Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro couldn’t help bringing up the Dallas Cowboys while celebrating the Philadelphia Eagles Friday.
During the Eagles’ victory parade celebrating Sunday’s Super Bowl victory, Shapiro gave a speech in which he suggested the Eagles are “America’s Team.”
“People love to hate on the Eagles. People love to hate on Philly. I think we became America’s Team in all of this. I hope Dallas hears this,” Shapiro yelled during his speech.
Shapiro then reposted a Sports Illustrated article that covered his comments on X. Many critics were quick to mock him for the comments in response.
“Crazy thinking about a team that hasn’t won a Super Bowl in 30 years during the parade,” one user wrote.
“We don’t want to be America’s team. Why would you think we do? Just stop,” wrote another user.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in his office in the state Capitol in Harrisburg, Pa., Dec. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Daniel Shanken)
Other critics were quick to point out the Eagles share a state with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have a longer history of success than the Eagles, with six Super Bowl wins compared to the Eagles’ two.
“They’re not even Pennsylvania’s team,” one user wrote.
Another user asked, “If the Steelers win next year…what will you say?”
Many users pointed out how much time Shapiro and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker took during their speeches. Parker was even booed during hers and was met with chants of “wrap it up!” from fans.
“You and the mayor should’ve just said “Go Birds” and then exited the stage. No one was there to see either of you. I said what I said,” one user wrote in response.
NFL FANS INTERVENE AFTER RESTAURANT OWNED BY EAGLES’ CJ GARDNER-JOHNSON’S MOM HIT BY UNWARRANTED BAD REVIEWS
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker next to the Vince Lombardi Trophy during the Super Bowl championship parade and rally. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
Another user wrote, “You and Cherelle hogged way too much time at the podium. Nobody wanted to listen to either of you.”
Shapiro has come under fire from conservatives after suing President Donald Trump‘s administration Thursday to unfreeze federal funds. Shapiro said the administration’s decision jeopardizes Pennsylvania projects, including “reclaiming abandoned mine land, capping and plugging orphan wells, and lowering consumer costs.”
Meanwhile, the Commonwealth is incurring debt on federally approved projects.
“The federal government has entered into a contract with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, promising to provide billions of dollars in congressionally approved funding that we have committed to serious needs – like protecting public health; cutting energy costs; providing safe, clean drinking water; and creating jobs in rural communities. With this funding freeze, the Trump administration is breaking that contract, and it’s my job as governor to protect Pennsylvania’s interests,” Shapiro said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro waves to Eagles fans during the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl victory parade along South Broad Street in Philadelphia, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.(Daniella Heminghaus/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
“While multiple federal judges have ordered the Trump administration to unfreeze this funding, access has not been restored, leaving my administration with no choice but to pursue legal action to protect the interests of the Commonwealth and its residents.”
The Trump administration has called the legal challenges to Trump’s executive orders “an attempt to undermine the will of the American people.” The White House on Thursday dismissed Shapiro’s lawsuit as an extension of the “left’s resistance.”
“Radical leftists can either choose to swim against the tide and reject the overwhelming will of the people, or they can get on board and work with President Trump to advance his wildly popular agenda. These lawsuits are nothing more than an extension of the left’s resistance — and the Trump administration is ready to face them in court,” White House principal deputy press secretary Harrison Fields said.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Jackson Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. He previously worked for ESPN and Business Insider. Jackson has covered the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, and has interviewed iconic figures Usain Bolt, Rob Gronkowski, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman, Mike Trout, David Ortiz and Roger Clemens.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ defense shut out the Kansas City Chiefs for most of Sunday’s Super Bowl, giving the team a 34-0 lead before Patrick Mahomes responded late in the second half.
One of the team’s top defensive stars believes his performance was worthy of the MVP award.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ Josh Sweat reacts after sacking Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the first half of the Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Mahomes was sacked a career-high six times during Sunday’s beatdown, and veteran edge rusher Josh Sweat led the charge with 2½ sacks, a career best.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
The Chiefs’ offense was limited to 23 yards in the first half, and Mahomes was picked off twice, including rookie Cooper DeJean’s pick-six on his 22nd birthday.
The Eagles’ defense had a field day. And Sweat, whose performance went beyond the stat line, believed that was enough to earn the MVP honor.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) tries to avoid the reach of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Josh Sweat, left, during the first half of the Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
EAGLES’ JALEN HURTS NAMED SUPER BOWL LIX MVP: ‘GOD IS GOOD’
“I should’ve had it,” Sweat said of the Super Bowl MVP, via The Philadelphia Inquirer. “I could’ve had it. It’s all good, though.”
