It Hurts to Not Be Like Us

Super Bowl LIX wasn’t just another championship game—it was a collision of legacies, cultural narratives, and movements that define modern America. For those catching up: It was the second time the Eagles and The Chiefs faced off, with the Eagles hungry for redemption after their 2023 loss. But more importantly, this championship happened against the backdrop of a seismic cultural renaissance and a nation experiencing significant political and social tension. 

From Jalen Hurts' underdog journey to Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance (read protest), the night wasn’t just about football. It was a snapshot symbolizing deeper societal shifts, exposing cultural power dynamics, resilience, and the ongoing battle between authenticity and commodification.

“I deserve it all…” - Being a Challenger Brand

Being an underdog wasn’t just a storyline—it was an entire journey that saw Jalen Hurts’ redemption arc as a metaphor for being a challenger brand in a landscape or system designed to maintain the status quo. Keeping a screensaver of himself drowning in the Chiefs’ confetti as motivation from their 2023 loss, Hurts embodied the resilience of every Black professional who has had to work twice as hard for half the recognition. His story mirrors the experiences of countless individuals breaking barriers in industries that continue to question both their capabilities and overall self-worth.

The Eagles’ 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs wasn’t just about winning a ring. It was about rewriting narratives, dismantling the idea that dynasties are untouchable (looking at you Owl Man), and proving that grit can outshine legacy. Patrick Mahomes, a generational talent expected to cement his place in NFL history with a three-peat, fell short. It was a reminder that sports, like life, is unpredictable.Greatness isn’t given; it’s earned. The game highlighted how the hunger of an underdog often outweighs the comfort of a champion.

The symbolism of Hurts' victory wasn’t lost either. From Doug Williams breaking the color barrier in 1988 as the first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl to Colin Kaepernick kneeling for justice, Hurts' triumph was bigger than a trophy. It was a statement that the future of the NFL isn’t just about talent—it’s about the power of representation and perseverance.

“I just strangled me a ‘GOAT’...” - Movements vs. Moments (Remix)

Similarly, Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance wasn’t just another Super Bowl show.It was a cultural statement– a protest if you will. Coming off a dominant 2024 that saw him shatter Drake’s cultural credibility and authenticity with “Not Like Us,” win five Grammys the Sunday prior, and cement himself as one of the best rappers alive, Lamar’s presence on that stage felt different.

Kendrick's "Not Like Us" has transcended its origins as a Drake diss track to become an anthem for authenticity in a time when cultural appropriation, hate, and bigotry are at all time highs. As I wrote in a previous piece titled Movements vs. Moments, "Artistic expression can drive cultural change," and we’ve been witnessing this in real-time since May 4, 2024. (As an aside, the fact this song– which called out cultural vultures and fake allies– was amplified on America's biggest stage, while a MAGA-aligned president sat in attendance, was ironic af.)

Look, I know what some of you are thinking: "It's just football." But when has anything involving black excellence ever been "just" anything in America? This Super Bowl is holding up a mirror to our society's ongoing struggles with representation, authenticity, and power. The reality is this: Movements don't happen in a vacuum, and moments don't create lasting change without sustained pressure. Last night’s game represented both - a moment where cultural authenticity, representation, and excellence converge, and a movement pushing for something bigger than football.

“If this world were mine…” - Cultural Representation, Authenticity, and Alignment

Now, let's talk about cultural representation, authenticity, and alignment because whew, the math ain't mathing for some of these folks.

The Court of Public Opinion: The Chiefs vs. Everybody

Social commentary before the game showed a strong sentiment against Kansas City. Not because of their talent, but because many fans believed referees had favored them throughout the regular season and playoffs. The backlash reflected growing frustrations with officiating inconsistencies and how dynasties are perceived in the modern NFL.

Who You With?: Watch The Company You Keep

In addition, each quarterback’s political and cultural associations were subtle factors in this rematch. While not a specific focus or factor in the actual game, there is something to be said about Jalen Hurts’ all-Black female management team as a testament to why representation matters. This wasn’t just a symbolic gesture—it was a genuine move that highlighted the importance of diversity, inclusion, and (wait for it) equity in leadership. Meanwhile, on the opposite end, several people in Mahomes’ camp (namely his wife and mother) subtly aligning themselves with Trump’s MAGA brand underscored the stark cultural and political divides in America. This Super Bowl rematch was more than just a game through a cultural intelligence lens - it was a reflection of the country’s ongoing identity crisis, especially after Trump’s 2024 divisive election victory over Kamala Harris. 

No Fraudulent Points: Kendrick Lamar and Cultural Authenticity

Lamar’s performance embodied cultural authenticity. In a time when Black empowerment is often co-opted or commercialized, Lamar remained true to his vision delivering a masterclass in storytelling and social commentary. His halftime show served as a direct counter to cultural appropriation, reinforcing the importance of genuine representation in media and entertainment. (And, let’s not get started on the symbolism within the performance, but I digress.)

Featuring appearances by Samuel L. Jackson as “Uncle Sam” and Serena Williams, Lamar’s set didn’t carry the same “thrilling excitement” as previous halftime shows which I argue was done intentionally. You see, sometimes you don’t need to be entertained. You need to be provoked. Cultural authenticity isn’t just about being seen; it’s about wielding influence. When Lamar closed his set with “Not Like Us,” modifying the lyrics but keeping the message clear, it wasn’t just about Drake. It was about drawing a line between those who exploit culture and those who elevate it. And doing it during the nation’s biggest sporting event? Chef’s kiss.

The Super Bowl as a Mirror of Society

Super Bowl LVIII underscored a broader theme: The evolving role of sports in shaping discourse. 

Beyond the performances and the game, the commercials—often considered America’s biggest advertising moment—also reflected shifting cultural tides. Some brands played it safe, opting for humor and nostalgia, while others leaned into social justice themes. But the real question remains: Are these companies truly invested in the causes they highlight, or are they simply cashing in on momentary relevance, especially after the dismantling of corporate DEI efforts? Authenticity isn’t just about saying the right things—it’s about proving it when no one’s watching.

Again, this Super Bowl wasn’t just about touchdowns and trophies—it was a current reflection of identity, influence, and power. A sitting president in attendance, the cultural weight of the halftime show, and the narratives surrounding the athletes all showcased the game’s deeper significance as a mirror of America itself. From race and representation to the commercialization of culture, it forces us to ask: Are we truly progressing, or just repackaging the illusion of it?