A thrilling Super Bowl LIX has concluded in New Orleans, delivering a resounding victory for the Philadelphia Eagles over the Kansas City Chiefs, a triumph significantly “Built by Bama” through the stellar performances of former Alabama standouts Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, and Landon Dickerson. This Super Bowl, held on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome, saw the Eagles exact revenge for their Super Bowl LVII loss to the Chiefs, dominating their way to a 40-22 victory.
The narrative of this Super Bowl LIX is undeniably shaped by the contributions of these Crimson Tide alumni. At the forefront was Jalen Hurts, the Eagles’ dynamic quarterback, who not only led his team to victory but also captured the coveted Super Bowl LIX MVP award. Hurts, who transferred from Alabama to Oklahoma for his final collegiate season, orchestrated a masterful performance. He completed an efficient 17 of 22 passes for 221 yards, throwing two touchdowns against one interception. Crucially, his dual-threat ability was on full display as he rushed for a team-leading 72 yards on 11 carries, adding a touchdown on the ground. His rushing yardage set a new Super Bowl record for a quarterback, surpassing his own previous mark from Super Bowl LVII. Hurts’ ability to bounce back from an early interception, his first since November 2024, showcased his resilience and leadership, as he immediately led the Eagles to a field goal on their next drive and later threw a pivotal touchdown pass. His command of the offense, especially the Eagles’ signature “tush push” play which resulted in an early 1-yard touchdown, was instrumental in Philadelphia’s dominant start, which saw them lead 24-0 by halftime. This victory marks Hurts’ first Super Bowl win, etching his name into NFL history and validating his remarkable journey from being benched in a college national championship to becoming a Super Bowl MVP. He joins Bart Starr and Joe Namath as the third Alabama quarterback to win Super Bowl MVP.
DeVonta Smith, the silky-smooth wide receiver, played a critical role in the Eagles’ offensive explosion. The former Heisman Trophy winner and Alabama national champion showcased his big-play ability, particularly with a 46-yard bomb from Hurts in the third quarter that extended the Eagles’ lead to a commanding 34-0. Smith finished the game leading the Eagles in receiving with 69 yards on four catches, including that crucial touchdown. This touchdown made him the first player drafted out of Alabama to score a touchdown in a Super Bowl, a significant milestone. His performance in Super Bowl LIX also allowed him to join an elite club, becoming just the fifth player in football history to win a Heisman Trophy, a college national championship (he won two at Alabama, in 2017 and 2020), and a Super Bowl. He is the first wide receiver to achieve all three feats, placing him in the company of legends like Charles Woodson, Marcus Allen, Tony Dorsett, and Reggie Bush. Smith’s ability to create separation and his reliable hands were vital in keeping the Chiefs’ defense off balance.
Anchoring the Eagles’ formidable offensive line was Landon Dickerson, the powerful left guard, another product of the University of Alabama. Dickerson, who has been a Pro Bowl selection in recent seasons, was part of an offensive line that consistently dominated the Chiefs’ defensive front throughout the game. The Eagles’ trenches were a key factor in their victory, providing Jalen Hurts with ample time in the pocket and opening up running lanes for the team’s ground attack. Despite some questions coming into the game about his knee, Dickerson held up exceptionally well, demonstrating his physicality and leadership. His performance was crucial in allowing Hurts to operate effectively and in paving the way for Saquon Barkley’s efficient rushing performance. This Super Bowl win marks Landon Dickerson’s first championship, adding a Super Bowl ring to his impressive list of collegiate and professional accolades.
The Super Bowl LIX rematch between the Eagles and Chiefs was highly anticipated, given their thrilling Super Bowl LVII encounter, which Kansas City narrowly won. However, this time, the Eagles, fueled by a re-tooled defensive line and the offensive firepower led by their Alabama contingent, delivered a dominant performance from start to finish. The Eagles’ defense, a major point of emphasis in their offseason retooling, stifled Patrick Mahomes, sacking him six times – the most he had ever been sacked in a playoff game. This consistent pressure, combined with critical interceptions, prevented the Chiefs’ high-powered offense from ever finding its rhythm.
Beyond Hurts, Smith, and Dickerson, the Eagles’ roster also included other former Crimson Tide athletes who contributed to the championship effort, such as offensive lineman Tyler Steen, who saw action, and defensive back Eli Ricks. This collective presence of Alabama talent further solidifies the “Built by Bama” narrative, underscoring the consistent pipeline of elite players that Nick Saban’s program has sent to the NFL.
This Super Bowl victory marks the Philadelphia Eagles’ second overall Super Bowl title in franchise history, with their previous win coming in Super Bowl LII. For the Kansas City Chiefs, it denied them a historic opportunity to achieve a “three-peat,” a testament to the Eagles’ dominant performance. The game not only delivered a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 NFL season but also served as a showcase for the enduring impact of collegiate programs like Alabama in shaping the professional football landscape. The efforts of Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, and Landon Dickerson, all forged in the crucible of Tuscaloosa, were central to the Eagles’ triumph in the Super Bowl LIX, making it a truly unforgettable championship moment.