The last defensive player to be named Super Bowl MVP was Von Miller in the 2016 Super Bowl. Miller recorded six tackles, 2½ sacks and two forced fumbles during that game. Sweat registered six total tackles and 2½ sacks in Sunday’s game.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs past the Philadelphia Eagles’ Josh Sweat (19) during the second half of the Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Instead, quarterback Jalen Hurts was named Super Bowl MVP.
In his second Super Bowl appearance, Hurts completed 17 of 22 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 72 yards and a touchdown to lead the Eagles to a 40-22 win and the team’s second Lombardi Trophy.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter
Josh Allen finally earned his first MVP award Thursday night by a slim margin.
The Buffalo Bills quarterback edged Lamar Jackson by 21 points. Allen received 27 first-place votes to Jackson’s 23.
Allen has been a perennial MVP candidate throughout his career but had always fallen short prior to Thursday.
SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE
He was a finalist three previous times, and with Jackson having just won last year, one Hall of Famer suggested Allen received sympathy votes this year.
“I get it, because [Josh] is a great quarterback. He hadn’t won one. Lamar had two. And they’re like, ‘Let’s just give him one.’ But that’s the wrong reason,” Jonathan Ogden told TMZ Sports. “But it’s all good. What are you going to do? But they made the wrong choice. But that’s all good.
“I don’t want it to sound like I’m hating on Josh because the brother is a tremendous quarterback. But he didn’t have the year Lamar had.”
Jackson’s numbers do trump Allen’s mostly across the board, but there is something to be said about Allen’s Bills running away with their division despite letting go of top receiver Stefon Diggs.
This season marked the first time since 2019 Allen did not pass for 4,000 yards, but he did lead the NFL with a 77.4 total QBR. While his 28 passing touchdowns were also his lowest since 2019, he did run for 12 touchdowns, the second most of his career.
HOW TO WATCH SUPER BOWL LIX BETWEEN CHIEFS, EAGLES STREAMED ON TUBI
After winning his second MVP award last year, Jackson hit career highs with his first 4,000-yard campaign and his first season throwing 40 touchdowns.
Allen got the benefit of a rather subpar division, clinching the AFC East Dec. 1. But it became clear that as long as Allen is in the fold, the Bills have a chance to compete.
Allen received 22 second-place votes to Jackson’s 26 (Saquon Barkley and Joe Burrow each received one), while Allen also got a third-place vote. Jackson recorded a fourth-place vote.
This comes despite Jackson receiving more first-team All-Pro votes than Allen. It’s the first time since 1987 (John Elway) a first-team All-Pro did not win the MVP.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
The Buffalo Bills quarterback was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player for the first time on Thursday.
Fans wondered what Allen would do after the Bills traded Stefon Diggs in the offseason. Well, he clearly was just fine.
SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) leaves the field after a game against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium. (Mark Konezny-Imagn Images)
Allen threw 28 touchdowns against a career-low six interceptions while also scoring a dozen touchdowns with his legs. Allen’s 77.4 QBR was the NFL’s best, which is more impressive considering he didn’t exactly have household names to throw to – Khalil Shakir led the team in targets (100), receptions (76), and yards (821).
Allen got the benefit of a rather subpar division, clinching the AFC East on Dec. 1. But, it became very clear that as long as Allen is in the fold, the Bills will have a chance to compete.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) passes against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
HOW TO WATCH SUPER BOWL LIX BETWEEN CHIEFS, EAGLES STREAMED ON TUBI
He beat out Lamar Jackson narrowly – perhaps the AFC divisional round was foreshadowing of the MVP vote, as Allen’s Bills pulled out a narrow 27-25 win over Baltimore two and a half weeks ago.
Allen is yet to get over the Kansas City Chiefs hump, losing to them for a fourth time in the playoffs in the AFC title game. However, a long-coveted MVP is finally on Allen’s resume.
Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi.(Tubi)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Allen also beat out Saquon Barkley, Joe Burrow, and Jared Goff.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
NEW ORLEANS – Super Bowl LIX will feature arguably the NFL’s top running back in Saquon Barkley who, in his inaugural season with the Philadelphia Eagles, rushed for over 2,000 yards to join elite company in that respect on his way to playing in the “Big Game” for the first time.
