By Matthew Cook
Mahomes, 28, could write himself in the history books if his side defeat the 49ers. If Mahomes is successful in his fourth Super Bowl appearance in seven seasons, he will match the legendary Tom Brady’s record of three rings in his first seven campaigns.
He can also become just the fifth quarterback to win at least three Super Bowls, joining Tom Brady (seven), Joe Montana (four), Terry Bradshaw (four) and Troy Aikman (three).
Mahomes’ Chiefs have, despite in an uncharacteristic way this season, achieved qualification to their fourth Super Bowl in five years, winning three under coach Andy Reid. This domination is unprecedented since Tom Brady’s era.
Mahomes’ counterpart Brock Purdy, previously dubbed ‘Mr Irrelevant’ is determined to prove a point ahead of his Super Bowl debut. Since his selection at last place in the 2022 NFL draft, his meteoric rise has been truly remarkable.
Purdy, 24, has taken the league by storm this season, boasting the NFL’s top pass completion rate, at 70.2%. As the league’s most accurate passer, he has made a mockery of the title ‘Mr Irrelevant’ he was once referred to as in 2022.
In the repeat of the 2020 encounter (where the Chiefs emerged victors, defeating the 49ers 31-20), Mahomes will look to halt Purdy in his tracks, and claim his third Super Bowl victory in the 58th instalment of the competition.
The sporting phenomenon will be hosted in Las Vegas for the first-time ever, with the Allegiant Stadium — capable of holding 65,000 spectators — staging the enthralling contest between the two sides.
San Fransisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan is determined for his first Super Bowl win after his side have failed to get over the line in 2013 and 2020 previously.
He reflected on the impact of his father and two-time Super Bowl-winning coach, Mike Shanahan: “It makes it a little easier. My dad went to the NFL when I was four years old, so just being around it my whole life.”
On the opposing side of the dugout, Chiefs coach Andy Reid gave his take on whether the Chiefs are underdogs for their showdown match against the 49ers: “I understand why we’re the underdog — I get that — we had some ups and downs during the season. I never feel like an underdog going into a game.”
