EDITOR’S NOTE
And just like that — Super Bowl LIX is over. I think we can all agree that the game itself was the least exciting part and Jason Kelce had the worst time of everyone (can you blame him?). As for Travis, he shared his Super Bowl regrets on his podcast (and honestly, seems to be processing it well). You know who’s probably still flying high after the game? Eagles running back Saquon Barkley's daughter — after she gave the best pregame pep talk ever. Put her in, coach.
— Claudia Rupcich / Writer / Richmond, VA
Let's Discuss
What to look out for in our latest episode.
Is the Chiefs' Dynasty Over?
What's going on: The Eagles dominated Super Bowl LIX, embarrassing the Chiefs and crushing their dreams of a three-peat. But was that enough to replace the Chiefs as the new NFL dynasty to beat? With rumors about Travis Kelce’s possible retirement (he addressed them on his podcast today) and concerns over the Chiefs’ ability to retain or attract top talent, some wonder if their reign is slipping.
Our take: Most playbooks now have Philadelphia as the favorite to win the 2026 Super Bowl (yes, on to the next already). Still, the Chiefs rank right below them. And while the Eagles’ “masterful” defense dismantled the Chiefs’ offense in a way we hadn't seen before, that doesn’t mean the Birds will be back at the big game next year. So for now, let Jalen Hurts, Mickey Mouse, and Eagles fans celebrate. But don’t forget: Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes isn't going anywhere. He’s already built a pretty remarkable legacy — with three Super Bowl wins at only 29 years old. You know who else shares that stat? Seven-time NFL champion Tom Brady.
Pick Six
More sports talkers you don't want to miss.
💔 Eagles fans may have a rough time celebrating this Friday, and we're not talking about the Super Bowl parade.
🍼 Oh look, it's 2025 and women's college basketball coaches can finally be open about what it's like to be a mom and a coach.
👖 We did it. We tried on the $1,200 flare jeans seen round the world.
🧳 There’s procrastination, and then there’s Simone Biles, who still hasn’t unpacked her Olympics suitcase. The type As are twitching.
📺 ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith gave a deeply unhinged take about Serena Williams's Super Bowl appearance. Her husband was not amused.
🩰 The world's most famous ballerina sharing what it's really like to not recognize your postpartum body? On pointe.
Timeout...
Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.
How was Super Bowl LIX a win for women?
Autumn Lockwood, the Eagles’ associate performance coach, became the first Black woman coach to win a Super Bowl (she was the first Black woman to coach in a Super Bowl, in 2023). Not to mention Super Bowl MVP, Eagles QB Jalen Hurts, has an all-female management team. Plus, Nike’s first Super Bowl ad in over 27 years featured all female athletes, like Caitlin Clark, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Jordan Chiles.
The NFL also had a women’s flag football commercial featuring US Flag veteran Vanita Krouch, Serena Williams surprised everyone with her halftime appearance, and Dove aired a campaign to help build girls’ body confidence and keep them playing sports.
While football has stereotypically been for men, it’s been refreshing and exciting to see more women break down those barriers on and off the field.
FEATURED EXPERT:
Caroline Hendershot
Reporter for the New York Jets and co-host of Well Played
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