Watch the Kansas City Chiefs’ run inspired by Michigan’s 72-year-old Rose Bowl play
The Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl behind one of the more dynamic offenses and exciting quarterbacks in the NFL.
But they’re not above going back to the classics either.
Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy said after the game that a 4th and 1 run by Damien Williams was inspired by a play in the 1948 Rose Bowl. Yes, a 72-year-old play was run in the 2020 Super Bowl.
The Chiefs, down 3-0 in the first quarter, faced a 4th and 1 at the San Francisco 49ers’ 5-yard line. Four Chiefs in the backfield, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes, spun around into a different alignment before the snap. Williams took a direct snap and gained four yards to set up Mahomes’ 1-yard scoring run. The Chiefs won 31-20. It’s their first Super Bowl title in 50 years.
“That play comes from, if I’m not mistaken, the [1948] Rose Bowl, “ Bieniemy said. “I probably shouldn’t be giving this away. Michigan versus USC. It’s just a play we’ve been working and wondering when we could polish it off. It was fun to watch.”
Williams finished with 104 yards rushing and two touchdowns, including a touchdown reception from Mahomes that gave Kansas City a four-point lead with 2:44 left in the game.
