Key posts
The Tush Push explained
It’s the almost unstoppable move that the Eagles hope will carry them to Super Bowl glory. But what exactly is the Tush Push, aka The Brotherly Shove, that works so well. Here’s Frances Howe with the lowdown.
President Trump at the Super Bowl
Donald Trump has been an NFL competitor and a critic. He’s allied with some league titans while feuding with others. Now he’s planning to use football as another way to play to the crowd: By attending the Super Bowl.
Trump would be the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl in the event’s 59-year history. He plans to attend the championship game in Louisiana between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday evening, a White House official said.
Donald Trump (right) in 1985, during a New Jersey Generals medial conference. The Don has lasted longer than the USFL.Credit: AP
Trump’s presence alone will be the latest in his intermingling of the country’s most popular sport with the political arena. In his first term, Trump was the chief critic of NFL players kneeling during the national anthem as a protest against police brutality.
Trump was an owner in the defunct USFL, playing a key role in the league’s failed attempt to challenge the NFL. Trump also bid to buy the Buffalo Bills a decade ago.
The president is also feuding with pop star Taylor Swift, Kelce’s girlfriend, who supported Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the 2024 campaign. “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT!” Trump posted.
Yet he and Swift may be cheering the same team. Trump cancelled their Super Bowl celebration at the White House during his first term when many players declined to attend. Trump avoided congratulating the Eagles on winning the NFC championship. (Bloomberg)
Remembering a tragedy
Mardi Gras floats with bead-tossing revellers cruised through New Orleans on Saturday as the city celebrated its Super Bowl hosting gig with a stout security presence after a New Year’s Day attack.
Reminders of the attack were omnipresent around the “Big Easy” this week, where tourists paused to take in a Bourbon Street memorial to the 14 killed and a law enforcement presence of astonishing proportions stood watch.
The F.B.I. said the man who killed 14 people when he drove into a crowd in New Orleans on New Year’s Day was “100 per cent inspired by ISIS.”Credit: Edmund D. Fountain/The New York Times
But the city known for its good cheer kept the party rolling at a first-of-its-kind Super Bowl parade ahead of Sunday’s showdown between the reigning Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.
“I like to see people smile and have a good time and let ’em know that hey, New Orleans is still in business. We still in business, baby,” said Buddy Laster, 64, decked out in gear from his New Orleans Saints.
Dozens of law enforcement officers lined the route from the French Quarter to the Central Business District, and revellers threw beads at Homeland Security agents that stood atop an armoured truck while police motorcycles wove past the crowd.
Melissa Fuller, attending the parade with her husband and two young children, said seeing throngs of excited visitors reminded her why she loves living in the city.
“We know that’s kind of what makes our city unique,” said Fuller, 39, as her five-year-old daughter Charlotte held her hands aloft to catch bead necklaces from passing floats.
“It makes you really appreciate it when you see other people seeing your city for the first time.” (Reuters)
It’s not all football
The Tush Push explained
It’s the almost unstoppable move that the Eagles hope will carry them to Super Bowl glory. But what exactly is the Tush Push, aka The Brotherly Shove, that works so well. Here’s Frances Howe with the lowdown.
Star quarterbacks head to warm-up
We’re just under an hour away from Super Bowl LIX, and star quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts have taken to the field for a warm-up.
Quiz – Who said it? Taylor or Travis
One of the most fawned over relationships of the last few years has been the one between the biggest name in music – Taylor Swift – and one of the best tight ends to have played in the NFL – Travis Kelce. Both love a motivational statement and also a bit of random fun and a window into their lives. Take this quiz and see how well you know them.
Who will win? Vote now
Hello, sports fans
Welcome to Super Bowl Monday. It’s the Chiefs and Eagles playing for all the marbles in New Orleans. Over the next six or so hours (yep, this thing takes a while) we will bring you all the action from both on and off the field.
What’s in store? A third straight Super Bowl for Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Andy Reid and the Chiefs? The Lombardi trophy heading back to Philly in the strong grasp of Australian Jordan Mailata? Kendrick Lamar stealing the limelight from everyone with his halftime show? Maybe even a wedding proposal that would make everything else today seem like small fry?
All will be revealed.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce warms up ahead of Super Bowl LIX.Credit: AP