Barkley, like many other running backs in the NFL, are the tonesetter on offense – as he goes, the rest of the offense follows. The same can be said for other star backs in the NFL, so why is Barkley making just $12.583 million per year on his new Eagles deal?
The running back market has been scrutinized by those who play the position, as well as others throughout the football world, because there are teams that wouldn’t be able to function without their running backs.
SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE
Philadelphia Eagles running back (and former NY Giants back) Saquon Barkley (26) greets fans at MetLife Stadium.(Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images)
For example, could you imagine Green Bay Packers’ success this season without Josh Jacobs, who was sixth in rushing yards this year? He spoke to Fox News Digital on Wednesday at radio row ahead of Super Bowl LIX, where he said the running back market “has to go up.”
“I think there’s no way it couldn’t go up, because I feel like the top seven guys right now, three of them got to get paid soon,” Jacobs, who also discussed his partnership with USAA, the official “Salute to Service” partner of the NFL. “Those guys are Bijan [Robinson], Jahmyr [Gibbs], and Kyren [Williams]. Their [contract] stuff is coming up.”
The players Jacobs mentioned are still on their rookie deals, but each of them finished in the top seven in rushing yards in 2024. And there were almost two 2,000-yard rushers last season, as Baltimore Ravens veteran Derrick Henry thrived with his new squad.
HOW TO WATCH SUPER BOWL LIX BETWEEN CHIEFS, EAGLES STREAMED ON TUBI
Jacobs showed love to his position group, only proving his point more.
“Obviously, doing what Saquon and Derrick has done. You even see Joe Mixon and what he’s done. I think it’s got to go up,” he explained. “Even with Christian and his extension he got at the beginning of the year, I think it helps the running back market. But seeing what we did, how much we were for our teams, I think the market has to go up.”
Jacobs signed a four-year, $48 million deal with the Packers in free agency this past season, joining a team that he had great success with as he scored 15 times on the ground.
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) celebrates a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024 in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
But to think that players like Mixon, who finished with 1,312 yards from scrimmage for the Houston Texans, is only making $9.875 million per season doesn’t sound right when some tight ends are making close to double that.
In fact, Henry’s deal with the Ravens was only worth $16 million over two years.
Will the running back market finally adjust to where players in the position group are happy with the compensation? Or will teams still consider it a position that can be plug-and-play throughout the year?
SUPER BOWL MEMORIES WITH USAA
Jacobs is in the Big Easy to not only enjoy his time around fellow peers while watching the Big Game – he’s surprising one of our military veterans with tickets to the Super Bowl.
Sergeant Major Kevin Bennett of the U.S. Marine Corps spent 34 years, from 1971-2004, dedicating his life to combat missions all over the world. Being a huge Packers fan, it was only right in Jacobs’ eyes that the running back be the one to surprise Bennett with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience football’s biggest stage.
Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi.(Tubi)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Jacobs and Bennett will share some time together on Friday when tickets will be bestowed on one of America’s heroes.
“Man, I’m excited, because, obviously, to me, they’re the real heroes,” Jacobs said. “My grandpa served in the Air Force and my uncle actually served in the marines. So, for me, it’s definitely closer to home. To be able sit down, talk to him, pick his brain a little bit, tell him I appreciate his service and things like that is definitely huge for me.”
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.
Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account – free of charge.
By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive.
Please enter a valid email address.
NEW ORLEANS – Each year, the Super Bowl creates memories that last a lifetime for so many, whether they are heading to the “Big Game,” or at home watching with friends and family.
This year, Green Bay Packers star running back Josh Jacobs is doing something special for someone he puts in the category as “the real heroes.”
Retired Sgt. Maj. Kevin Bennett is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, who served 34 years from 1971-2004. He had a career filled with combat missions and assignments that took him to places like Saudi Arabia/Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm, Panama, Norway, Japan, Korea and the Philippines.
SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs, #8, celebrates a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.(AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Bennett now lives in Stafford, Virginia, but he will be down in the Big Easy on Sunday as Jacobs will be surprising him and his wife of 33 years, Ivette, with Super Bowl LIX tickets to watch the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles.
Jacobs stopped by Radio Row with Fox News Digital to explain the honor it is to be surprising Bennett with the two tickets after teaming up with USAA, the official “Salute to Service” partner of the NFL and the Marine Corps Association to honor this deserving military veteran.
