PHOTOS: 10 incredible images from Super Bowl XLIX
Super Bowl XLIX was an instant classic, with the New England Patriots defeating the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 in a thrilling back-and-forth game.
Here are some of the best photos from Sunday's game:
Malcolm Butler seals the victory for the Patriots
New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler came down with the play of the game, intercepting a Russell Wilson pass with 20 seconds left, stopping what would have been a game-winning drive for the Seattle Seahawks. Butler jumped the route and fended off Seahawks' receiver Ricardo Lockette for the game-saving interception.
Katy Perry and Missy Elliott put on an awesome show
Katy Perry and Missy Elliott hosted a thoroughly entertaining halftime show, with both performers bringing out their A-games for the Super Bowl. Perhaps it was Perry and Elliott's respective performances that breathed life into a second half for the ages.
It takes a village to bring down Beast Mode
Marshawn Lynch continued to be the focal point of the Seahawks' offense. Lynch rushed for 102 yards on 24 carries and his bruising style wore down the Patriots' defense. Seahawks fans will wonder all summer whether they would've repeated as champions if Lynch got the ball in the final seconds of the game.
Julian Edelman spikes the game-winning touchdown
Julian Edelman took a page out of teammate Rob Gronkowski's book, spiking the football after catching the game-winning touchdown. Edelman caught a game-high nine passes for 109 yards and a touchdown in the Patriots' victory.
Who's mad, bro?
Richard Sherman and Tom Brady have had a contentious history, with Sherman rising to national prominence two seasons ago after calling out the Patriots' quarterback for his on-field comments. After Super Bowl XLIX, Sherman apparently changed his tune, commending Brady on his fourth Super Bowl title.
A Super Bowl scuffle
Not everyone was as composed as Brady and Sherman, however. After Butler came down with the game-sealing interception, the Seahawks engaged the Patriots in a full-scale brawl. Not cool, gentlemen.
Jermaine Kearse comes down with circus catch
Jermaine Kearse is making clutch plays a habit, coming down with a spectacular 33-yard reception on the Seahawks' final drive of the game. Unfortunately for Seahawks fans, Wilson proceeded to throw an interception with 20 seconds remaining, nullifying Kearse's incredible effort.
Tom Brady celebrates fourth Super Bowl title
In what may have felt like an eternity, Tom Brady finally captured his elusive fourth Super Bowl championship, winning Super Bowl XLIX MVP honors. It's the third time Brady has won Super Bowl MVP.
Chris Matthews has the game of his life in losing effort
Chris Matthews picked the right time to shine, leading the Seahawks with four catches for 109 yards and a touchdown. Matthews spearheaded a stagnant Seahawks' offense, but it likely won't matter to the former CFL star.
Bill Belichick receives the Gatorade treatment
It's very rare to see Patriots head coach Bill Belichick in an unguarded moment, but no coach is averse to the standard Gatorade celebration. Belichick was dowsed in the sporting beverage after he led the Patriots to victory.