It’s easy to forget, but 2021 was a weird time for football. Remember the cardboard cutouts in the stands? The masks on the sidelines? Despite the global chaos, the NFL managed to pull off a championship that felt like a movie script. If you’re trying to remember who playing in super bowl 2021 actually was, you’re looking at a clash between two eras: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs.
This wasn’t just a game. Honestly, it was a legacy fight. On one side, you had Tom Brady, a guy who had already won six rings and decided to move to Florida at age 43 just to see if he could do it again. On the other, Patrick Mahomes—the "Kid"—who was the reigning champ and looked completely unstoppable.
The Matchup: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
The Buccaneers weren't even supposed to be there, at least according to the early-season critics. They were a wild-card team. They had to win three straight road games against the Washington Football Team, the Saints, and the Packers just to get a seat at the table.
But get this: because the game was at Raymond James Stadium, the Bucs became the first team in NFL history to play a Super Bowl on their own home turf. Talk about a home-field advantage, even with a limited crowd of about 25,000 fans.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, were the heavy favorites. They finished the regular season 14-2. Most experts figured Mahomes would just out-sprint everyone like he usually did. It didn't happen.
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The Rosters: Who Was on the Field?
When people ask about who playing in super bowl 2021, they usually want to know the big names. It was a Pro Bowl roster on both sides.
Tampa Bay’s Key Players:
- Tom Brady (QB): The MVP. He didn't need to throw for 500 yards; he just needed to be perfect.
- Rob Gronkowski (TE): He came out of retirement just for this. He caught two touchdowns. Typical Gronk.
- Leonard Fournette (RB): They called him "Playoff Lenny." He was a monster on the ground.
- Antonio Brown (WR): Caught a touchdown right before halftime that basically broke the Chiefs' spirit.
- Devin White (LB): The fastest guy on the field who wasn't a receiver. He was everywhere.
Kansas City’s Key Players:
- Patrick Mahomes (QB): He spent the whole night running for his life. Literally.
- Tyreek Hill (WR): "The Cheetah" was kept in a cage by the Bucs' secondary.
- Travis Kelce (TE): He had a massive game stat-wise (10 catches for 133 yards), but it didn't result in touchdowns.
- Tyrann Mathieu (S): "The Honey Badger" had a rough night, mostly getting into shouting matches with Brady.
Why the Chiefs Lost (It Wasn't Just Mahomes)
The final score was 31-9. It was a blowout. People expected a shootout, but the Bucs’ defense, led by coordinator Todd Bowles, played a "shell" coverage that took away the deep ball.
The Chiefs' offensive line was also a mess. They were missing their starting tackles, Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz. Mahomes was pressured on 29 of his 56 dropbacks. That is a nightmare. He was running sideways, backwards, and throwing passes while parallel to the ground. They were amazing throws, but his receivers just couldn't haul them in.
The Iconic Moments
The image most people remember is Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski celebrating. It felt like a New England Patriots reunion, just with more sunshine and different jerseys.
Another big factor was the penalties. The Chiefs were flagged 11 times for 120 yards. A lot of those came in the first half and kept Bucs drives alive. It was frustrating to watch if you were a KC fan. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the game was basically over.
Quick Stats from Super Bowl LV
- Final Score: Buccaneers 31, Chiefs 9
- MVP: Tom Brady (his 5th)
- Date: February 7, 2021
- Halftime Show: The Weeknd (the one with the gold jackets and the hall of mirrors)
Why This Game Still Matters
The 2021 Super Bowl was the moment Tom Brady officially ended the "system quarterback" debate. He proved he could win without Bill Belichick. For Mahomes, it was a rare humble pie moment that probably made him the better player he is today.
If you're looking back at this game to settle a bet or just to reminisce, remember it as the night the old guard refused to hand over the keys.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to relive the tactical side of this game, go back and watch the "All-22" film of the Buccaneers' defensive secondary. Look at how Antoine Winfield Jr. and Carlton Davis played deep to neutralize Tyreek Hill's speed. It's a masterclass in how to stop a high-powered offense without blitzing. You can also look up the mic'd up segments from that night—the trash talk between Brady and Mathieu is legendary.