Refusing to score a touchdown helped win the Super Bowl.
That’s right. Kansas City running back Jerick McKinnon has been praised for showing incredible game awareness with a surprising play in the dying stages of the Chiefs’ 38-35 comeback win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Watch The Biggest Sports from The US with ESPN on Kayo. NBA, NHL, MLB & NFL. Live Coverage Every Week in Season. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
With less than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes handed the ball to McKinnon, who wove his way towards the end zone in the corner.
Week 17
Viewers were beyond impressed McKinnon had the presence of mind to stop himself from scoring. Former NFL quarterback Matt Flynn tweeted: “McKinnon for the Chiefs just made, maybe the greatest play I’ve ever seen in my life.” Journalist David Aldridge said: “Great play by McKinnon to not take the TD.” The Athletic’s Arif Hasan said: “Holy sh*t jerick Mckinnon sliding at the two yard line in bounds during the super bowl to go ahead. the f***ing balls.” Stopping dead on the spot isn’t as easy as it looks, as former Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley showed in 2020 when he awkwardly stumbled over for a touchdown when he was trying to stop short of the end zone. The Chiefs were certainly helped by a dubious holding penalty on the previous play — against Eagles defender James Bradberry on Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster as he began his route. Replays showed Bradberry had barely made any contact with Smith-Schuster as many blasted the officiating crew for ruining what could have been an all-time classic. The penalty effectively ended the game as kicker Harrison Butker slotted a 27-yard field goal that put the Chiefs ahead by three points and the result beyond doubt. The passage of play and a masterclass from Mahomes meant the Eagles didn’t touch the ball in the last five minutes of the game, apart from a last ditch Hail Mary from quarterback Jalen Hurts. Mahomes produced a flawless half as he led the Chiefs down the field, scoring on every drive despite raising serious concerns after he limped off the field towards the end of the second quarter after re-injuring his high ankle sprain. He tore the Eagles defence apart as the Chiefs poured on 24 points to 11 in the second half to claim their second Super Bowl victory in four seasons. Mahomes claimed his second Super Bowl MVP trophy after throwing three touchdowns in the contest.