HOW TO WATCH SUPER BOWL LIX BETWEEN CHIEFS, EAGLES STREAMED ON TUBI
“Man, I’m excited because obviously, to me, they’re the real heroes,” Jacobs said. “My grandpa served in the Air Force and my uncle actually served in the Marines. So, for me, it’s definitely closer to home. To be able sit down, talk to him, pick his brain a little bit, tell him I appreciate his service and things like that is definitely huge for me.
“I think that it’s great that we highlight him and what he’s done and let him celebrate this with us.”
Josh Jacobs, #8 of the Green Bay Packers, participates in drills during the Green Bay Packers Minicamp at Ray Nitschke Field on June 11, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.(Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Jacobs will meet Bennett and many other military guests at the USAA’s Salute to Service Lounge during the Super Bowl Experience, as one of several NFL stars partnered with the veteran service organizations down in New Orleans.
Being the league’s “Salute to Service” partner, USAA honors military communities all over the country during the NFL season, which includes hosting military members, veterans, their families and more at events like the Super Bowl.
NFL Boot Camps have also been a fun way for those in the military community to get involved and interact with players like Jacobs, while also experiencing some of the best the league has to offer at the Super Bowl, the Pro Bowl, the NFL Draft and more.
Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi.(Tubi)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The impact of honoring our military is why Jacobs loves moments like he will have with Bennett on Friday ahead of the Big Game.
“With USAA and the Marine Corps, it’s been real big for me. It’s closer to home for me. But not only that, to be able to give back, even if it’s the slightest, or to shine light on the real heroes, I try to do that as much as I can. It’s a blessing and an honor to be able to work with these guys.”
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
A ‘Mornings with Maria’ panel provides their reactions to the December jobs report, detailing the impact it may have on the U.S. economy.
A new bipartisan bill introduced by a pair of senators would cap credit card interest rates in an effort to help consumers and fulfill one of President Donald Trump’s campaign promises.
Sens. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., introduced legislation that would cap credit interest rates at 10% immediately upon the bill’s enactment into law. The cap would then remain in effect for five years.
“During the campaign, President Trump pledged to cap credit card interest rates at 10%,” Sanders said in a statement. “Today, I am proud to be introducing bipartisan legislation with Senator Hawley to do just that.”
“When large financial institutions charge over 25% interest on credit cards, they are not engaged in the business of making credit available. They are engaged in extortion and loan sharking,” Sanders added. “We cannot continue to allow big banks to make huge profits ripping off the American people.”
US CREDIT CARD DEFAULTS SOAR TO HIGHEST LEVEL IN 14 YEARS
Credit card interest rates would be capped at 10% for five years under the Sanders-Hawley bill. (iStock / iStock)
Hawley said in a statement that capping credit card interest rates at 10% like Trump campaigned on “is a simple way to provide meaningful relief to working people.”
“Working Americans are drowning in record credit card debt while the biggest credit card issuers get richer and richer by hiking their interest rates to the moon,” Hawley added. “It’s not just wrong, it’s exploitative. And it needs to end.”
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said that credit card issuers are being “exploitative” with interest rates. (Tom Williams-Pool/Getty Images / Getty Images)
In the last Congress, Hawley introduced a bill to cap credit card interest rates at 18%, though it died in committee without receiving a vote.
The press release from Sanders and Hawley noted that in September the Trump campaign said: “President Trump has promised to cap interest rates at 10% to provide temporary and immediate relief for hardworking Americans who are struggling to make ends meet and cannot afford hefty interest payments on top of the skyrocketing costs of mortgages, rent, groceries and gas.”
HOW CREDIT CARD SWIPE FEES ARE AFFECTING SHOPPERS
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., accused financial institutions with high credit card interest rates of “loan sharking.” (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Critics of proposals to cap credit card interest rates note that it would likely cause financial institutions to be more restrictive in extending credit and offering credit cards to borrowers with relatively poor credit scores, and potentially by reducing the credit card rewards they offer.
“There’s no question that a credit card rate cap would have a massive impact on credit cardholders beyond just reducing interest payments,” said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. “Banks have been vocal that a rate cap, even one much smaller than the 10% cap backed by President Trump, would lead to a dramatic reduction in credit card rewards and even to reduced access to credit for those with imperfect credit.”
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
“However, it is also clear that most Americans are willing to accept both of those consequences if it means capping rates,” Schulz added, noting that a LendingTree survey from December found that two-thirds of cardholders would support a rate cap, even if it results in reduced rewards, while six in 10 support it even if it restricts access to credit for many.
