It was not the Super Bowl of the century, but the great celebration of US football is still a global event that deserves to be experienced.
If you weren't planning on having an all-nighter on Monday, here's a recap of what happened in Los Angeles, where the Rams, who were playing at home, won their second Super Bowl, their first since returning to Los Angeles in 2016.
The Rams champions at the end of the suspense
If we have known more spectacular US football matches, this Super Bowl was tense until the end.
Led by the Cincinnati Bengals with 85 seconds remaining, the Rams took a decisive advantage with a touchdown from their best player this season, receiver Cooper Kupp.
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A big defense of the “Aries” to prevent Joe Burrow, the star quarterback of the Bengals, from putting his team in position to equalize and send all these beautiful people into overtime.
🏈 #NFL - #SuperBowl
🔥 THE RAMS TOUCH DOWN ULTRA CLUTCH!!!
💪 Cooper Kupp allows the Rams to take the lead 1 min 25 from the end!!!!
pic.twitter.com/x1QCncsXLf
— NFLextra (@nflextra) February 14, 2022
Crowned for the first time in 2000, when the franchise was based in Saint-Louis (Missouri), the Rams succeeded the Buccaneers, whom they had eliminated in mid-January, accelerating without knowing it yet the retirement of the legendary Tom Brady, seven-time champion.
This surprise victory was in itself a revenge taken on the legendary quarterback, who had deprived them of the title in 2018, then winning his sixth ring with the New England Patriots.
Sean McVay, Cooper Kupp and "OBJ" star for a night
If we had to remember three names from the Rams' victory, it would probably be a little sad for Aaron Donald, arguably the best defenseman in the NFL for 10 years and pillar of this Rams team.
But the stories of Sean McVay, Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr are beautiful: at 36, the former became the youngest head coach to win the Super Bowl, a feat he could have already achieved three years ago when the Rams lost in this NFL final against the Patriots.
“Let me grab a beer,” he commented after the trophy presentation.
I'm so happy to be, we're going to have fun tonight.
And I'm not going to remember anything.
»
Youngest head coach to win a Super Bowl.
Sean McVay.
#SBLVI pic.twitter.com/EUKlFw2Pzq
— NFL (@NFL) February 14, 2022
Kupp, he had an exceptional season.
Best receiver in the league, he was once again decisive by "catching" Matthew Stafford's assist a few seconds from the end of the game.
He was voted Finals MVP.
Finally, special mention to Odell Beckham Jr. Considered on his arrival in the league in 2014 as a mutant capable of catching the craziest balloons, the receiver has since been mocked as much for a form of arrogance as for his career choices.
For his first Super Bowl, "OBJ" scored a touchdown before seriously injuring his knee, unable to return to the field.
Regardless, he's an NFL champion, and his tears have already gone around the world.
😁 The joy of Odell Beckham Jr. after the decisive action!
@obj #RamsHouse #SBLVI pic.twitter.com/qvHCINDcaW
– NFL France (@NFLFrance) February 14, 2022
Eminen, Snoop Dogg, Dr Dre
The Super Bowl, for many, is also the halftime “show”.
A concert broadcast in mondovision considered to be the most anticipated moment of the evening.
This year, Snoop Dogg, Dr Dre and Eminem set up the SoFi stadium in Los Angeles.
The legends of US rap unrolled several of their successes, in a euphoric stadium.
The public was even treated to the surprise appearance of 50 Cent, suspended by the feet, as well as the hard-hitting flow of the symbol of the new generation, Kendrick Lamar.
🎶 Still DRE to conclude the #SuperBowl halftime show!
#theNFLteam pic.twitter.com/KX47KNIfXV
— L'Équipe channel (@lachainelequipe) February 14, 2022
All on the roofs of a row of typical Los Angeles one-story houses, lowrider-style cars (with lowered bodies) parked in front, with the raspy voice of singer Mary J Blige in counterpoint.
Entry of Mary J Blige!
#theNFLteam #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/NZyzO0BAtf
— L'Équipe channel (@lachainelequipe) February 14, 2022
The fiery reaction from SoFi Stadium and social networks reminded us, if need be, that hip-hop had become the dominant musical genre in the United States.
The titles "The Next Episode" (Dre / Snoop), "California Love" (Dr Dre / 2Pac) or "In Da Club", sung on Sunday, have become classics of American culture.
Eminem takes the mic for the #SuperBowl Halftime show 🎤#lequipeNFL pic.twitter.com/INjX30t38q
— L'Équipe channel (@lachainelequipe) February 14, 2022
The Rock as a mood driver
He is currently, arguably, America's biggest star.
So who else but former wrestler is now actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson to raise the mood?
Before kick-off, the mountain of muscles, a former us football player at university, took the microphone to "hyper" a stadium that was just waiting for it.
Mission accomplished, chills for everyone.
🏈 #NFL - #SuperBowl
🔥 Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson presents the Rams and the Bengals!
pic.twitter.com/ZMCW5oRaOz
— NFLextra (@nflextra) February 13, 2022
A ring and a marriage proposal
This is the first pink notebook moment of the evening.
Shortly after the victory and when the Rams had already started the celebrations on the lawn, safety (defender) Taylor Rapp took the opportunity to make a marriage proposal to his now fiancée.
A moment captured, of course, for the cameras.
While waiting to receive the “ring” promised to the NFL champions, here is one that will also make him happy.
MORE THAN ONE RING TONIGHT!!
CONGRATULATIONS, @trapp07!!!
pic.twitter.com/LHt6qczuNv
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) February 14, 2022
A ring and a… birth
This is the other great story of the evening.
In the middle of the Super Bowl, the companion of Rams player Van Jefferson, about to give birth, was taken to the hospital to start labor.
Hearing the news from his father while he was celebrating the title with his teammates, Jefferson immediately took his daughter by the hand to go to join Samaria, his companion.
Van Jefferson welcomes his newborn hours after winning the Super Bowl ❤️
(via van_j12/IG) pic.twitter.com/2M4bY0JELY
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 14, 2022
And according to The Athletic, he managed to arrive before his son was born.
