How Rihanna's Super Bowl halftime show helped Patrick Mahomes stage epic comeback vs Eagles
Rihanna's stunning Super Bowl halftime show might have given Patrick Mamhomes and the Kansas City Chiefs an edge over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Though the final score (38-35) was in the Chiefs' favor, they went into halftime with a 14-24 deficit. Mahomes, who left the field with an aggravated ankle injury, returned and led the team to their second title with him as quarterback.
While on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," Mahomes admitted that Rihanna's show gave them a much-needed break, and probably also helped break the Eagles' rhythm.
"It was a bad moment because we were losing momentum in the game as well. So we I knew the pain shot up my entire leg and I knew it was gonna hurt the rest of the way out," Mahomes said.
"But luckily enough, we had that long halftime in the Super Bowl and I was able to get some stuff done as far as mobility wise to get myself ready to go in the second half. So definitely was a scary moment for sure."
The #Chiefs in the 2nd half:
---0 penalties
---0 turnovers
---0 punts
---0 sacks allowed
---1 incompletion (throw-away)
Post the halftime performance, the Chiefs came back with a newfound energy, converting 93.8% of their first downs into a TD or another first down. Their numbers were impressive, and eventually translated into a victory.
Did Patrick Mahomes watch Rihanna's performance?
Even if Mahomes' game changed after the singer's comeback stage at halftime, the players weren't allowed to watch the performance themselves. When asked about his injury, Mahomes admitted that he was sure it would hurt even before the Super Bowl started.
The performance just gave Patrick Mahomes a chance to get some stuff done and end up winning. Kimmel asked Mahomes about watching the performance, which they weren't allowed to do. As far as coach Andy Reid was concerned, it was either the Super Bowl or Rihanna's performance.
"I didn't, but I heard it was great. But uh, coach Reid told us, he said, 'if you go out to watch the performance just keep walking 'cause you're not playing the rest of the game," Mahomes said.
Apparently, the "Umbrella" singer was also being asked to name her baby after Mahomes. The quarterback added that as his name is also his son's name (Patrick Lavon Mahomes III), he doesn't think it is allowed anymore.
"You have to think of another one."
Brandon Marshall talks to Rihanna about his prank on Patrick Mahomes https://t.co/VjKUgBeVbk
Before the big game, former NFL player Brandon Marshall pranked Mahomes, telling him Rihanna thought he was the greatest quarterback.
The 34-year-old pop icon sympathized with Mahomes over the prank:
"I am so sorry you went through that [Patrick]. I still think you're great. [Brandon's] a hater!"
Mahomes and the Chiefs are now entering the offseason, basking in the glory of their success.