by Tyler Arthur
Millions of American football fans across the world watched the ‘greatest show on Earth’ unfold on Sunday, February 4, as the New England Patriots battled the Philadelphia Eagles in the 52nd Super Bowl.
Famously, the Super Bowl is a late-night commitment for UK fans. With the game kicking-off at 11.30pm for a match which takes notoriously long in the first place, it leaves those who commit to the full four quarters awake at almost 4am in the morning.
However, fans of the winning team don’t mind. The Philadelphia Eagles managed to topple the favourites from Boston, with a nerve-wracking 41-33 victory, that came down to the final play.
DMU Architecture student and Eagles fan, Tia Betton, 19, was at the DMU Falcons’ annual Super Bowl gathering, which was hosted at the Walkabout bar, in Belvoir Street, Leicester, she said: “It was absolutely insane!”
“It was worth staying up late for! It was incredible to watch my team lift that trophy, I wouldn’t have missed that just for an extra few hours’ sleep,” the Falcons running back, and secretary said.
The Eagles triumphed, even under the leadership of a back-up Quarterback; Nick Foles, who showed incredible poise and creativity throughout the game, and it paid off – as they won the war of attrition, by just eight points – against the greatest QB of all time, Tom Brady.
Joe Bull, 21, a DMU Policing student and Tight End for the Falcons, also shared the euphoria of witnessing his favourite team raise the Vince Lombardi Trophy, at the DMU Falcons party: “I was a little bit tipsy, but I remember the utter disbelief.”
“I’ve been on a high for days, it is honestly unreal. I think I’ve mentioned the Super Bowl in every conversation I’ve had, people are probably getting annoyed,” Joe laughed.
“Being a Leicester City fan as well, I’ve had two underdog stories in the last three years! I must be a lucky charm or something,” he said.
Nervous – Joe Bull (above) anxiously watching on as the referees deliberate over a crucial decision – which went the Eagles’ way – and ultimately resulted in their win.
Defensive End of the Eagles, Brandon Graham (left), made the game-saving play, when he strip-sacked Tom Brady for a fumble recovery – which stopped the Patriots from scoring on a pivotal drive in the last quarter.
After this huge play – the only time that they sacked number 12 all game – the Eagles took the ball down the field to score 3 points which sealed the deal, taking them to the final 41-33 lead.
This Super Bowl will be remembered as one of the greatest underdog stories in sporting history, and has somehow managed to rival the drama of the Patriots’ incredible comeback in Super Bowl LI, last year.
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