The Big Game is finally here! Soon enough the NFL will crown a champion in the battle between San Francisco and Kansas City amid flying confetti and the blazing lights of Las Vegas.
The Big Game is more than just a game, it is a historic moment that will impact all those involved. It can stamp tickets to the Hall of Fame. It could stamp tickets to infamy. It could make or break careers both on and off the field. These two teams are fighting for more than a trophy, they are fighting for legacy.
5: George Kittle vs. Travis Kelce and the Swifties
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – OCTOBER 10: Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs smiles while being interviewed after the Chiefs defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 30-29 to win the game at Arrowhead Stadium on October 10, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images)
Ok, ok, let’s get this one out of the way (eye roll). We all know that the NFL, the media, and Hollywood would love nothing better than to see Kansas City win so Taylor Swift can celebrate with her beau Travis Kelce on the field. We get it. It would be nonstop wild coverage.
At the same time this is legacy game for Kelce — who is looking for his third ring. He is widely considered the best receiving tight end in the sport right now. Another win elevates him past some of the best at his position.
On the opposite sideline, George Kittle is widely considered the second best tight end in the sport behind Kelce. He is looking for ring numero uno. A win for San Francisco helps cement his Hall of Fame creds as well.4: Andy Reid Could Join Immortal Class with Third Championship
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 29: Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid celebrates with the Lamar Hunt Trophy after winning the AFC Championship NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 29, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Only four coaches have won three or more Big Game rings in NFL history. Joe Gibbs and Bill Walsh each won three with Washington and San Francisco, respectively. Chuck Noll won four with Pittsburgh in the 1970s, and, of course, Bill Belichick owns six rings with New England. Andy Reid could join that club with a win on Sunday. Should Kansas City come through, Reid — who was a lock for the Hall of Fame years ago — will enter immortal status with a third championship belt to his name.
Reid has really turned the corner with Kansas City over the past decade-plus. While his first decade as head coach in Philadelphia was very successful, — he’s the winningest coach in Philly history — he only got to the Big Game once with the Birds in 2004. Sunday’s showdown will be Reid’s fourth trip to the Big Game with K.C.
3: Brock Purdy Changes The Narrative About "Mr. Irrelevant"
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 28: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers scrambles with the ball against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
It is not unusual to see a quarterback come out of obscurity to lead his team to championship. Kurt Warner was an undrafted prospect who was packing shelves before leading St. Louis to a world title in 1999; Brad Johnson was a ninth round pick for Minnesota in 1992, toiled around as journeyman, before winning it all in 2002 with Tampa. And of course there was some sixth round pick taken by New England in 2000 who went on to become the GOAT.
Brock Purdy has a chance to join those three, and forever change the meaning of “Mr. Irrelevant” with a world championship and MVP performance on the grandest stage of them all on Sunday. Purdy was infamously the last pick of the 2022 draft, who shot up the San Fran depth chart to take the starters job in the second half of the 2022 season. A win Sunday, and the comparisons between Purdy and Tom Brady will only grow louder.
2: Patrick Mahomes Continues Pursuit of Tom Brady's Records
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 23: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
If there is one player one can make the case who can catch Tom Brady’s postseason records, it is Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Already Mahomes is ninth all time in passing yards in the postseason, and should easily pass Joe Montana on Sunday. He could also pass Payton Manning for postseason touchdown passes on Sunday as well. But what Mahomes wants more than any stat is the ring. A third ring would put him nearly halfway to catching Tom Brady’s record seven championships. At 28-years old, anything is possible for the game’s best quarterback. A win only adds to the legacy.
Kyle Shannahan's Make or Break Legacy
HENDERSON, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 06: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers speaks to the media during San Francisco 49ers media availability ahead of Super Bowl LVIII at Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa on February 06, 2024 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
Nobody has a more intriguing storyline in this Big Game than San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan. He has been here before — once as offensive coordinator of in Atlanta back in 2017, and four years ago as head coach in San Francisco. Each game ended in a brutal loss. A third loss in the Big Game, second as a head coach, would dent what has been a solid resume up to this point. Many pundits would label him — as they did Andy Reid for years in Philadelphia — as the coach who couldn’t get it done.
A win Sunday would change everything. Shanahan would be able to put his name next to Bill Walsh and George Seifert as coaches who won it all in San Fran. A win Sunday would also mean that Kyle and his father Mike Shanahan — who won two Big Games in Denver back in the late 90’s, would be the first ever father-son duo to win it all as head coaches.
If anyone has more riding on legacy in Vegas this Sunday, it’s Kyle Shanahan.
