The Chiefs stand on the brink of history, one win away from an unprecedented three-peat. But not everyone is celebrating. As skepticism spreads, the big game faces an unexpected challenge off the field.
Super Bowl 2025 is just around the corner, set to take over New Orleans on Sunday, February 9. The big game, Super Bowl LIX, will be played at Caesars Superdome, promising an action-packed showdown on the field and plenty of entertainment off it.
Super Bowl LVIX Pregame & Apple Music Super Bowl LVIX Halftime Show Press Conference on on February 06, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana. | Source: Getty Images
Fans can dive into the excitement all week long, with events like Opening Night and the Super Bowl Experience offering interactive activities for all ages.
The halftime show is shaping up to be a must-watch spectacle. Kendrick Lamar, who was announced as the headliner back in September, will take center stage for the first time. But he won’t be performing alone.
Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl LIX Pregame + Apple Music Halftime Show Press Conference on February 06, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana. | Source: Getty Images
A teaser released by Apple Music revealed that Grammy-winning artist SZA will join him, adding even more star power to the lineup. Lamar is no stranger to the Super Bowl stage—he previously made a guest appearance in the 2022 halftime show alongside Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre.
The night will also feature performances from homegrown Louisiana talent. Jon Batiste will deliver the national anthem, while Christian singer Lauren Daigle and jazz musician Trombone Shorty will team up for “America the Beautiful.” R&B powerhouse Ledisi will round out the lineup with her rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Trombone Shorty, Lauren Daigle and Jon Batiste pose for a photo prior during the Super Bowl LIX Pregame + Apple Music Halftime Show Press Conference on February 06, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana. | Source: Getty Images
With football, music, and star-studded performances, the battle for the Vince Lombardi Trophy is set, with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles gearing up for a high-stakes showdown at Super Bowl LIX.
Adding to the excitement, Taylor Swift will be in attendance to cheer on her boyfriend, Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce. Her presence at the big game was confirmed by none other than Travis’ brother, Jason Kelce.
Taylor Swift celebrates with Travis Kelce during the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. | Source: Getty Images
All season long, headlines have speculated about the so-called “Swift effect” on the NFL. According to Nielsen data, regular-season viewership jumped 7 percent compared to last year. Two of the four highest-rated “Sunday Night Football” games featured Taylor in the stands.
Now, there’s fresh data to back up her influence. A flash survey conducted by consumer research firm Numerator found that 20% of 2024 Super Bowl viewers rooted for the Chiefs solely because of Travis’ relationship with the global superstar.
Travis Kelce celebrates with Taylor Swift after a victory against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 28, 2024, in Baltimore, Maryland. | Source: Getty Images
The poll, taken after the Chiefs’ dramatic 25-22 overtime victory against the San Francisco 49ers, further cement Taylor’s impact on the league.
The Kansas City Chiefs have been nothing short of dominant. With their eyes set on a historic third consecutive Super Bowl title, they’ve once again proven why they’re the team to beat.
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce after at the Super Bowl LVIII Pregame at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
Led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have now reached the Super Bowl four times in the last five seasons, securing three championships along the way.
Last year, they became the first team since Tom Brady’s New England Patriots (2004-2005) to win back-to-back titles. Now, they stand just one game away from another shot at glory.
Their latest triumph came in the AFC Championship Game, where Patrick delivered yet another clutch performance. He threw for 245 yards and a touchdown while rushing for two more, leading Kansas City to a thrilling 32-29 victory over the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Chiefs’ success hasn’t just brought championships—it’s also opened doors for many of its players. Travis, in particular, has seen new opportunities come his way following the team’s Super Bowl victories.
While football remains his passion, he’s also exploring life beyond the field. He’s confident that whenever his playing days end, he’ll have plenty of other paths to pursue.
Travis Kelce at the Super Bowl LVIII Pregame held at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024, in Paradise, Nevada | Source: Getty Images
When asked about the Chiefs’ chances of winning another Super Bowl after back-to-back titles, Travis emphasized the importance of adapting. He said that despite having the same players, they needed to mold the team and build new strategies.
Travis also acknowledged the support he receives from his loved ones, including Taylor. “I had a bunch of friends and family show up to support me,” he shared. “Taylor made a little appearance and had some fun off-set.”
Speaking at the official Super Bowl LIX kick-off, Travis made it clear that the upcoming showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles won’t be easy. “This is going to be our biggest test yet,” he said. “The biggest thing is—they play great together. You can see their communication.”
The Chiefs’ return to the Super Bowl has put them on the brink of history. A victory over the Eagles would make them the first team in NFL history to achieve a three-peat, following their consecutive championships in 2023 and 2024
However, not everyone is thrilled about their continued success. This year’s Super Bowl has sparked controversy, with some fans accusing the league of favoring Kansas City. A wave of skepticism has taken over social media, where many claim the games are “rigged” in the Chiefs’ favor.
“#BoycottSuperBowl Seriously, don’t watch the game. Let their ratings suffer. This must stop. When they get crushed in viewership, then they’ll… stop rigging it for the Chiefs,” one user on X fumed.
Another added, “Bingo. As long as people are watching because of a pop star… they will continue to blatantly rig it. When Kelce retires, it goes away. But at what cost? Everyone knows how rigged it is now.”
Frustrated viewers have gone as far as swearing off the game entirely. “I’m not going to bother watching the Super Bowl if KC is in it. I understand that the NFL is a business, Taylor Swift draws eyes, etc., but I want to watch a fair game. Watching a Chiefs game isn’t it.”
Travis Kelce kisses Taylor Swift during Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
Calls for a boycott are gaining traction. “Don’t watch the Super Bowl. If you watch, you’re telling the NFL you’re fine with the games being rigged for the Chiefs,” another post read. Another echoed similar sentiments, “I’m with you. Boycotting.”
The skepticism runs deep. “I already know the NFL & refs will make sure the Chiefs win. They want them to be the first team in NFL history to do a three-peat. It’s so irritating,” one user claimed.
Travis Kelce is swarmed by press after defeating the San Francisco 49ers at Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
Some fans said the predictability has drained the excitement. “I feel absolutely zero excitement for it. The Chiefs are too overdone. It’s gonna be too predictable.” Others were more blunt, “I won’t be watching. Spoiler alert—KC will win. It’s rigged.” Another wrote, “I’m as serious as anything, I won’t watch 1 second of the Super Bowl.”
Despite the backlash, the Chiefs remain focused on the game. But with social media buzzing and some fans threatening to tune out, Super Bowl LIX is shaping up to be one of the most debated championship games in recent times.