Josh Harris, the controlling owner of the Washington Commanders, said Monday he has no plans to change the team’s nickname and that it has been catching on with fans.
The previous administration’s decision to change the team’s nickname caused a ton of blowback from fans. Daniel Snyder renamed the organization the Washington Football Team from the Washington Redskins amid a summer of racial tension in the U.S. in 2020. Then the team was renamed the Commanders from there.
SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE
Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris looks on from the sidelines prior to the game against the San Francisco 49ers on December 31, 2023, in Landover, Md.(Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Harris made clear the team name would stay put.
“I think it’s now being embraced by our team, by our culture, by our coaching staff, so, we’re going with that,” Harris said. “Now, in this building, the name Commanders means something. It’s about players who love football, are great at football, hit hard, mentally tough, great teammates. It’s really meaningful that that name is growing in meaning.”
Bringing the Redskins nickname and logo back has been a topic broached a few times since Harris took over.
HOW TO WATCH SUPER BOWL LIX BETWEEN CHIEFS, EAGLES STREAMED ON TUBI
Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris is shown prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys in Landover, Md., on Nov 24, 2024.(Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)
Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., said in November “good faith negotiations” about honoring the team’s history, including the Blackfeet chief logo that the organization used for decades, helped lawmakers and the organization come to a deal on the RFK Stadium site in D.C.
“As far as rebranding and bringing (back) our past, which obviously I grew up with and all the Super Bowl championships and our future together, you’re going to see us head back towards honoring our past and bringing it together with our future,” Harris said.
Harris said talks are ongoing with Maryland, Virginia and D.C. officials about a new stadium and put 2030 as a “reasonable target” for opening.
“I grew up with a great stadium, and I understand what it’s like to play in a stadium where it’s hard for the visiting team to play,” Harris said, referring to RFK Stadium, the team’s former home in Washington from 1961-96 before moving to Landover, Maryland. “We need to have a great place where our fans can show up, and, as much as possible, we want that to be an advantage to our team in terms of winning on the field.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said a stadium in D.C. could be a “huge economic driver.”
Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi.(Tubi)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“I think it can be great for our nation,” Goodell said. “I remember that as a kid growing up, the power of that. If that’s the best alternative, I think it would be a great thing.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital’ssports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account – free of charge.
By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive.
Please enter a valid email address.
Former NFL quarterback-turned-analyst Dan Orlovsky sat on the ESPN desk for “Get Up” the day after Championship Sunday with his head down.
Taking a breath, he spoke his mind after seeing the Buffalo Bills fall to the Kansas City Chiefs again in the playoffs – four straight times Josh Allen & Co. fell to Patrick Mahomes.
“I think it’s the most haunted organization and might be the most haunted player in the history of the NFL,” Orlovsky told his colleagues. “Four straight Super Bowl losses 30-plus years ago, and now four straight losses to Patrick Mahomes when your quarterback plays just as good. Just as good in all those games, and the point differential is only five points.”
SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen walks off the field after the AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.(Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Does Orlovsky have a point? Are the Bills, and Allen, the most haunted organization and player in the history of the league?
There are 12 teams who have never won a Super Bowl, four of which have never seen the “Big Game” on their schedule: Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Of those 12 teams, only two have been to the Super Bowl four times but lost every time – the Bills and Minnesota Vikings. But there’s only one team in the history of the NFL to go to four straight Super Bowls and lose them all, and “Bills Mafia” had to deal with four years of the highest of highs followed by the lowest of lows in terms of fandom.
There were the “Curse of the Bambino” and “Curse of the Billy Goat” for the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs, respectively, though they snapped those this century with World Series titles. For the Bills, the “Curse of Mahomes” might be the title for this Allen era, but the woes for the organization and fan base started in the 1990 season with an infamous kick.
HOW TO WATCH SUPER BOWL LIX BETWEEN CHIEFS, EAGLES STREAMED ON TUBI
WIDE RIGHT
Super Bowl XXV saw two New York teams, the Bills and Giants, going against each other for the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
In the fourth quarter, Jim Kelly, much like Allen in that they were both bonafide stars at the quarterback position at the time of the Bills’ success, had 2:16 remaining for a game-winning drive. On the team’s final possession, he led his offense down the field, moving the ball quickly with short passes and some runs.
The Bills managed to get in field goal range, where kicker Scott Norwood could attempt a game-winning kick from 47 yards out. But when Norwood connected with the ball, it went wide right, and the Giants ran out the clock to win their second Super Bowl title for the franchise.
