Quarterback Tom Brady of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tosses a pass during Super Bowl LV. The Bucs beat the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9, giving Brady his seventh Super Bowl championship.
Credit: © Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images

On Sunday, February 7, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 in the Super Bowl, at the Buccaneers’ home field in Tampa, Florida. The game was both one for the ages and a battle of the ages. Forty-three-year-old quarterback Tom Brady of the Buccaneers faced off against 25-year-old quarterback Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs. Brady, a now seven-time Super Bowl champion, cemented his legacy as the GOAT, an abbreviation popular with fans for greatest of all time. Mahomes, a one-time Super Bowl champion, has been called the Baby GOAT, but the young star may have a long career ahead in which to attempt to steal Brady’s title. Brady became the oldest quarterback to win a Super Bowl and the oldest player ever to appear in one.

Professional football’s championship game is known for its powerful performances—both athletic and musical. The night began with the R&B singer-songwriter H.E.R. singing “America the Beautiful.” Then the country music singer-songwriter Eric Church and the R&B and hip-hop singer-songwriter Jazmine Sullivan shared the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman performed an original poem about the game’s three honorary captains. The captains were celebrated for their work in such fields as education, medicine, and veterans’ affairs, particularly in a year marked by the COVID-19 pandemic (global outbreak of disease) and massive protests against racism and police violence in the wake of the George Floyd killing. Gorman became the first poet to recite a poem at the Super Bowl.

The Chiefs scored first, putting three points on the board. It was not until the last minute of the first quarter that the Buccaneers scored. Brady passed to tight end Rob Gronkowksi for a touchdown. (Gronkowski and Brady had played nine seasons together with the New England Patriots.) Gronkowski scored again a few minutes later, giving Tampa Bay a 14-3 lead. The Chiefs then scored another field goal. But the Buccaneers scored another touchdown, extending the lead to 21-6 at the half.

The Super Bowl is known for its halftime show, which has featured such famous musicians as Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, and Prince. This year, the Canadian R&B singer, songwriter, and music producer The Weeknd performed. He sang a selection of his hits, including “Blinded by the Lights,” “Can’t Feel My Face,” and “Starboy.”

To start the second half, the Chiefs scored yet another field goal, cutting the lead to 21-9. But, that field goal would be the last score of the night for Kansas City. Halfway through the third quarter, the Buccaneers’ Leonard Fournette ran for 27 yards to score Tampa Bay’s fourth and final touchdown of the night. Following an interception, the Buccaneers’ kicker Ryan Succop scored the final points of the game, with a 52-yard field goal.

In the United States, the Super Bowl has become basically another holiday, with parties, festive foods, and gifts. (Well, at least the victors receive gifts—big, shiny rings.) But, like so many holidays this past year, this Super Bowl looked different than in years past. In many places, efforts are being made to prevent the spread of  COVID-19. Such efforts often include social distancing, meant to limit contact among people and thus the spread of germs. This year’s Super Bowl featured limited seating, and the fans in attendance were spaced for safety. Many of the fans were vaccinated healthcare workers who had been given free tickets to the game. Fans were also given masks and hand sanitizer.

For the fifth time in his career, Brady was named Super Bowl Most Valuable Player (MVP). Not muffled by their masks, fans cheered for Brady as he thanked family and friends and celebrated lucky number seven.