A late defensive holding call Super Bowl LVIII drew tons of criticism in recent days, but the Kansas City Chiefs aren’t complaining.
On 3 and 8 with less than two minutes to go, philadelphia eaglesCornerback James Bradberry was flagged by JuJu Smith-Schuster for holding on a fadeout route, but many think the umpires should have blown the whistle.
James Bradberry (24) of the Philadelphia Eagles is penalized for holding against JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) of the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Bradberry admitted after the game that the referee made the right call, and Smith-Schuster wasn’t afraid to remind everyone about the season-changing play.
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In celebration of Valentine’s Day, the Chiefs catcher posted an image of a digital valentine on Twitter that read, «I’ll hug you when it matters most.»
Instead of the Eagles getting the ball with about 1:50 to go and a timeout, the Chiefs ran out the clock and kicked the Super Bowl-winning field goal with eight seconds remaining. Jalen Hurts only had time for an incomplete Hail Mary pass, and red and gold confetti went flying.
JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts after a play against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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«It was a wait. I yanked on his jersey. I was hoping they’d let him through,» Bradberry said after the game.
Head coach Nick Sirianni said there were too many other variables throughout the game to blame a single callout for the loss.
«It always seems to be a call… That’s not what it is. So many teams contribute to the outcome of the game. Today they were better,» he said.
James Bradberry (24) of the Philadelphia Eagles is called for holding on JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) of the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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The Chiefs won their third Super Bowl in franchise history and their second since the 2019 season.