Honestly, if you missed it, you missed the longest Super Bowl ever played. It wasn't just a football game; it was a 74-minute-and-57-second marathon that basically felt like a fever dream for anyone rooting for San Francisco. The answer to who played in superbowl 2024 is the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers, but that barely scratches the surface of the absolute chaos that went down at Allegiant Stadium.
We’re talking about a game where a wide receiver threw a touchdown pass before the actual quarterbacks did.
Patrick Mahomes was there, obviously. He ended up with his third Super Bowl MVP trophy, joining the ranks of Montana and Bradshaw. But for the first half, it looked like the 49ers defense had him in a straightjacket. On the other side, Brock Purdy—the guy famously picked last in the draft—was trying to prove he wasn't just a "game manager." He played well. Really well. But "well" doesn't usually beat a guy who can scramble for 8 yards on 4th-and-1 with the season on the line.
The Dynasty vs. The Quest for Six
This was a rematch of Super Bowl LIV from four years prior. The 49ers were desperate. They haven't won a title since the mid-90s, and winning this would have tied them with the Patriots and Steelers for the most rings in history. Instead, they ran into a brick wall named Andy Reid and a defense that refused to break.
Who Played in Superbowl 2024 and How the Rosters Fought
The talent on that field was staggering. You had Christian McCaffrey, who is basically a human cheat code. He finished the game with 160 total yards. He was everywhere. Deebo Samuel was out there playing through what looked like a hamstring tweak, and George Kittle was doing George Kittle things, though the Chiefs managed to keep him mostly quiet with just two catches.
📖 Related: Jake Paul Mike Tyson Tattoo: What Most People Get Wrong
The Chiefs' roster felt like a mix of veteran poise and "how are they doing this?" The defense, led by Steve Spagnuolo, was the real hero for the first three quarters. Chris Jones was a nightmare in the interior, forcing Purdy into a massive throwaway in overtime that eventually forced San Francisco to settle for a field goal. That one play changed everything.
Key Player Stats from the Big Game
- Patrick Mahomes (KC): 333 passing yards, 2 TDs, 66 rushing yards.
- Brock Purdy (SF): 255 passing yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs.
- Christian McCaffrey (SF): 80 rushing yards, 80 receiving yards, 1 TD.
- Travis Kelce (KC): 9 catches, 93 yards (mostly in the second half).
- Mecole Hardman (KC): 3 catches, 57 yards, and the game-winning TD.
The "Tom and Jerry" Moment
The game ended on a play called "Tom and Jerry." It sounds like a cartoon, but it was a clinical execution of a corn route. Mahomes rolled right, Hardman slipped out into the flat, and just like that, it was over. 25-22. The Chiefs became the first team to go back-to-back since the 2004 Patriots.
Why the Scoreboard Doesn't Tell the Whole Story
If you just look at the final score, you see a close game. You don't see the muffed punt.
There was this moment in the third quarter where a punt hit the foot of 49ers' Darrell Luter Jr. It was a total accident. But the ball went live, the Chiefs recovered at the 16-yard line, and Mahomes immediately threw a touchdown to Marquez Valdes-Scantling. That was a 7-point gift. Without that fluke, the 49ers probably walk away with the trophy.
👉 See also: What Place Is The Phillies In: The Real Story Behind the NL East Standings
Then there was the blocked extra point.
Jake Moody had a record-breaking day with a 55-yard field goal, but Leo Chenal blocked an extra point in the fourth quarter. That single point is why the game went to overtime instead of the 49ers winning 20-19 in regulation. Football is a game of inches, but in 2024, it was a game of fingers and lucky bounces.
The Overtime Rule Confusion
Did the 49ers even know the rules? Some players admitted afterward they didn't realize the new playoff overtime rules meant both teams were guaranteed a possession regardless of who scored first. Kyle Shanahan chose to take the ball first, wanting the third possession if the game stayed tied. It’s a move that will be debated in Bay Area sports bars for the next decade.
Notable Celebrities and the "Swift Effect"
You can't talk about who played in superbowl 2024 without mentioning the people in the suites. Taylor Swift flew halfway across the world from Japan to be there. The cameras found her constantly, especially when Travis Kelce was having his sideline meltdown with Andy Reid in the first half. It added a layer of spectacle that made this the most-watched telecast in U.S. history with 123.7 million viewers.
✨ Don't miss: Huskers vs Michigan State: What Most People Get Wrong About This Big Ten Rivalry
Practical Takeaways from Super Bowl LVIII
If you’re looking to relive the magic or understand why this game changed the NFL landscape, here is what you should actually look at:
- Study the Overtime Rules: The 2024 game was the first to use the new "both teams get the ball" post-season rules. If you play fantasy or follow the league, knowing these nuances is huge for understanding coaching decisions.
- Watch the Defensive Tape: Everyone loves the Mahomes walk-off, but watch Steve Spagnuolo’s blitz packages. He kept the 49ers' high-powered offense to field goals when it mattered most.
- Appreciate the Kicking Game: Harrison Butker and Jake Moody both hit field goals over 50 yards. In modern football, your kicker is often your leading scorer. Don't ignore them.
- The Dynasty Conversation: This win officially made the Chiefs a dynasty. Since the game, the "Mahomes vs. Brady" GOAT debate has shifted from "maybe one day" to "it's happening right now."
The 2024 season ended with confetti in Las Vegas, but the ripples are still being felt. The 49ers are still searching for that elusive sixth ring, while the Chiefs are looking to do the unthinkable—a three-peat.
To dive deeper into the technical side, you can analyze the "Tom and Jerry" play-calling on the official NFL GamePass archives or check out the Next Gen Stats that show just how much ground Mahomes covered with his legs in those final drives.