Patrick Mahomes treated Super Bowl opening night like a quick drill, firing off answers one after the other. Travis Kelce, meanwhile, avoided questions about proposing to Taylor Swift.
The Kansas City Chiefs handled the Super Bowl kickoff event with ease, like they’ve done it before. The Philadelphia Eagles, fresh from their Super Bowl appearance two years ago, were also calm, though their standout player, Saquon Barkley, was new to the spectacle.
Barkley experienced the media frenzy for the first time. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni got letters and even a kiss from Chad Johnson. Quarterback Jalen Hurts cracked a smile or two during the night.
Before Mahomes, Kelce, and the Chiefs face Hurts, Barkley, and the Eagles in the Super Bowl on Sunday, they had to tackle the media madness.
Barkley wasn’t on the Eagles’ roster two years ago when they lost to the Chiefs 38-35. He left the New York Giants for a chance at a Super Bowl title.
“That’s why me and my family made the decision to come to Philadelphia, to have an opportunity to play in the Super Bowl. And here we are,” Barkley said.
The Chiefs, who’ve been here five times in the past six years, are used to the oddball questions and requests during opening night.
Mahomes jokingly created a mock football team with NBA players, choosing Russell Westbrook as quarterback and Anthony Edwards at receiver. He even asked the media for restaurant recommendations.
Kelce discussed pop tarts with Swift’s name on them and said he hopes to match her energy on stage. But when asked about proposing to his famous girlfriend, Kelce avoided the question: “Super Bowl ring? Next question.”
Players were asked about their favorite foods, colors, and music, among other things. A Mexican reporter handed Sirianni a pile of fan letters, and former Bengals star Chad Johnson kissed him on the head. Hurts burst into laughter when someone tossed him a cookie—an unintentional throw. Browns quarterback Jameis Winston asked Darius Slay questions before telling him to eat a “W.”
The Eagles went first, spending an hour answering questions from reporters from all over the world in the Superdome. The Chiefs followed and were greeted with loud cheers.
Media day has changed from a daytime event to a prime-time spectacle on national TV. Last year in Las Vegas, more than 6,000 media members from 26 countries covered the event.
Football strategy takes a backseat on the first night.
New Orleans is hosting its 11th Super Bowl and its first since 2013, when the Baltimore Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers.
The Chiefs are aiming to make history by becoming the first NFL team to win three Super Bowls in a row. The Eagles are hoping for their second Vince Lombardi trophy. “We’re obsessed with winning,” said owner Jeffrey Lurie.
Both teams arrived on Sunday and every player and coach participated in media sessions on Monday night. Some players, including the head coaches and quarterbacks, will have more media time on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Most of the preparation was done last week, with game plans set and regular practices held since this week won’t be typical.
One person under particular scrutiny this week is Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who’s a top candidate for the head coaching job with the New Orleans Saints. Moore can’t accept the position until after the Super Bowl, but he’s still preparing to assemble a coaching staff while staying focused on the game.
Avoiding distractions, especially on opening night, will be key for both teams as they aim to set the tone for Super Bowl victory.
