is the one who melted hearts. On the men’s side, Novak Djokovic won his eighth Australian Open title. WORTH THE PRICE OF ADMISSION
Coaches’ corner
Don’t worry, we didn’t forget the most important part of yesterday’s excitement. In a game of adoptable puppy cuteness, Team Fluff beat Team Ruff in the 16th Annual Animal Planet Puppy Bowl. In the past, the Puppy Bowl has had a 100% adoption rate. (You can rewatch the game here if you need some levity in your Monday). THE HARD-HITTING REPORTING YOU’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR
What to watch
While you set your bracket picks for tonight’s rose ceremony, watch J.J. Watt’s “The Bachelor” spoof from Saturday Night Live. The Houston Texans (NFL) defensive end played ‘Pilot Pat’ during his first time hosting of SNL. TOO GOOD
One Thing Right
An injury that’ll have you saying WTF, why the tennis season may be on hold and the cutest starting lineup around?
The first full work week of the new year also means the first official happy hour of the new year.
Always a silver lining,
The Last Night’s Game Team
NFL (National Football League)
Wild card weekend lived up to its hype, with two overtime games. The biggest news of the weekend is that the New England Patriots lost to the Tennessee Titans, missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade. Speculation is swirling around Tom Brady’s next move, but nothing has been announced. The Minnesota Vikings, Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks also won and will be moving onto the next round this weekend. SAYONARA DYNASTY
Overtime
New York Mets (MLB – Major League Baseball) often injured star player Yoenis Cespedes missed last season with an ankle injury sustained from a fall on his ranch. This weekend it was reported that the ankle injury was due to a wild boar incident at his ranch. The boar either startled him or charged him, causing him to step into a hole and hurt his ankle. TRY STEPPING IN A SIDEWALK CRACK IN STILETTOS
Sideline stat
The tennis season kicks off in Melbourne on January 19 at the Australian Open but the start of the season could be impacted by the wildfires. Organizers are considering delaying the tournament if the conditions continue to deteriorate around Melbourne. Big name tennis players, athletes and celebrities of all nationalities have stepped up to donate to help the victims of the devastating Australia wildfires. RALLY FOR RELIEF
Coaches’ corner
Super Bowl Sunday is just around the corner and that means it’s also time for the Puppy Bowl. The cutest lineup of adoptable shelter pups has been released. Team Ruff and Team Fluff will battle it out with the goal of getting every dog on the field adopted. Not into dogs? Don’t worry, the two teams will be cheered on by hamsters, pygmy goats, armadillos and kittens. ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE
That Breakthrough Moment
In case you missed it, the Super Bowl is this Sunday. The spectacle where pop culture, kitchen fare and sports collide.
In case you missed it, the Super Bowl is this Sunday. The spectacle where pop culture, kitchen fare and sports collide.
Be there or be square,
The Last Night’s Game Team
PS - It’s our last Tailgate Treat of the season and we’re bringing you the best recipes state by state for the Super Bowl. What’s the most popular recipe in your state? Find out here.
NFL (National Football League)
That #FridayFeeling of impressing your co-workers. It’s inevitable, the Super Bowl is coming. You could choose not to watch it or simply watch it for the commercials. Either way impress everyone over the next few days with your knowledge around the game. How much does the halftime performer make? What food is the most popular? Have the Eagles ever won a Super Bowl? We have it all in our Five Things To Know About The Super Bowl.
When you can't help but Say Something. Justin Timberlake may be performing during the NFL's halftime show but that didn't stop him from ruffling some feathers with a statement he made in a press conference. Amid all the concussion controversy that surrounds the league, he told a reporter that his son would "never play football."
Overtime
On Sunday before the Super Bowl, you can tune into the Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl. The real winners, besides the viewers of course, are the puppies because all of them are adoptable shelter dogs. (Hint: they all get adopted). This year’s game will feature 90 puppies from a record 58 shelters and rescue groups from 24 states and Puerto Rico. The cheerleaders? Obviously, baby barnyard animals. Also helping out the referee? Shirley the rescue sloth. 15 FUN FACTS ABOUT THE PUPPY BOWL
Sideline stat
Experts predict over $4.76 billion will be wagered on the Super Bowl this year but only three percent of it will be legally bet in Nevada. The rest of the money will be bet with offshore sportsbooks and local bookmakers. (Nevada is currently the only state where you can bet on a single game). SPORTS BETTING 101
Coaches’ Corner
The biggest tradition in the storied Duke basketball program is “Krzyzewskiville," where students camp out before games to secure their game ticket. (The camp name is an homage to their coach). Since this year's flu has been so widespread and deadly, the school has closed the camp. Party poopers.
Vegas readers! Catch us this morning on The Morning Blend (ABC 13) between 9-10 am (PST) to play Super Bowl trivia alongside Shawn and JJ.
