Some moments in sports etch themselves into history, refusing to fade with time. Jalen Hurts’ triumphant Super Bowl run is one of those moments—a story that will be told and retold, each time growing more legendary. Picture this: the Philadelphia Eagles storm into the Super Bowl and crush the Kansas City Chiefs, snapping their two-season streak like a twig underfoot. The locker room explodes in celebration, champagne sprays in slow motion, and amid the chaos, one image emerges—Jalen Hurts, standing tall, the weight of the world lifted from his shoulders, holding that coveted Lombardi Trophy.
But the night wasn’t just about football glory. It was a night of cultural milestones, with Kendrick Lamar transforming the Super Bowl Halftime Show into an unforgettable spectacle. And as the internet buzzed with reactions, one voice cut through the noise—Kristen Saban, daughter of the legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban, who didn’t hold back her feelings. While the world debated performances and game stats, Kristen’s fiery response to both Kendrick’s show and Hurts’ heroics added an unexpected twist to the night.
Kendrick Lamar Sets the Super Bowl Stage on Fire—and Kristen Saban Has Thoughts
Kendrick Lamar didn’t just perform at the Super Bowl—he owned the stage with the ferocity of a man on a mission. He transformed the halftime show into a full-throttle tribute to Compton, blending raw storytelling with mind-blowing visuals. Joined by SZA, Samuel L. Jackson, Serena Williams, and Mustard, Lamar’s set was a high-octane ride through his latest album, GNX, sprinkled with some deep cuts for the die-hard fans. The stage itself was drenched in a patriotic palette, a nod to the American dream—and its contradictions.
But the question on everyone’s mind was whether Kendrick would perform that song—“Not Like Us,” his scathing takedown of Drake that dominated charts in 2024 and into 2025. The track didn’t just top the charts—it obliterated them, sweeping the Grammys with five awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year. This was his moment to make a statement on the biggest stage in the world.
While fans braced for impact, Kristen Saban was quick to weigh in. She wasn’t just impressed—she was blown away. Taking to her Instagram story, she declared, “You’re crazy if you didn’t enjoy this performance. It’s a lyrical masterpiece.” No hesitation, no debate—just pure admiration for Lamar’s lyrical genius and electrifying presence. For Kristen, Kendrick didn’t just meet expectations; he obliterated them.
But Lamar’s powerful performance wasn’t the only thing tugging at Kristen’s heartstrings. Because while Kendrick lit up the halftime stage, Jalen Hurts was lighting up the field.
Jalen Hurts: From Saban’s Protégé to Super Bowl MVP—and Kristen Is Here for It
Nick Saban might be the mastermind behind Alabama’s football dynasty, but Philly owes him a massive thank-you card. Without Saban’s relentless coaching, Jalen Hurts might never have evolved into the superstar who just delivered a masterclass in the Super Bowl. Hurts’ journey from a college star under Saban’s watchful eye to an NFL MVP is the stuff of sports folklore.
After the Eagles bulldozed the Washington Commanders 55-23 to secure their Super Bowl berth, Hurts’ victory celebration—a cigar clenched between his teeth, a gleam in his eye—became an instant classic. Kristen Saban? She was all over it, posting the iconic moment on her IG with the caption, “Hang it in the Louvre.” But after the Eagles clinched the Super Bowl, Kristen turned up the heat. She posted a photo of Hurts hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, adorned with happy-crying emojis, and another shot simply captioned, “HIM.”
And honestly? She wasn’t wrong. Hurts delivered a diabolical performance, thriving under the pressure cooker of the Super Bowl spotlight. He completed 17 of 22 passes (a jaw-dropping 77.3% completion rate) for 221 yards and 2 touchdowns, finishing with a 119.7 QB rating. But he wasn’t done. Hurts rushed for 72 yards and added a rushing touchdown, setting a new record for the most rushing yards by a quarterback in Super Bowl history. Unsurprisingly, he was crowned the 34th quarterback to take home the Super Bowl MVP title.
Critics love to nitpick Hurts’ passing game, but his meteoric rise can be traced back to the man who pushed him to his limits—Nick Saban. Back in 2017, Hurts was the pride of Alabama, but Saban wasn’t about to let him coast. “I think the one thing—and this goes for every athletic quarterback—when Jalen was with us, I would say, ‘You cannot run; you cannot scramble. You have to throw the ball on time,’” Saban once explained. That discipline, that refusal to let Hurts lean on his athleticism alone, is exactly why he’s now hoisting the Lombardi in Philly.
A Night of Legends: Kendrick’s Anthem and Hurts’ Triumph
The Super Bowl was more than just a game; it was a cultural juggernaut. Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show was a lyrical tour de force, while Jalen Hurts’ performance was a masterclass in perseverance and skill. And through it all, Kristen Saban was there, cheering on both the music that moved her and the quarterback who proved that hard work and dedication pay off.
So, whether you were there for Kendrick’s politically charged poetry or Hurts’ record-breaking rush, one thing’s for sure: this Super Bowl will be talked about for years to come. And with voices like Kristen Saban adding fuel to the fire, the stories will only get better, more exaggerated, and infinitely more legendary.
What do you think? Did Kendrick steal the show, or was Jalen Hurts the true MVP of the night? Either way, this was a Super Bowl for the ages.
