Super Bowl LVIII: 5 Must-See Mic'd Up Moments From Chiefs' Win Over 49ers

Depending on where a fan's allegiances lie, there may be no better follow-up in the aftermath of Super Bowl LVIII than a chance to relive the game—with some fresh material.

Lucky for all members of Chiefs kingdom out there—although possibly a bummer for Niners nation—Inside the NFL and NFL Films have released mic'd up audio and new camera angles from Kansas City's 25-22 overtime win over the 49ers on Sunday. And yes, so far Travis Kelce clips have dominated the internet—from his celebration with Taylor Swift to the tight end's trash talk with a former teammate. But there are plenty of other worthwhile nuggets from the game.

Here's an inside look at five Super Bowl moments fans may have missed.

Chiefs celebrate Super Bowl
Mecole Hardman Jr. of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with Patrick Mahomes after scoring the game-winning touchdown in overtime to defeat the San Francisco 49ers in Sunday's Super Bowl. Inside the NFL and NFL Films... Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images/Getty Images

49ers, Chiefs in Disbelief After Greenlaw Injury

San Francisco's defense suffered a major loss early on Sunday when standout linebacker Dre Greenlaw tore his left Achilles tendon while attempting to make his way onto the field. The fifth-year pro went down in pain, grabbing at his leg, and both sidelines instantly recognized the impact that Greenlaw's absence would have on the game.

"Hey, [No. 57] got hurt," Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said to offensive coordinator Matt Nagy across the field from Greenlaw. "Fifty-seven got hurt over there."

Fellow 49ers linebacker Fred Warner, hands on his head in disbelief, shouted out "No" while standing over this teammate. Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan asked, "Did Dre just get hurt running out onto the field?" into his headset. And All-Pro tight end George Kittle asked the same question while sitting on a sideline bench. After receiving a response, he shortly followed up with "Well, that's depressing."

49ers Defense Gives Mahomes Surprising Title

San Francisco defensive back Ji'Ayir Brown picked off Mahomes on the third offensive play of the second half, when the Niners still held a seven-point lead and had limited the Chiefs to a single field goal. And the 49ers defense seemed confident. Shortly after the play, as captured on Inside the NFL, veteran safety Tashaun Gipson Sr. passionately spoke with Brown and a few other defensive teammates on how they were handling Mahomes.

And Gipson gave the two-time MVP a surprising title.

"That is just a regular [expletive] quarterback, bro," Gipson said. "Ain't nothing different.... He regular, bro. And we're gonna make his ass look regular."

Mahomes finished the game 34-of-46 passing for 333 yards, two touchdowns and that interception. The 28-year-old's third Super Bowl win was capped off by Super Bowl MVP honors for the third time, making him one of three players to earn that honor on at least three occasions. This also marked Mahomes' third Super Bowl comeback from 10 points behind.

Later in the clip, after the 49ers kicked a field goal to go up 3 points with less than two minutes to go in regulation, Chiefs players asked 49ers players if they really thought that was going to be enough to win the game. Mahomes approached Kelce on the sideline to say, "Hey, let's go do it, baby. Let's go do it." The tight end responded with "Fire me up."

Cut to 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa, whom mics later caught saying, "This is not very fun."

The end result certainly wasn't for the Niners.

Super Bowl Ref Had Spot-On Analysis

Everyone involved in the game knew the stakes of a San Francisco third-and-five right before the Niners' eventual go-ahead field goal late in the fourth quarter. That includes the referee. Bill Vinovich, during the two-minute warning right before the play, huddled with members of his officiating crew to discuss what was running through the mind of every 49ers fan.

"Your best play that you have in your book right now," Vinovich said. "Because you don't want to give Mahomes the ball back."

Shanahan dialed up a play, but it turns out Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo had a better one. Spags sent Trent McDuffie on a blitz, and the cornerback pressured Niners QB Brock Purdy and knocked down his pass attempt.

The 49ers settled for three, Mahomes got the ball back, and, well, the rest is pretty clear.

Chris Jones Shares Heartfelt Postgame Moment

Inside the NFL's inside look at Super Bowl LVIII included a diagnosis of the key third-down overtime rush from Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, then his humorous postgame hug—or whatever you want to call it—with coach Andy Reid. But a clip revealed a newly seen heartfelt interaction with Kelce after winning it all.

"Way to believe, dog," Jones said while hugging Kelce, whom he's won three titles with. "Way to lead us, dog. You're the greatest to ever do it in my eyes, baby. Ever to do it, dog."

Kelce responded by patting Jones on the chest and saying he loved him.

Mahomes Wanted In on Celebratory Hug

The play call "Trips right bunch F shuttle Tom and Jerry right yellow" will forever be immortalized in Super Bowl history. That's what Reid called, and Mahomes rattled off in the huddle, right before a game-winning toss to Mecole Hardman Jr. in overtime. The NFL Films clip showcased the call, the play and the ensuing celebration in the end zone.

Oh, plus when Mahomes asked Reid and his wife to join their hug.

"Can I get in on this hug?" Mahomes asked. "I love y'all. How crazy is that, huh?"

"I'm proud of you," Reid said to the QB.

"Yes, sir," Mahomes responded. "What a call, huh? What a call."

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Robert Read is a Sports Reporter at Newsweek based in Florida. He previously spent four years working at The Daily ... Read more

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