In the NFL, a familiar quote states defense wins championships. The Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald helped his team seal the deal and close out the fourth quarter with a 23 – 20 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. Therefore the Los Angeles Rams are the 2021 Super Bowl LVI Champions. Congratulations to Rams WR Cooper Kupp on becoming the Super Bowl MVP.
There were many remarkable and epic moments from beginning to end, such as the pregame festivities, including the gospel duo sister group Mary Mary singing the Negro National Anthem in their glittery navy blue attire. Jhene Aiko’s voice sounded so angelic as she sang “America the Beautiful” in a stunning burgundy gown as well. And country singer Mickey Guyton looked Blue-tiful as she had us in our feelings with a rendition for the books in her approach to singing the National Anthem.
An Oh My Goodness moment that had us all in shambles was when Vernon Hargreaves III, a Bengals inactive player, ran onto the field in his socks and slides to cheer on his teammates as they caught an interception. Unfortunately, this move by Hargreaves caused an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, and the Bengals lost significant yardage. In regards to the Hargreaves error Bengals, Head Coach Zach Taylor stated, “It’s hard when you’re going to be in a lit bit better field position. It’s a silly thing, and we pride ourselves on being a disciplined team, and that was a very, very undisciplined moment, and it’s frustrating.”
LA Rams WR Odell Beckham Jr. going down on the turf due to a non-contact injury had us all wondering if his chances of gaining a ring in his career had diminished. However, OBJ scored a touchdown with a beautiful pass from Stafford to the end zone before his departure. In the end, as the tears rolled down his face, you could feel the emotion through the screen that his time had finally come. Odell Beckham Jr. is now a Super Bowl Champion. And soon to be proud papa, as we learn his girlfriend is expecting their first child at any moment now.
Matthew Stafford has been through it in his NFL career as well. Hearing the powerful story of how his wife overcame brain surgery to witness this moment with her family is priceless. Who knew that the former Detroit Lions QB we watched with anguish on Thanksgiving Holidays and wondered to ourselves, “Why is he still on this team?” is an outstanding quarterback. It’s incredible how both of these men are testaments to how a new team and city can light a spark that will help lift you above detrimental situations.
The Halftime Show did not disappoint and brought a few surprises of its own when rapper and business mogul 50 Cent appeared and performed his hit, “In Da Club,” while hanging upside down, which is a historical nod to the video of the same name. And the fact that Hip-Hop was represented to the fullest by having Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar all on one global stage is hugely beyond measure. Eminem taking a knee at the end of his performance made me love him even more.
Overall, the Los Angeles Rams worked together to bring the Lombardi Trophy home to LA for the first time in the team’s history. Although the Bengals walked away with disappointment, they should be proud of their accomplishments thus far.
View quick clips below of SBLVI press conferences with LA Rams WR Brandon Powell and DT Aaron Donald.
