The excitement surrounding Super Bowl LX is reaching fever pitch as football fans eagerly anticipate a thrilling matchup between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. Few analysts predicted either team would reach this stage. At the beginning of the season, both squads were given odds of more than 50-1, and neither quarterback—Sam Darnold nor Drake Maye—had previously secured a playoff victory.
The Patriots’ journey to the championship is particularly remarkable. After suffering 13 defeats last season, the team has mounted one of the fastest turnarounds in league history. If they claim victory this Sunday, they will become the first franchise to win seven Super Bowl titles, marking an extraordinary milestone.
Beyond the game, this year’s halftime show will also make headlines, with Bad Bunny set to become the first Latin male artist to headline the performance. As the Super Bowl celebrates its 60th year, it continues to stand as one of the most iconic sporting events in the world. From A to Z, here’s a complete guide to the history of the Super Bowl, highlighting the traditions, unforgettable moments, and legendary figures that have shaped its legacy.
A is for Anthem
No sporting spectacle rivals the Super Bowl in grandeur, especially when it comes to the national anthem. “The Star-Spangled Banner” regularly draws an audience exceeding 100 million viewers in the United States. Performances are closely analyzed, with fans and critics scrutinizing every note. Memorable renditions include Billy Joel’s multiple appearances and Whitney Houston’s iconic 1991 performance during the Gulf War, widely considered one of the finest ever delivered.
B is for Bills
Few teams have experienced heartbreak like the Buffalo Bills. The franchise reached four consecutive Super Bowls but fell short each time. Since their last appearance in 1994, the Bills have yet to return to football’s biggest stage, cementing their legacy as one of the game’s most tragic stories.
C is for Commercials
Super Bowl commercials have become as anticipated as the game itself. Global brands invest heavily in producing creative advertisements, often releasing teasers beforehand. With 30-second ad slots reaching an average price of $8 million, the Super Bowl remains the most expensive advertising platform in sports.
D is for Defense
The phrase “defense wins championships” was perfectly demonstrated in Super Bowl XII. The Dallas Cowboys’ dominant defensive unit forced eight turnovers and limited the Denver Broncos to minimal yardage. Defensive stars Harvey Martin and Randy White shared the MVP honor—an achievement unmatched in Super Bowl history.
E is for Elvis
One of the most unusual halftime shows occurred in 1989, featuring a magician-themed Elvis Presley tribute. The performance was broadcast in 3D, with viewers using special glasses distributed through soda promotions. The performer stepped in at the last minute, creating one of the most memorable and unconventional halftime moments.
F is for Forty Niners
The San Francisco 49ers remain one of the most successful teams in Super Bowl history. Their 55-point victory in 1990 set a scoring record, and they also participated in the highest-scoring Super Bowl game ever, showcasing their offensive dominance.
G is for Gatorade
The tradition of drenching the winning coach with Gatorade began with the New York Giants in the mid-1980s. Today, the celebratory ritual has become so popular that fans even place bets on the color of the liquid.
H is for Halftime
The halftime show is a massive production requiring military-level precision. Hundreds of crew members have just minutes to construct and dismantle elaborate stages, lighting systems, and sound equipment, turning halftime into a global entertainment spectacle.
I is for International Audience
While deeply rooted in American culture, the Super Bowl has become a worldwide phenomenon. Broadcast in nearly 200 countries and translated into multiple languages, the game attracts millions of viewers globally, highlighting its universal appeal.
J is for Joe Namath
Joe Namath’s guarantee of victory before Super Bowl III remains one of the boldest statements in sports history. Leading the New York Jets to an upset win against the heavily favored Baltimore Colts, Namath’s performance elevated the legitimacy of the AFL and changed professional football forever.
K is for Kickoff
For decades, the Super Bowl kickoff has been scheduled to maximize television viewership across U.S. time zones. The timing ensures that audiences nationwide can enjoy the game and its entertainment elements.
L is for Left Shark
Pop culture moments often emerge from the Super Bowl. During Katy Perry’s 2015 halftime show, a dancer in a shark costume—nicknamed “Left Shark”—captured global attention for his quirky, offbeat dance moves, becoming an internet sensation.
M is for MVP
The Super Bowl MVP award recognizes outstanding individual performances. Legendary players such as Tom Brady, Joe Montana, and Patrick Mahomes have won multiple honors. Notably, linebacker Chuck Howley remains the only MVP selected from the losing team.
N is for Nielsen Ratings
The Super Bowl consistently ranks among the most-watched television broadcasts in history. Recent games have drawn over 120 million viewers in the United States alone, dominating the list of the most-viewed programs of all time.
O is for Overtime
Super Bowl overtime games are rare but unforgettable. Historic comebacks, such as the Patriots overcoming a 25-point deficit and the Chiefs rallying against the 49ers, have delivered some of the event’s most dramatic finishes.
P is for Patriots or Pittsburgh
The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers share the record for most Super Bowl wins, with six titles each. Their sustained success reflects decades of elite coaching, strategy, and player development.
Q is for Quarterback
Quarterbacks often define Super Bowl legacies. Tom Brady, famously drafted 199th overall, became the most decorated quarterback in history with seven championships, demonstrating perseverance and leadership.
R is for Rings
Super Bowl championship rings are luxurious symbols of victory. Many designs incorporate meaningful details, such as diamonds representing key game moments or hidden stadium replicas embedded within the ring.
S is for Super Bowl Name
The name “Super Bowl” originated in 1966 when AFL founder Lamar Hunt casually used it while discussing the championship game. Inspired by a children’s toy, the name eventually became official and synonymous with football excellence.
T is for Tickets
The first Super Bowl left thousands of seats unsold, with tickets priced at just $12. Today, the event sells out instantly, with average ticket prices exceeding $7,000, making it one of the most sought-after sporting events in the world.
U is for Unbeaten
The 1972 Miami Dolphins remain the only team in NFL history to complete a perfect season, finishing 17-0 and winning Super Bowl VII. Their achievement continues to stand as one of sports’ greatest accomplishments.
V is for Vince Lombardi
The iconic Vince Lombardi Trophy is named after the legendary Green Bay Packers coach who guided his team to victories in the first two Super Bowls, establishing the standard for championship success.
W is for Wardrobe Malfunction
One of the most controversial Super Bowl moments occurred during the 2004 halftime show when a performance involving Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake sparked widespread debate about broadcasting standards and public decency.
X is for Roman Numerals
The NFL uses Roman numerals to identify Super Bowls, emphasizing tradition and avoiding confusion between the season year and the championship year.
Y is for Young, Steve
Steve Young set a Super Bowl record by throwing six touchdown passes in 1995, surpassing Joe Montana’s mark and delivering one of the greatest quarterback performances in championship history.
Z is for Zero Pay
Despite the massive exposure, halftime performers are not paid by the NFL. Artists such as Michael Jackson, Prince, Beyoncé, and Paul McCartney have performed for free, benefiting instead from global publicity and increased music sales.
A Legacy That Continues to Grow
Over six decades, the Super Bowl has evolved from a championship football game into a global cultural celebration blending sports, entertainment, and marketing on an unprecedented scale. With every passing year, new records are set, legends are born, and unforgettable moments are created—ensuring the Super Bowl remains a spectacle unlike any other in the world of sports.