HOW ‘BOUT THEM COWBOYS
The NFC East wasn’t kind to the Bills during this stretch, as they were beaten in Super Bowl XXVI by the Washington Redskins, 37-24, when Buffalo wasn’t able to put up a first-half point in the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis in 1992.
Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith in action against the Buffalo Bills during Super Bowl XXVII at the Rose Bowl. The Cowboys defeated the Bills, 52-17.(Mandatory Credit: Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY NETWORK)
And if that was bad, it was even worse in 1993 when the Dallas Cowboys, led by multiple Hall of Famers in coach Jimmy Johnson, quarterback Troy Aikman, wide receiver Michael Irvin and running back Emmitt Smith, destroyed Buffalo, 52-17.
Kelly and the Bills got off to a hot start after Thurman Thomas scored from two yards out, but it was really all Cowboys from there. Jay Novacek had a 23-yard touchdown catch from Aikman, and a fumble recovered for a touchdown by Jimmie Jones gave Dallas the lead they wouldn’t look back from.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
It didn’t help that Kelly got injured in the second quarter and Frank Reich had to take over at quarterback. But for a third straight year, Buffalo went home empty-handed.
These two teams would meet again in Super Bowl XXVIII for a rematch, this time in the Georgia Dome. But a second-half goose egg on the scoreboard led to a 30-13 defeat for the Bills, and Smith won MVP after scoring two touchdowns and rushing for 132 yards on 30 carries.
Four straight years and no hardware is a tough pill to swallow, and what’s worse, the fan base hasn’t been back to the “Big Game” since then.
ALLEN VS. MAHOMES – PT. 1
For his regular-season career, Allen is 4-1 against Mahomes and the Chiefs, and he’s won each of the last four games. That included this season, where Allen broke multiple tackles on a 4th-and-short run to score the game-sealing touchdown in a fantastic performance at home.
But Allen and the Bills have known since the 2020 NFL campaign that Mahomes and the Chiefs are a different animal in the playoffs.
BILLS GM BRANDON BEANE DISCUSSES CONTROVERSIAL 4TH-DOWN PLAY IN AFC TITLE GAME: ‘HE GOT THAT’
The first meeting was the AFC Championship Game in 2021, where the Bills had a 9-0 lead to start the game, but Mahomes turned up the heat in the second quarter, scoring 21 points that led to a 21-12 first-half finish they wouldn’t look back from.
Mahomes would finish the game 29-of-38 for 325 yards with three touchdowns, while Tyreek Hill had a franchise-record 172 yards on nine catches and Travis Kelce totaled 13 catches for 118 yards and two scores – the most receptions by a receiver in a conference title game.
The Chiefs wouldn’t go on to win that Super Bowl, falling to Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 31-9, at Raymond James Stadium. But it was apparent to the Bills who you had to go through in the AFC to get back to the Super Bowl.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen drops back to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of the AFC Championship at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.(Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
13 SECONDS LEFT
Arguably, one of the greatest postseason football games of all-time didn’t go in the Bills’ favor, and this is perhaps the biggest gut punch of them all in recent years.
Allen couldn’t have played any better in this 2022 AFC Divisional Round game, going 27-of-37 for 329 yards and four touchdowns, all of which went to receiver Gabe Davis, who set a playoff record with his four scores, which came on eight catches for 201 yards.
Davis’ final touchdown at Arrowhead Stadium was supposed to be the dagger in the Chiefs’ hopeful return to the AFC Championship, as there were just 13 seconds left on the fourth-quarter clock when the Bills’ kickoff commenced.
Leave it to Mahomes, though, as he threw a 19-yard pass to Hill, which ran five seconds off the clock, and then Kelce was left wide open for a 25-yard catch-and-run, which was another five seconds. So, with a game-tying field goal at 36-33 on the line for Harrison Butker, he drilled a 49-yard attempt to force overtime.
With the old overtime rules, where a touchdown ends it, the Chiefs took full advantage when they won the coin toss. Mahomes needed just one run and five passes to get into the red zone, where he found Kelce on an 8-yard pass for the win.
Sports fans will tell you where they were and what they were doing for the biggest, and worst, moments of their favorite teams. This is a memory that is truly haunting.
Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass missed what would have been a game-tying field goal. The Bills lost to the Chiefs in the divisional round, 27-24.(IMAGN)
WIDE RIGHT…AGAIN
Bills fans had déjà vu last season during the Divisional Round in a game that wasn’t Allen’s best, but there was still a chance to get their own overtime revenge.
In a game at Buffalo this time, the Bills found themselves down three points in the fourth quarter with a chance to drive and at least kick a game-tying field goal to keep hopes alive for a trip to the AFC Championship.
But much like Super Bowl XXV, where Norwood missed his game-winning field goal wide right, Tyler Bass did the exact same. Bills fans at Highmark Stadium couldn’t believe history was repeating itself, as Mahomes and the offense picked up the necessary first down to seal victory.
Mahomes would go on to win back-to-back Super Bowls with an overtime victory over San Francisco, while Allen and the Bills had to wait for another crack in 2024.
“IT’S JUST NOT FUN”
That was Allen’s quote after the 32-29 loss in Kansas City in the AFC Championship, marking the fourth straight dropped to Mahomes and the Chiefs. And there were surely some controversial calls, like the Xavier Worthy catch near the goal line that was ruled a catch despite the ball touching the ground during replay review.
But the biggest of them all came in the fourth quarter, when the Bills were up 22-21 over the Chiefs and had a chance to further their lead with another good drive. On 3rd-and-short, Allen whipped a screen to Dalton Kincaid, who scampered forward for what appeared to be a first down. However, he was ruled short despite referees not seeing his knee never touched the ground where he appeared to get tackled.
Instead of a challenge coming from the Bills’ sideline, they moved quickly to get Allen set up for a quarterback sneak. When the ball was snapped, Allen got stuffed, but not before he seemed to cross the line to gain with the football.
Once again, though, the refs called him short, turning it over on downs. Five plays later, Mahomes rushed in for the second time in the game and a two-point conversion gave them a seven-point lead.
Allen, though, with ice in his veins, tied the game with a 4th-and-goal pass to Curtis Samuel, and the Bills’ defense got the stop they needed to force just a field goal for the Chiefs, who now owned a 32-29 lead.
Enough time was on the clock, and Allen had the ball again late in the game with the ability to tie the game or take the lead. But on 4th-and-5 at the two-minute warning, the Chiefs’ blitz had Allen scrambling, though he was able to heave a pass downfield to Kincaid. The tight end had a shot at making it a miraculous throw-and-catch effort, but it bounced off his arms and the Chiefs would go on to win.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen dives for a first down against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half of the AFC Championship.(Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
ALLEN STATS THAT SHOCK
Considering how great Allen and the Bills are, and the fact that they beat the Chiefs in the regular season, one would think Buffalo would pull one of these out.
But when Bass missed the field goal wide right this past season, the Bills tied the New Orleans Saints during their 2017-21 stretch with the most regular-season wins in a five-year stretch (58) without a Super Bowl appearance.
As for Allen, the last three Chiefs matchups in the postseason have resulted in 752 total passing yards and 179 rushing yards for a total of 931 yards with a 68.12% completion rate and nine total touchdowns with no turnovers.
So, despite averaging 310 yards per game over the last three meetings with the Chiefs in the playoffs and not turning the ball over, the Bills have not been able to win.
It’s why former NFL star receiver Brandon Marshall told Fox News Digital that Allen was just brought into the “wrong era to be a quarterback.”
“Sometimes you run into a Michael Jordan,” Marshall said. “Sometimes you run into a Tiger Woods in their prime, and you got to deal with it.”
WHAT NOW?
Allen’s post-game response this year said it all: “To be the champs, you got to beat the champs.”
The only thing he and the Bills can do is keep grinding, work on their fundamentals and execution and hope the Chiefs can somehow make those one or two mistakes that can flip the game in their favor.
Because what fans and experts alike can see is that Kansas City is buttoned up in those clutch moments while the Bills haven’t had things go their way.
Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi.(Tubi)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Is it because they’re haunted by a ‘90s stretch that could have a curse on them now? Or is it, like Marshall said, the wrong era to go against someone like Mahomes, who has already entered the conversation as the best quarterback of all-time?
Whichever school of thought you fall into doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, the Bills have gotten so close, and yet they’re on the outside looking in for the past 31 years.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account – free of charge.
By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive.
Please enter a valid email address.
As Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs head to their third straight Super Bowl, NFL fans can’t help but feel for the Buffalo Bills and quarterback Josh Allen.
