For the final game of the NFL’s centennial season, Super Bowl LIV was shaping up to be a heavyweight match-up. The Kansas City Chiefs were the AFC champions behind a potent offensive attack led by MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The San Francisco 49ers came out on top of the NFC thanks to their stifling defense that had been crafted through top draft picks, such as Nick Bosa and DeForest Buckner, as well as veteran acquisitions like Richard Sherman.

In addition to the star power that was on field, there were head coaches on the sidelines looking for chances at redemption. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid had led the Eagles to Super Bowl XXXIX, but ultimately fell to the New England Patriots. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was the offensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI, but blew a 28-3 point lead to the Patriots. However, with neither Brady nor Belichick in either team’s way, there was a real chance at redemption.

Although the game remained relatively close at the end of the first half, with both teams tied at 10, the 49ers extended the lead to 20-10 thanks to a pair of interceptions by Tavarius Moore and Fred Warner. With 8:33 left to go in the game, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense began orchestrating their comeback. Their first 4th-quarter touchdown drive was largely set up thanks to a 44-yard reception by wideout Tyreek Hill, and ended with a Travis Kelce touchdown. After holding the 49ers to a three-and-out, the Chiefs marched down the field to score another touchdown, this time with Damien Willams. Another stop by the Chiefs’ defense secured a 31-20 victory and, for the first time in 50 years, the Lombardi trophy was headed back to Kansas City. Patrick Mahomes was named the Super Bowl MVP, and became the first player since Kurt Warner to win an NFL MVP award and Super Bowl in their first three seasons. After Sunday’s game, it’s safe to say that the 2019 NFL season got a proper send off.