The two finalists for the Super Bowl LIX have emerged and it is the Philadelphia Eagles and the defending champions Kansas City Chiefs. With yet another final appearance, the Chiefs will vie to cement their legacy by becoming the first team to claim the title three consecutive times. Eagles on the other hand will look to avenge the defeat of Super Bowl 57 and win their first Super Bowl ever. Thus, the stakes cannot go higher for the clash that is scheduled to take place on February 9 in New Orleans.
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Why is Super Bowl Denoted with a Roman Numeral?
As the Super Bowl and aspects related to it will always hold value, it is now turn to pay heed to one of the basic characteristics of a Super Bowl. Why Roman numerals are used to denote every edition of the Super Bowl? How did the norm begin and what is Kansas City Chiefs' connection to it? Let's find out.
It all started in 1971 when Super Bowl 5 was marked as Super Bowl V. iIt is a way to separate the championship game, which is held in the calendar year following the regular season, from the season it symbolizes. For example, the 2025 Super Bowl commemorates the 2024 NFL season.
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What is Kansas City Chiefs' Connection to Super Bowl Being Referred in Roman Numbers?
Kansas City Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt is widely credited for introducing Roman numerals to the Super Bowl. As per Hunt, the numerals added prestige and significance to the event. Bob Moore, historian for the Kansas City Chiefs, once told the Associated Press, “The Roman numerals made it much more important.” The NFL officially adopted this numbering system with Super Bowl V and retroactively applied Roman numerals to the earlier games, I through IV.
The only exception was Super Bowl 50, played in 2016. The NFL opted to use the number 50 instead of "L," as designers felt the Roman numeral lacked visual appeal for marketing purposes. Roman numerals returned the following year with Super Bowl LI.