With swirling diplomatic tensions and Olympic events captivating the globe, the Super Bowl was a great opportunity to sit back and enjoy some football. The game captured more than 112 million viewers this year, 14 million more than the previous Super Bowl. This year’s matchup featured two fresh rosters, the fourth seeded Cincinnati Bengals and their opponent, the fourth seeded Los Angeles Rams. 

The Bengals entered the game red hot, coming off of a 18-point comeback win in the AFC championship game against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. This Cinderella team featured Joe Burrow, the beloved second-year quarterback from LSU, and his top target from college, Jamar Chase, who recorded the best statistical rookie season in receiver history and won Rookie of the Year. The Rams, on the other hand, were a collection of proven stars acquired through massive trades. They completed a trade with the Detroit Lions before the season to obtain quarterback Matthew Stafford and grabbed outside linebacker Von Miller and receiving phenom Odell Beckham, Jr. during the season. The world was ready to see if the Bengals’ offensive line could hold up in protection of their rising star quarterback, or if the Rams’ “all-in” philosophy would result in a title in their home SoFi stadium in Los Angeles.

The Rams struck first, with a 17-yard touchdown reception by Odell on a perfect pass from Matthew Stafford. It was an amazing moment for both players, each making their first Super Bowl appearance. The spotlight was cut short for Beckham, though, as he tore his ACL while running a simple crossing route in the second quarter. The Bengals responded with an Evan McPherson field goal, but the Rams quickly added another passing touchdown—this one to Cooper Kupp, the NFL offensive player of the year who had one of the best statistical seasons of all time, leading all receivers in yards, receptions, and touchdowns. Three drives later, the Bengals shocked the world with a trick play where running back Joe Mixon threw a perfect ball to receiver Tee Higgins for a score. The game went to halftime with a score of Rams 13, Bengals 10.

With the teams heading to the locker rooms to prepare for another half, all eyes turned towards the all-white stage set in the middle of the field for the Pepsi Halftime Show featuring LA hip-hop legend Dr. Dre and his disciples: Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, and Eminem, with guest performer Ice Cube. The show kicked off with Snoop and Dre performing “The Next Episode,” followed by Ice Cube hanging upside down while singing “In Da Club.” Mary J. Blige then took center stage, followed by Kendrick Lamar’s theatrical performance of “Alright” with a dance crew. Eminem was then introduced and sang his biggest hit “Lose Yourself,” before all of the artists gathered center stage. Dr. Dre sat down at a grand piano and began playing a melody that transformed into the famous “Still Dre,” which all six artists combined their vocals on to finish the show. 

After the halftime festivities, the Bengals stormed onto the field ready to bounce back. On the first play of the half, Joe Burrow threw a pass to Tee Higgins, who leaped over Jalen Ramsey, grabbing his facemask out of the referee’s view while doing so, and caught the ball, taking it 75 yards for a quick touchdown. They followed this with another McPerson field goal, to which the Rams responded with one of their own, bringing the score to Rams 16, Bengals 20, with twenty minutes left in the game. For the next 15 minutes of game time, the two teams battled back and forth for field position, but neither had any success. Finally, with five minutes remaining in the game, Stafford and Kupp orchestrated a drive in which Kupp had five catches for 46 yards, including a touchdown grab on a great route against Bengals scapegoat Eli Apple, with 1:25 left on the clock. After this play, it was all up to the defense to make a stop, and Aaron Donald, widely considered the best player in the league, pulled down Joe Burrow during a desperation heave on 4th down. This stop sealed the victory for the Rams on their home turf.

The home crowd celebrated as confetti rained down in the colors of blue, yellow, and white. The NFL community rejoiced when some of their favorite players finally won the Super Bowl ring they had deserved for their legendary careers. The final score was Rams 23, Bengals 20. Adding to his season’s accolades, Cooper Kupp was named Super Bowl MVP after catching 8 balls for 92 yards and two touchdowns. This year’s game was a thrilling end to the biggest season in NFL history; we can only wait to see what next year has in store.