The Chiefs can make history in New Orleans Feb. 9 by winning their third straight Super Bowl. That history has come at the expense of Allen, who is 0-4 in postseason games against Mahomes and the Chiefs.
As good as Allen is — he’s an MVP frontrunner alongside Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson this year — he has been unable to get the Bills back to the Super Bowl for the first time in over three decades.
And his postgame interview after falling to the Chiefs 32-29 showed his raw emotion. He was short with his answers and looked dejected.
SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen walks off the field after the AFC championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.(Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
One ex-NFL star, though, broke down Allen’s challenge of having to get through Mahomes to achieve the team’s goals to other sports greats.
“Sometimes you run into a Michael Jordan. Sometimes you run into a Tiger Woods in their prime, and you got to deal with it,” former All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Marshall told Fox News Digital while discussing his new venture with his “I Am Athlete” partnering with Revolt.
“If these guys can pull off one or two, then that’s what they can do. But [Mahomes has] been in the league eight years and been to the Super Bowl five times.
“Great job, Josh Allen, but this is the wrong era to be a quarterback.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Marshall said that was “no knock” against Allen, Jackson, Joe Burrow or even C.J. Stroud with his Houston Texans falling to the Chiefs in the divisional round.
But as good as Basketball Hall of Famer Karl Malone was with the Utah Jazz, they couldn’t beat Jordan and the Bulls in the two NBA Finals they played. And when Woods was in his golfing prime, some players accepted that finishing second place any given week was an accomplishment because Woods would likely be lifting the trophy.
It’s the unfortunate result of greatness. Someone or some team has to lose.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes rolls out to pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half Nov. 26, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
Marshall described Mahomes and the Chiefs as a “once-in-a-lifetime” phenomenon to watch in sports, and it’s not just because of the two-time MVP.
“There’s a few people. There’s Patrick Mahomes. It shows his greatness,” Marshall explained. “It shows Andy Reid’s greatness, and they both need to be in the conversation of the greatest quarterback of all-time and also the greatest coach of all-time, challenging Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.
“Another person that we have to include in this conversation since he’s taken over this defense is Steve Spagnuolo. Before he got there in 2018, this defense was dead last. It was one of the worst defenses in the league for a few years. Insert Coach Spags. Now they’re top 10, and they’re doing a phenomenal job, which results in Patrick Mahomes being more of a game manager.
“He’s still spectacular and magical, but he doesn’t need to go out there and put up 40 points. He doesn’t need to go out there … he doesn’t even need Tyreek Hill.”
Allen’s numbers in the last three Bills games against the Chiefs in the playoffs are outstanding: 931 total yards, nine touchdowns and no interceptions. Yet, he’s lost them all.
Like Marshall said, it’s not a knock on Allen. It’s just clearly showing how great Mahomes and this Chiefs dynasty is it looks to make history against the Philadelphia Eagles.
PUSHING BOUNDARIES WITH REVOLT
Revolt Sports, co-hosted by Brandon Marshall and Kayla Nicole, aims to push boundaries with sports and culture talk in a new partnership with “I Am Athlete.”(Revolt Sports)
Marshall loves watching and discussing the league he played in 13 seasons and other sports and culture with his “I Am Athlete” sports media platform. But he feels he’s going to take it to the next level with the brand’s partnership with Revolt, the Black-owned multimedia platform that announced its launch of Revolt Sports.
Marshall, with media personality and cultural commentator Kayla Nicole as a co-host, will be featured on Revolt Sports Weekly powered by “I am Athlete,” which will feature unscripted discussions with the duo and other celebrity contributors from the top stories in sports to the hottest cultural topics.
The first episode, which featured Marshall’s former UCF teammates, Josh “Beezo” Bellamy and Mike Sims-Walker, discussed the NFL’s conference championship matchups, while also going deep on whether celebrating rapper Big Meech with a welcome back party next month after spending 16 years in jail for drug trafficking and money laundering is right for the community.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi.(Tubi)
“People want the real. They want authentic, and that’s what our culture is,” Marshall explained. “These are the conversations we’ve been having in the locker room since sports were established. It’s the same conversations we have in the salons and barbershops. This is the same conversation we have on the stoops on the block, same conversations.
“’I Am Athlete’ lives at the intersection of hip-hop and sports. So, talking about things that are relevant to the culture — pop culture, whatever you have it — is just a general conversation that is natural to us. That’s what you’ll get from this show every single week. We’ll dive into the hottest topics in sports and also the biggest stories in pop culture.”
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
