Super Bowl LX is in the can! As is the case every year, there were a bunch of memorable moments that had nothing to do with the game — which itself was one of the more boring Super Bowls in a while. Bad Bunny didn’t disappoint with his highly anticipated performance. Described as a “love letter” to Puerto Rico, the 13-minute set design featured a neighborhood scene, with piragua (shaved ice) carts, elders (viejitos) playing dominos, and even a barber shop.
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But Black folks showed up and out as well. Here are our five most memorable moments from the big game.
LaRussell’s pre-game tailgate concert
Rapper LaRussell opened the official pre-game tailgate concert outside Levi’s Stadium. He performed a high-energy set with a full band, featuring songs like “I’m From The Bay” from his new album, “Something’s In The Water.” For the first time in Super Bowl history, LaRussell’s band performed throughout the game during timeouts and commercial breaks, bringing local Bay Area hip-hop culture directly into the stadium experience.
Coco Jones rocks the “Black National Anthem”
Lift Every Voice and Sing, the Black National Anthem, has become a modern tradition of the Super Bowl since 2021. Acclaimed R&B star Coco Jones brought down the house at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara with her amazing rendition of the Black National Anthem, backed by a string octet. Jones also paid homage to Whitney Houston’s fit that she wore during Super Bowl XXV. Following her performance, she noted her hope that she “did her ancestors proud.” Without question, the ancestors were smiling.
Kenneth Walker III makes history With MVP trophy
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III was named Super Bowl MVP, becoming the first running back to win the award since 1998. The Last running back to win the award 28 years ago was Terrell Davis, who led the Denver Broncos over the Atlanta Falcons. During the game, he garnered 161 yards and put on a brilliant display during a basically one-sided game.
Black officials represented HBCUs
Three of the seven-man officiating crew for Super Bowl LX are alumni of HBCUs. Umpire Roy Ellison (Savannah State), Line Judge Julian Mapp (Grambling State), and Back Judge Greg Steed (Howard). According to Yahoo! Sports, Super Bowl officials have to record at least five seasons of experience to qualify. They also must serve “three as a referee and do at least one postseason game in a previous season to qualify.”
Maria Taylor makes history
Maria Taylor showed the world what Black Girl Magic is all about. The trailblazing sports broadcaster served as the lead host for NBC’s Super Bowl LX pregame show, making her the first Black woman to hold this position for the biggest game of the year. Also, becoming the first Black woman to host the Super Bowl trophy presentation, officially announcing the Seahawks as champion. Without question, Taylor will continue to make moves in the sports world for years to come.
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